Historic Waves: Hawaii Crowns First-Ever High School Surfing State Champions at Ho’okipa
Hawaii makes history by crowning its first-ever high school surfing state champions at Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui. See the results, highlights, and what this means for youth surfing statewide.
The history books were rewritten this weekend as Hawaii became the first US state to host an official high school surfing state championship. Students from 55 schools converged at Ho’okipa Beach Park on Maui’s north shore to battle it out in the ocean, marking a milestone for both the sport and Hawaiian youth culture.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii held its inaugural high school surfing state championship at Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui.
- 174 student-athletes, split evenly between boys and girls, competed across shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard divisions.
- Waialua (girls) and Kahuku (boys) claimed the overall team titles.
- Individual state champions represented schools from Maui, O‘ahu, and the Big Island, highlighting the statewide nature of the event.
The Making Of A Historic Championship
The championship, sanctioned by the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA), represented years of advocacy and a landmark legislative victory. Just last year, surfing was officially adopted as a high school sport, propelled by dedicated coaches, school officials, and young surfers eager to compete at the highest level. State funding and community support were pivotal in transforming this vision into reality.
Champions Ride High: Individual And Team Highlights
Six individual titles were awarded:
- Boys Shortboard: Kahlil Pineres-Schooley (Seabury Hall, Maui)
- Girls Shortboard: Skai Suitt (Waialua, O‘ahu)
- Boys Longboard: Alex Ranne (Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, Big Island)
- Girls Longboard: Hanae Rose (Waialua, O‘ahu)
- Boys Bodyboard: Felix Barton (Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science, Big Island)
- Girls Bodyboard: Kaipoi Koa (Kalani, O‘ahu)
The team trophies also showcased wide participation:
| Rank | Girls Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waialua | 4,120 |
| 2 | Kapolei | 3,150 |
| Rank | Boys Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kahuku | 3,150 |
| 2 | Kapaʻa (Kaua‘i) | 2,935 |
Moments Of Inspiration And Community
Many competitors reflected on their journeys, from humble beginnings in local surf clubs to becoming state champions. For Kahlil Pineres-Schooley, winning on home waves at Ho’okipa was particularly special, symbolizing both personal achievement and the fulfillment of a community dream.
Spectators—including families, friends, and teachers—lined the beach, creating a festival atmosphere. The event was also broadcast live, another sign of surfing’s rising profile in scholastic athletics.
Building The Future Of Surfing In Hawaii
This championship not only celebrated top athletic performance but also spotlighted Hawaii's culture and the value of perseverance. With surfing now recognized at the state level, doors are opening for future generations, offering new opportunities for college scholarships and broader recognition of Hawaii's surfing tradition.
As the sun set on Ho’okipa Beach Park, it was clear the event had set a powerful precedent, ensuring that surfing will remain at the heart of Hawaii’s sporting landscape for years to come.
Sources
- HHSAA: Surfing State Championship Winners Crowned, KHON2.
- Surf was up at Hoʻokipa Beach for Hawaiʻi’s first state high school surfing championship : Maui Now, Maui Now.
- Winners hail from 3 Islands at 1st Hawaii state surfing meet, Spectrum News.
- Hawaii’s first high school surfing state championship to begin on Maui, Hawaii News Now.
- Kauaʻi boys team finishes runner-up at Hawaiʻi’s first state high school surfing championship : Kauai Now, Kauai Now.