WAIKIKI, Oahu (KHON2) — The waves at Kuhio Beach will be going to the dogs this week, literally.
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hawaii’s only pet surfing competition, the Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFUR ComPETition, on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The lighthearted but fiercely competitive event is part of the annual weeklong OceanFest, honoring the life and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and the original “Ambassador of Aloha.”
“Duke and his family surfed with their dogs in Waikiki, so it’s a tradition with deep roots,” said Kelli Bullock Hergert, organizer of the event.
“The SurFUR ComPETition has become one of the most popular parts of OceanFest, and this year we’re thrilled to be celebrating its 10th anniversary.”
The competition kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at Baby Queens surf break, next to the Duke statue in Waikiki, with awards scheduled for around 1:30 p.m. Spectators can expect plenty of thrills as 25 tandem teams and four solo “surfurs” hit the water.
Among the competitors is returning champion Chris Casey and his dog Chloe, who captured first place in the 2024 tandem category. Casey says the experience of sharing waves with Chloe is unlike anything else.
“Winning last year was unbelievable, especially with so many talented surfer dogs in the competition,” Casey said. “Chloe and I have been training hard to defend our title, but for us it’s really about celebrating the event, the community, and the love of surfing.”
The contest isn’t just about bragging rights. Thanks to longtime sponsor Raising Cane’s, three lucky pups will also have the chance to win “Chicken Fingers for a Year.”
Registration for this year’s contest is already full, but fans are encouraged to come down and cheer on their favorite furry athletes. For more information, visit www.dukesoceanfest.com or follow @surfdogshawaii on Instagram.
EVENT DETAILS:
- WHAT: Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFUR ComPETition – 10th Anniversary
- WHEN: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Kuhio Beach, Baby Queens surf break, Waikiki
- INFO: www.dukesoceanfest.com | www.surfdogshawaii.com