The 2024-2025 academic year saw girls flag football become the latest sport sanctioned by the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association.
Another new sanctioned sport is headed the HHSAA's way: Surfing.
On Wednesday, the HHSAA announced that surfing is officially the 21st sport sanctioned by the organization, beginning in the spring of 2026.
In late May, Gov. Josh Green announced on his official instagram account that House Bill 133 was among the bills he recently signed. HB133 proposed funding needed for interscholastic surfing programs.
The Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) has sanctioned surfing since 2014, but the HHSAA sanctioning the sport means teams from across the state can now compete for an official state title.
The inaugural HHSAA surfing tournament in 2026 will feature boys and girls shortboard championships, hosted by the MIL.
"This is a monumental day for Hawaii's student-athletes and the sport of surfing," HHSAA executive director Chris Chun said in a press release. "Surfing is deeply rooted in our culture and way of life, and we extend our sincere gratitude to our legendary surfers who have paved the way for this sport in Hawaii and around the world. We are thrilled to offer this incredible opportunity to high school students statewide, allowing them to compete for a state title in a sport they are passionate about. We look forward to crowning our first state champions in 2026."
Select high schools across the state have participated in high school club surfing but previously did not have an official state title to surf for.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
