The Kona Kai Journey

I’m Hanalei, born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. The ocean has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my family was always in the water — surfing, diving, and staying active in every kind of ocean sport. It wasn’t something I picked up later, it was something I was raised in. I started teaching surf lessons when I was 16, and that’s when everything really clicked for me. I realized I didn’t just love surfing — I loved sharing it. There’s something special about watching someone catch their first wave, seeing that moment when it all comes together, and knowing you were a part of it. As I gained more experience, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. Alongside my brother Ehukai, we created Kona Kai Surf as a family business built on that passion. What we’re building isn’t just about teaching people how to stand up on a board — it’s about giving them a real understanding of the ocean. Surfing is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have, but it also comes with responsibility. The ocean isn’t something you take lightly. A big part of what we teach is awareness — learning how to read conditions, respect your limits, and understand that there are times when it’s better not to go out. That knowledge is just as important as catching waves.