Hoʻokipa Beach Park Set to Host State Surfing Championship Again in 2031
Hoʻokipa Beach Park in Maui is set to host the HHSAA State Surfing Championships again in 2031, following its successful debut as a "world-class surf stadium" in 2026.
Hoʻokipa Beach Park, lauded as a world-class "surf stadium," will once again be the venue for the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) State Surfing Championships in 2031. The decision comes after the park successfully hosted the inaugural event in May 2026, drawing significant praise from participants, officials, and spectators alike for its exceptional surfing conditions and spectator-friendly layout.
Key Takeaways
- Hoʻokipa Beach Park will host the HHSAA State Surfing Championships in 2031.
- The park was highly praised as a "world-class surf stadium" during the inaugural 2026 event.
- The return to Hoʻokipa is part of a five-year rotation for the championship.
- The 2026 event saw 174 high school surfers and over 1,000 spectators.
A World-Class Venue
The inaugural HHSAA State Surfing Championships, held on May 1 and 2, 2026, at Hoʻokipa Beach Park, was met with resounding success. Spectators and officials alike described the venue as a perfect "surf stadium" due to its excellent wave conditions and natural amphitheater-like setting. HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun confirmed that the event will return to Hoʻokipa in 2031 as part of a rotating schedule.
Community Support and Recognition
The successful execution of the 2026 championship was bolstered by the support of various Maui County departments, including Parks and Recreation, Maui Police, and Public Works. Mayor Richard Bissen expressed his gratitude to the HHSAA for choosing Maui for the historic event and specifically thanked Kim Ball, who was instrumental in advocating for the tournament. The event attracted 174 high school surfers, comprising 87 boys and 87 girls, and over 1,000 spectators.
Praise from Participants and Coaches
Coaches and surfers alike lauded Hoʻokipa Beach Park as an ideal location for high school surfing competitions. 'Iolani School surfing head coach Chris Butler remarked, "This is a world-class venue. For high school surfing competitions, it’s just amazing." He further stated that Maui's organization of both MIL and state events sets a high standard. Boys shortboard champion Kahlil Pineres-Schooley echoed these sentiments, calling Hoʻokipa the "natural place" for the championship and praising the seamless organization.
A Legacy of Surfing on Maui
The Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) has been a pioneer in establishing surfing as an official high school sport in Hawaiʻi, sanctioning it in 2014 after Kim Ball helped launch it as an MIL club sport in 1995. The selection of Hoʻokipa for the state championship honors MIL's legacy and Ball's decades-long dedication. Ball expressed her elation, stating the event exceeded her wildest expectations, thanks to the strong support from the County, administrators, parents, and coaches, coupled with exceptional surf conditions.
Future of the Championship
HHSAA surfing state coordinator Davin Kazama highlighted the County's generosity, including providing a practice day and closing the beach park for the event. He described the venue's elevated viewing areas as creating an "arena" or "stadium" feel, offering fantastic sightlines for spectators. The commitment to a five-year rotation ensures that Hoʻokipa Beach Park will continue to be a significant site for high school surfing in the coming years.