Aloha,

This week Governor Josh Green joined Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore, student athletes and members of our surfing community to celebrate the announcement that surfing will become an official interscholastic state championship sport beginning in Spring 2026.
 
The landmark announcement makes Hawaii the first state in the nation to recognize surfing — a sport deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture — as a state championship event.

The inaugural championships will be held May 1–2, 2026 at Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui, hosted by the Maui Interscholastic League, which has sanctioned high school surfing since 2014.

This announcement was made possible through the enactment of Act 141, signed by Governor Green earlier this year, which appropriates funding to support the establishment of the state championship.

“Surfing is more than a sport in Hawaii, it is a way of life for our people,” Governor Green said. “This historic milestone celebrates our culture, creates new opportunities for our keiki and ensures that the next generation of surfers can compete on the same stage as other student athletes across the state.”

Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore recognized the significance of the announcement for both Hawaii’s youth and the global surfing community.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled that Hawaii school systems are supporting surfing,” Moore said. “In a very fast-paced world, it will encourage the next generation to slow down and connect with something bigger than themselves. That, to me, is truly crucial to living a life of joy and purpose. It’s not about competing, it’s about growing, building confidence and strengthening our community. I can’t wait to see the first state champions in 2026 and the positive impact this will have across our islands.”

The addition of surfing as an interscholastic state championship sport reflects Hawaii’s ongoing commitment to supporting student athletes, celebrating cultural heritage and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence both in and out of the water.

“From the launch of girls flag football to this moment today,” Governor Green said, “we are reimagining the future of athletics in Hawaii, and I look forward to cheering on our young surfers when they make history in May on Maui. Maybe one of them will go on to compete in the Olympics, just like Carissa.”

If you support Josh’s efforts to make sports more accessible in our schools and help Hawaii’s student athletes pursue excellence, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Mahalo,

Team Green