Surf’s Up: OIA Holds First-Ever Surfing Event at Ala Moana Bowls

HONOLULU — History was made along Oʻahu’s south shore Monday as the Oahu Interscholastic Association held its first-ever surfing event at Ala Moana Bowls, marking a major milestone for a sport deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi’s culture.

The event was the first of four regular-season contests during the inaugural season of interscholastic surfing. Beginning in 2026, surfing officially joins the championship sports lineup under the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, creating a pathway for student-athletes to compete for league and state titles in the sport where Hawaiʻi’s history runs deepest.

For OIA Executive Director Bryce Kaneshiro, the moment represented years of advocacy finally becoming reality.

“This is just the start,” Kaneshiro said during Monday’s event. “Twelve months ago we didn’t even think this was going to be possible. A lot of people have been waiting a really long time for this, and now we’re finally here.”

“A Surfing Community Out Here”

Throughout the day, the atmosphere at Bowls reflected the unique culture of surfing — competitive but supportive.

Kaneshiro described the energy as something special.

“You see the excitement in the kids when they get a good ride and come back in,” he said. “Their schools are cheering for them, and even the competitors congratulate each other. That’s the surfing community.”

Like many first-year sports, organizers acknowledge there will be adjustments along the way. Surfing follows the same learning curve seen with other recently added high school sports, including girls flag football.

“A Surfing Community Out Here”

Throughout the day, the atmosphere at Bowls reflected the unique culture of surfing — competitive but supportive.

Kaneshiro described the energy as something special.

“You see the excitement in the kids when they get a good ride and come back in,” he said. “Their schools are cheering for them, and even the competitors congratulate each other. That’s the surfing community.”

Like many first-year sports, organizers acknowledge there will be adjustments along the way. Surfing follows the same learning curve seen with other recently added high school sports, including girls flag football.
 

A Long Time Coming

For Moanalua head coach John Murray, Monday’s contest carried deep meaning.

The woodshop teacher — and lifelong surfer — previously coached in the club surfing scene before the sport was officially sanctioned.

“This is the birthplace of surfing,” Murray said. “It’s the sport of kings. To finally have it as an OIA sport for high school athletes… I can’t tell you how fortunate and thrilled I am.”

Murray said his team’s athletes embraced the opportunity, even competing in divisions outside their comfort zones to support the team effort.

“We had some great student-athletes come out and really give it their all,” he said. “I think everybody had a great time.”

Navigating a New Sport

Adding surfing to the high school sports calendar required extensive coordination — from legislation that provided funding to securing permits for surf breaks.

Events are held during weekdays, similar to golf matches, when locations are less crowded and easier to manage safely.

“We’re still learning,” Kaneshiro said. “But with the support of the community and participation growing, surfing is here to stay.”
 

OIA Event #1 Top Finishers

Girls Shortboard
Skai Suite (Waialua) — 14.33

Boys Shortboard
Max Peters (Kalani) — 14.37

Girls Longboard
Noelo Wong (Ke Kula ʻO Samuel M. Kamakau) — 14.83

Boys Longboard
Micah Ah You (Kahuku) — 11.94

Girls Bodyboard
Kaipo‘i Koa (Kalani) — 10.20

Boys Bodyboard
Jonah “Kaikane” Hanoa (Leilehua) — 11.57

What’s Next

The inaugural OIA surfing season will feature four regular-season events leading into the league championships in April.

Events are scheduled primarily on Mondays, with a two-day holding window if conditions require adjustments. Contest days typically run 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the exact format of each event determined by participation numbers and surf conditions.

Remaining OIA Surfing Schedule

March 24, 2026
OIA Contest #2 — Makaha
(Tuesday event due to OIA workshop on March 23)

March 30–31, 2026
OIA Contest #3 — Queens (Kuhio Beach)

April 6–7, 2026
OIA Contest #4 — Ala Moana Bowls

April 20–21, 2026
OIA Championships — Kewalos

Following the OIA season, top surfers will advance to the inaugural HHSAA state championship May 1-2 at Ho’okipa Beach on Maui, marking the first time surfing will crown official high school state champions in Hawaiʻi.