HONOLULU (KHON2) — High schoolers statewide will have the chance to represent their school on the waves starting as early as next year.
According to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, surfing will become an official state championship sport starting in the spring of 2026.
Officials said the inaugural HHSAA Surfing State Tournament will feature both boys’ and girls’ shortboard championships, with the first event being hosted by the Maui Interscholastic League.
The MIL has been a “pioneer in sanctioning interscholastic surfing since 2015 and brings 11 years of experience” to the table.
“It’s actually going to be all five leagues that will participate in the first state tournament. So we’re really excited. We’ve been waiting 11 years for other leagues to get on board so we can run our official state tournament and the day has finally come,” said Chris Chun, HHSAA president.
The historic move makes Hawaii the first state to establish surfing as a high school sport, which expands opportunities for student-athletes statewide.
Surfing is deeply rooted in our culture and way of life, and we extend our sincere gratitude to our legendary surfers who have paved the way for this sport in Hawaii and around the world. We are thrilled to offer this incredible opportunity to high school students statewide, allowing them to compete for a state title in a sport they are passionate about.
Chris Chun, HHSAA president
HHSAA said the new addition marks the 21st sport offered for high schoolers to participate in.
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Officials said HHSAA “will now crown 52 team state champions and 112 individual champions annually.”