Friday, August 21, 2026 — Native Hawaiians keeping cultural connections to surfing
The wooden boards made by lifelong surfer and cultural practitioner Tom “Pōhaku” Stone (Kanaka Maoli) are heavy and cumbersome compared to the space-age composite boards most modern surfers prefer, but they are a connection to his father, a master board maker, and the generations of Kanaka Maoli surfers before him. Stone is among a growing number of Native Hawaiians nurturing the cultural significance of the sport at a time when many others are focused on technique, expensive gear, and image. Surfing’s rise in popularity means pressure away from the spiritual and healing elements that are so important to Hawaiian culture. We’ll talk with Native surfers about the origins of surfing and how that can map a more meaningful path for the sport’s future.
GUESTS
Kaliko Kahoonei (https://staynmocean.wordpress.com/) (Kanaka Maoli), waterman
Tom “Pohaku” Stone (https://www.hawaiibc.com/shaper.htm) (Kanaka maoli), cultural practitioner
Sunny Kazama (https://www.instagram.com/sunny.kazama/) , surfer and college student at the University of San Diego
Break 1 Music: He’eia [A Surfing Chant] (song) Halau Hula Ka No’eau [Hawai’i Arts Ensemble] (artist)
Break 2 Music: Another Night to Cry (song) Blue Moon Marquee (https://bluemoonmarquee.com/) (artist) Scream, Holler, and Howl (album)
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