Hawaiian surfboard shaper working on traditional koa board

The Art of the Craft

Meet Hawaii's local shapers and discover the sacred art of handcrafted surfboards

Written by a Local Surf Expert

The Sacred Art of Board Making

In an era of mass production, the hand-shaped surfboard remains a powerful link to the soul of surfing. A board crafted by a local shaper is more than just an object. It's a piece of functional art, a vessel containing decades of accumulated knowledge about local waves, hydrodynamics, and the intangible feeling of mana.

Engaging with this community is a way to support local artisans and take home a truly unique piece of Hawaiian surf culture. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of sustainable and responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to connect with the authentic heart of the islands.

A board crafted by a local shaper contains decades of accumulated knowledge about local waves, hydrodynamics, and the intangible feeling of mana that connects the rider to the divine forces of the ocean.

Master Shapers of Hawaii

🏄‍♂️ Eric Arakawa

Oahu Legend: Operating out of the historic Waialua Sugar Mill on the North Shore, Eric Arakawa is one of the world's most respected shapers.

He has built boards for world champions and local heroes, dedicated to crafting the perfect board for every rider's specific build, style, and ability.

🌺 Jud Lau

Maui Craftsman: With over 40 years of wave-riding experience on Maui, Jud Lau blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

He designs boards using CAD software before CNC milling and hand-finishing. His Pauwela Cannery shop is a hub for the Maui surf community.

🏝️ Mark Angell

Kauai Veteran: A true lifer, Mark Angell has been shaping boards since 1964, working through the most pivotal eras of surfboard design.

Known as a core "underground shaper," Angell is revered as an innovator who conceives new designs and tests them himself.

Commission Your Custom Board

Connect with Hawaii's master shapers and take home a piece of authentic surf culture

Back to Main Guide Learning Guide

🏄‍♂️ Custom Board Info

Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Price Range: $800-$2000+
Process: Consultation first
Materials: Various options

📍 Shaper Directory

Oahu

Ben Aipa, Dennis Pang, Pat Rawson, Pyzel

Maui

Hi-Tech Surf, JAW Surfboards, Maker

Kauai

Bill Hamilton, Tamba Surf, Scotty's

Big Island

Kona Boys, Orchidland, Big Island Built

Directory of Local Shapers

For those interested in commissioning a custom board or simply visiting a shaping bay to witness the craft firsthand, here is a comprehensive list of respected shapers across the islands.

Oahu Shapers

• Ben Aipa Surfboards - Legend of performance surfing design
• Dennis Pang Surfboards - Master of longboard craftsmanship
• Pat Rawson Surfboards - North Shore shaping veteran
• Pyzel Surfboards - Modern high-performance specialist
• Schaper Hawaii - Traditional meets modern innovation
• T&C Surf Designs - Iconic Hawaiian surf brand

Maui Shapers

• Hi-Tech Surf Sports - Carrying multiple local shapers
• JAW Surfboards - Big wave and performance boards
• Maker Surfboards - Artisan craftsmanship focus

Kauai & Big Island

• Bill Hamilton Surfboards - Kauai legend
• Tamba Surf Company - Kauai full-service shop
• Kona Boys - Big Island's premier surf shop
• Orchidland Surf Shop - Hilo-based local shapers

Supporting local shapers connects you with authentic Hawaiian surf culture while ensuring these traditional arts continue to thrive for future generations. Each board tells a story of the islands, the waves, and the hands that shaped it.