Our Contert page is here to make competitive surfing in Hawaiʻi easier to understand and easier to be part of. Whether you’re entering your first contest, trying to figure out which division you belong in, chasing points, or helping your kid navigate the season, it can get confusing fast. Our goal is simple: put the schedules, organizations, rules, pathways, and answers in one place—so surfers and families can spend less time figuring out the system and more time surfing.
Competition Surfing Hawaii
If you’re trying to understand surf contests in Hawaiʻi, the first thing to know is that there isn’t just one pathway. There’s a full spectrum of events—from fun keiki contests where everybody leaves with a prize, all the way to serious WSL qualifying events in powerful surf. Some contests are designed to give kids their first experience wearing a jersey. Others are community events with prizes and bragging rights. HSA and NSSA provide the main amateur competitive pathways, while Pro/Am and WSL events give experienced surfers a chance to test themselves at the next level. Many events are open-entry: you purchase the required membership, pay the entry fee, and register while space is available. However, every contest has its own age limits, eligibility rules, deadlines, and entry requirements, so always check the official event information before signing up. Here’s the simplest way to understand the five main types of surfing contests in Hawaiʻi.
1. Keiki and Menehune Fun Contests These are usually the best place for young surfers to begin. Many are intended for kids around age 13 and younger, although the exact divisions depend on the event. The youngest divisions are often focused on participation, with every surfer receiving a trophy, medal, prize, or goodie bag. The older divisions may be much more competitive, with finalists receiving trophies and prizes donated by surf shops and local sponsors. Events such as the Haleʻiwa Menehune Surf Contest and T&C Grom Contest have been part of Hawaiʻi’s surfing community for years. They’re fun, family-oriented events and a great introduction to heats, jerseys, judging, and contest-day nerves. Some beginner events have strict amateur or first-time eligibility rules. A surfer who has already won certain contests may not be allowed to enter, so read the rules carefully. Best for: Young surfers, beginners, and families trying competition for the first time.
2. Local Amateur and Community Events These contests are usually organized by a surf shop, local professional surfer, community organization, or longtime contest promoter. They’re often less complicated than a full competitive series. You pay the entry fee, surf your division, and compete for prizes, trophies, recognition, and—maybe most importantly—local bragging rights. The level of surfing can still be very high. These events regularly attract talented local surfers who may also compete in HSA, NSSA, Pro/Am, or WSL events. Best for: Local surfers who want good competition without committing to an entire season.
3.HSA, High School Surfing, and NSSA HSA and NSSA are the two main amateur competition systems in Hawaiʻi. Think of them like the organized youth-sports leagues of surfing—but with a pathway that can lead toward state championships, national events, and eventually professional competition. Most of Hawaiʻi’s top professional surfers grew up competing in programs like these. Many serious junior surfers compete in both HSA and NSSA because each organization offers different events, competition, rankings, and championship opportunities. NSSA Hawaiʻi NSSA runs a Hawaiʻi conference with events across multiple islands. Because the series is statewide, competitors may need to travel between Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island during the season. The season leads toward the NSSA Hawaiʻi Regional Championships. Eligible top finishers may then advance to the NSSA National Championships in California. NSSA competition can be serious, and many of the best junior surfers in Hawaiʻi participate. Best for: Competitive surfers who are prepared to travel and want experience against strong statewide fields.
4. Pro/Am and Specialty Events Pro/Am contests sit between the amateur series and the full professional tour. Some are open to both amateurs and professionals, while others use their own eligibility rules. Events such as Local Motion’s Surf Into Summer, the Hilo Pro/Am, and Haleʻiwa specialty contests have become iconic parts of Hawaiʻi’s surf culture. These events often offer cash, valuable prizes, strong competition, and serious bragging rights. Specialty events such as the Duke’s OceanFest may run across several days and include multiple surfing disciplines, divisions, and community activities. These contests are a great place for an experienced amateur to compete against older, stronger, and sometimes professional surfers. Best for: Advanced amateurs, experienced competitors, and surfers ready to test themselves beyond their regular age division.
5. WSL Professional Events This is professional surfing. The World Surf League runs qualifying events in the Hawaiʻi and Tahiti region, including competitions at serious venues such as Haleʻiwa, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and locations in Tahiti. Some regional qualifying events may accept eligible surfers who purchase the required WSL membership and secure an available entry. That does not mean they are beginner-friendly. Spots can be limited, competitors may need to meet age and membership requirements, and the surf can be powerful, dangerous, and well beyond the ability of an average recreational surfer. A surfer considering these events should already be competing at an expert level and be comfortable in heavy surf. Travel—especially for Tahiti events—can also make the season expensive. Surfers earn regional ranking points through the Qualifying Series. The leading competitors may advance toward the Challenger Series, where they compete internationally against many of the world’s best surfers for an opportunity to reach the Championship Tour. Best for: Expert and professional-level surfers pursuing a legitimate WSL career.
The Big Picture There’s no rule saying every surfer has to follow the same path. A young surfer might begin in a fun keiki contest, join HSA or NSSA, compete in both organizations, enter specialty events, and eventually test themselves in Pro/Am or WSL competition. Another surfer might simply enjoy a few community contests every year without chasing rankings at all. Both paths are legitimate. The important thing is choosing an event that matches your age, ability, experience, budget, and goals. Below, we’ll list the contests and organizations available in Hawaiʻi and answer the questions people actually have: who can enter, what it costs, what division to choose, how to register, how qualification works, and what to expect on contest day.
