This place is one of the most esteemed surf shops on Kauai, and has other stores at the North Shore, and in Poipu. The boards at Hanalei Surf Co are exceptional, and the shop has plenty of other items to pique your interest. The owner is an established surfer and shaper, who has been in the trade for nearly 40 years. Hanalei Surf Co now offers the largest and most impressive inventory of water sports and surfing equipment on Kauai. Where To Find Them: 5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714 So, where are all the best surf shops in Hawaii? 1. With so much love for surfing in Hawaii, it comes as no surprise that there are so many surf spots, bars, beaches and stores dedicated to the sport. In 1929, Duke rode a monster wave in Waikiki for 1 ⅛ miles, which was the longest ride known at that time.Įver since then, he has been honored in Hawaii, and surf culture reigns supreme once more. The Duke went on to win gold and silver medals in the Stockholm Olympic Games in 1912, and afterwards traveled the world to teach people his techniques and skills, bringing surfing to everyone. He was raised to surf just like his ancient ancestors, on only traditional surf boards and with traditional techniques. Never finishing his education, and having to support his family instead, this man had a talent for swimming, and of course surfing.
He’s somewhat of a local hero amongst Hawaiians. Duke Kahanamoku was a working class Hawaiian, born in 1890. If you’ve ever traveled to Hawaii, or more specifically Waikiki, you will have heard of ‘ The Duke’. This may be why it is still so prevalent and practiced in Hawaii today. It’s never been just a fun pastime for the Hawaiian people, surfing carries an immense load of spiritual and societal meaning for Hawaii, and its people. Historians insist that surfing has been culturally significant for Hawaiians for around 1,500 years! Initially, this act was called wave sliding, and was intended as a fun activity for both genders to participate in. Surfing actually originated in the area that we now refer to as Polynesia, but has always been most prevalent in Hawaii.
Surfing can be traced back in history to the ancient Polynesians, and began to grow towards the early 20th century, but it only became truly popular during the 1950s and 1960s in Hawaii, Australia and California. Surf culture is a term we use for the lifestyle, language, fashion and all those involved in the sport of surfing.