Growing up in Honokaa, surfing from a young age in Waipi’o till the present day, it’s a way of life for me. The watermen I am today is absolutely tied to the countless hours I’ve spent in the water in Waipi’o.
It has sculpted me and my career as a water safety officer (lifeguard) on this island, which I’ve worked for 17 years!! My 2 kids who also have been surfing Waipi’o for 3-4 years are now no longer able to do so. This healthy, positive, spiritual sport of surfing is now no longer available to them in their back yard, now we’re needing to drive an hour plus to surf.

Apart from the intense beauty and the great surf, there is a spirit here that I’ve not found anywhere else in Hawai‘i. In the last fifty years I can honestly say it is my favorite place on the Big Island. To not be allowed down in the valley is a shocking development. To not be able to watch the sunrise from the beach or paddle the coast makes me want to cry.

My husband and I live in Paauilo Mauka and work full-time jobs at local schools. We also maintain our family homestead, so do not have a lot of free time. Other than Waipi‘o, there are no nearby areas to safely access the ocean as a family. Surfing for us is exercise, stress relief, and a way to strengthen relationships in the community. Accessing our local shoreline is a cultural and family practice and we feel it is important to share this with our daughter.