ʻIOLANI SURFER MAGAZINE

Volume 1, Issue 1

HSA SURFING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

(MAY 2025)

A huge congratulations to all of the 'Iolani Surf team members for their outstanding performances at the HSA State Championships!  Special congratulations to Ace Arizumi on clinching the HSA High School State Surfing Championship in Boys Shortboard division.

'IOLANI SURF TRIP TO MAUI

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE SURF CONTEST - HO'OKIPA BEACH PARK

Congratulations 'Iolani surfers, coaches, and parents on a successful surf trip to Maui to take on the 10 MIL high school surf teams at Ho'okipa Beach Park.  For the first time in school history, 'Iolani flew over to compete against Baldwin, Hana, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Kihei Charter, King Kekaulike, Lahainaluna, Maui Christian, Maui High School, Maui Prep, and Seabury Hall.   In perfect conditions, the 'Iolani surfers showcased their talent against some of the Valley Isle's best high school competitors. Our hard work and dedication paid off as every 'Iolani surfer advanced through the early rounds and semi-final heats, earning well-deserved spots in the finals.  Congratulations to Nigel Palalay '25, Lei Crowley '25, Spencer Churchill '25, Cole Antonelis '25, Laau Peloso '25, Kaya Pestana '26, Kala'i Gerell '27, and Malu Peloso '27 on exceptional performances.  A huge mahalo to coaches Shannon Silva, Kylen Yamakawa '11, Lei Fortuno, and Christopher Butler for their leadership and coordination of the trip.  Thank you to the many parents, relatives, and alums who made the journey to Maui to support the team, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

2024-25 YEARBOOK PHOTO

OHSSL CONTEST #1 ALA MOANA BOWLS TEAM PHOTO

Honua Finals Video - Please see the 'Iolani Surf Team celebration at 55:42 

Honua Finals - 'Iolani Bodyboarders

Honua Finals - 'Iolani Longboarders

Honua Finals - 'Iolani Shortboarders

SURF TEAM BANQUET AND TROPHY PRESENTATION

Photos of 'Iolani Surf Team with the HSA State Championship Trophy

"RISE OR WIPEOUT"

'Iolani School surf team's first appearance at the NSSA National Surfing Championships

Award-winning filmmaker Yana Lahoda's 40-minute surf documentary chronicles the 'Iolani Surf team's exhilarating journey to the NSSA National High School Surfing Championships at Salt Creek in Dana Point, California.  Ms. Lahoda expertly captures the raw energy and unwavering determination of 'Iolani's young surfers as they face waves of challenges to realize their ambition of surfing against the best high school surfers in the United States. Through breathtaking cinematography and heartfelt interviews, the film not only celebrates their quest for victory but also delves into the deeper essence of camaraderie, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. With its infectious enthusiasm and inspiring narratives, "Rise or Wipeout" is a soul-stirring testament to the power of passion and perseverance, leaving audiences awash with a sense of hope and admiration.

Featuring surfers Noah Scherman, Ethan Kobayashi, Sunny Kazama, Audrey Dexter, Sean Weiss, Castle Foti, Kekoa Lufrano, Spencer Churchill, Ace Arizumi, Kaya Pestana, Mie Keene, Tamzen Lim, Yana Lahoda.  

Also appearing are coaches Eddie Maruyama, Nick Pestana, Dave Kazama, Noli Kazama, Donn Arizumi, Lei Fortuno, and Chris Butler.

'IOLANI SURF TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTOS

'Iolani vs. Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama

(Sandy Beach/Full Point,  March  2024)

-Surfers:  Ace, Nigel, Eva, Sunny, Kaya O., Kaya P., Castle, Kekoa, Ryder, Hudson, Lau'u, Spencer

-Photography: Coach Eric Wehner

CONTEST PHOTOS

(Maili Point vs. KKS, February  2024)

-Surfers:  Castle, Kekoa, Ryder, Nigel, Kaya P., Kala'i,  Ace, Eva, Hudson, Sunny, Spencer

-Photography: Noli Kazama and Daniel Jeanbaptiste

CONTEST ACTION SHOTS

(Sandy Beach - Full Point, February  2024)

-Surfers:  Nigel, Ryder, Kaya P., Kala'i,  Ace, Eva, Hudson, Lei, Sunny

-Water Photography: Coach Eric Wehner

TURTLE BAY (STABLES) SURF CONTEST

(Saturday, December 2nd, 2023)

Surfers: Ace, Nigel, Castle, Kaya O., Sunny, Kaya P., Mohai, La'au, Hudson, Kekoa, Spencer, Ryder, Eva, Kala'i, Maddie, and Mason

Video & Photography: Daniel

SURF PRACTICE SESSION AT KEWALOS

(Friday, November 10th, 2023, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

'Iolani surfers had a great team session on Veteran's Day at Kewalos (The Point, Rennicks, and Straightouts).  We had over 20+ 'Iolani surfers, coaches, alums, and parents come out for a fun day of surfing.  Stay tuned and check the announcement calendar...we have more fun practice sessions scheduled for November and December.   

JR. LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION & SWIM TESTS

(Sunday, November 5, 2023)

Congratulations to all of the 'Iolani surfers who passed their Jr. Lifeguard certification this week.  Safety is our top priority and over 50+ surfers gained valuable ocean safety, CPR/first aid, and AED training.  A huge mahalo to 'Iolani surf coaches, Na Kama Kai, and Hawaiian Lifeguard Association for organizing this amazing event.

RESIDENCE LIFE BEGINNER SURF LESSON

(Sunday, October 1st, 2023 at Waikiki Beach)

We held a beginner surf lesson for 'Iolani Residence Life students on Sunday, 10/1 at Waikiki Beach.  For many, this was their first ocean experience and surf lesson.  Everyone was able to catch waves and fun times were had by all.  More fun club events will be scheduled throughout the year. Thanks Coaches and Res. Life House Parents.

TEAM PHOTOS FROM TRIP TO NSSA NATIONAL SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

(JUNE 15 - 19, 2023 at Salt Creek, Dana Point CA)