Culture & Etiquette

Entering a Sacred Community

Paddling out at Honoliʻi is about more than just catching waves. It's about entering a community. Hawaiʻi is the birthplace of heʻe nalu, the sport of kings, a practice once reserved for our aliʻi (royalty). This history imbues our surf spots with a sacredness that demands respect. At Honoliʻi, where the waves are a precious and limited resource for the entire Hilo community, this respect is the currency of the lineup.

Let's be direct, because this is the most important advice I can give you: the pecking order is real. This is a local's beach, and a hierarchy exists in the water based on skill, experience, and time served at the break. As a visitor, your place is not at the top of that order. This isn't meant to be exclusive. It's about paying your dues and showing you understand the culture.

My advice for any newcomer is simple:

The Cardinal Rules

There are also universal cardinal sins that apply here with extra weight. Master them before you get your feet wet.

The Culture Lives On

The culture here is rich and beautiful. You'll see surfers like Aloha Kapono, who blends the grace of her hula training with her longboarding style, creating a dance on the water. You'll feel the wisdom of elders like "Bradda Skibs" Nehls, who teaches that "a negative vibe can't flow with something so positive." Come with an attitude of learning and respect, and you'll find that the community opens its arms.

To truly understand the soul of Honoliʻi, you have to know its story of redemption. It's a story of kuleana (responsibility) and mālama honua (caring for the Earth), and it's a story that no other guide will tell you in its full depth.

The Dark Days

In the early 2000s, this sacred place was in a state of disgrace. The park was neglected, overgrown with invasive species, and treated as a garbage dump. Locals tell stories of people pushing old cars and appliances over the cliff into the gulch. It was a heartbreaking sight for the community that held the spot so dear.

The Hero: "Bradda Skibs" Nehls

That's when a local surfer and community leader named Keith Nehls, known to everyone as "Bradda Skibs," decided enough was enough. Inspired by the teachings of his grandfather and a deep-seated belief in giving back to the land, he founded a nonprofit organization called Honoliʻi Paka under the umbrella of his group, Basic Image Inc., on November 15, 2003. Their mission was simple but profound, guided by the philosophy: "Give before you gather or surf."

The Legacy Continues

This spirit of stewardship is now woven into the fabric of the park. Bradda Skibs and Honoliʻi Paka made it their mission to pass this kuleana to the next generation. They started the annual Honoliʻi Paka Honua Surfing Classic, a free surf contest for local keiki that's more about fostering community, aloha, and environmental responsibility than it is about winning. You can see this legacy in young local riders like Rumor and Diesel Butts, who are part of the "Basic Image" crew, proudly cleaning the beach every Saturday before they surf.