Hawaii Dinosaur Volleyball was founded in 1994 with its first event happening in February of 1995. Started by Marin Artukovich and David Chaikin, they were looking for an event that would allow older players to remain competitive while still allowing the top guns to participate. They envisioned top-notch competition, a reunion of old friends with a chance to meet new friends. With their connections they were able to recruit several current AVP professionals to participate. The event started at beautiful Keauhou Bay on the Big Island.
After many years using Keauhou as its home base, the tournament needed to expand. It was played in Maui for one year and in Waikiki for a couple years. David Chaikin decided to contact Fonz Nartatez on Kauai as he knew that Kalapaki Beach was the best volleyball venue in Hawaii and both himself and Fonz had run several very successful tournaments there. Hawaii Dinosaur now makes its home at Kalapaki. It was decided early on that any proceeds after expenses would go to various Volleyball teams and youth groups to further the sport. Hawaii Dinosaur Volleyball is now an incorporated Hawaii non-profit. Recognized by the IRS as a C-3 non-profit.
From day one the idea was to put on an event rich with Aloha. Good food, Good drinks and Good People. The Aloha Spirit remains as the guiding force of the tournament and the yearly Aloha Spirit awards are as coveted as the championship itself.
A minimum team age of 80 years was decided upon with points awarded to older teams and advantages such as who serves first would always go to the older team. It wasn’t long before the event gained steam and the volleyball world wanted in on a chance to play in this iconic event.
