By Aukai Ng
Surfing in Waikiki has been a tradition ever since the time of Duke Kahanamoku and the original Waikiki Beach Boys. Many generations since then have kept that tradition going by surfing these long stretches of breaks with different variations of boards from piopo boards, to epoxy longboards. One particular shop in Waikiki has made it their goal to always put the community first and give them a chance to surf in prime surf conditions. Moku Hawaii Surf Shop put together the 2023 Moku Surf Classic, where surfers from longboarding to shortboarding got an opportunity to surf Queens surf break with only 5 other people. With a non-elimination format, every competitor got to surf 2 heats, accumulating an amount of points in order to enter a 6 person final. The first day of the event only had waves reaching 1-2 feet making it a bit more challenging for these performers to catch any decent rides. However, the next two days received a bigger south swell, having maximum set wave reach from overhead to double overhead. This fresh swell gave the participants a great opportunity for aggressive carves, big floaters, and long nose rides. Standouts like Kaniela Stewart and Johnny Van Hohenstein brought their knowledge of their home break and absolutely brought their A game. Even the local wahine, Tiki Willis and Kelis Kaleopaa put on a great show by tearing it up on the open face and adding some stylish hang 5’s. The entire Waikiki community has a great time celebrating surfing and the ocean. Lots of the local kids who competed got to surf amazing conditions at Queens and take home some fun prizes. Waikiki style of surfing will continue on. Especially when this new generation keeps innovating the sport and elevating the skill level.
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