The vibrant scene in Hawaii is buzzing with activity as the high school surfing season kicked off on October 26, 2024, at Ala Moana Bowls. This year, 17 schools participated in a thrilling day-long competition, showcasing the talents of young surfers. The boys’ short board event featured competitors like Oz Globen in green, Kaimi Vierra-Bell in yellow, and Jardan Orillo in blue, all striving to catch the best waves. Meanwhile, in the girls’ category, Kara Watson in blue was seen taking off on a wave, while Solbee Ahina in red paddled out, marking the exciting start of the surfing season.
As the weekend progressed, Hawaii experienced a deluge of rain that led to significant flooding. By October 29, the heavy rains had transformed streams and canals into rushing torrents, causing debris to accumulate in the Ala Wai Canal. The Waikiki Yacht Club members were quick to act, gathering trash that had floated into the club’s vicinity, illustrating the community’s proactive response to environmental challenges following the storm.
In another significant event, the Hawaii Convention Center has embraced the growing popularity of pickleball with the launch of 45 new courts. From November 1 to 3, the venue is hosting the inaugural Aloha Pickleball Games and Festival, drawing in approximately 560 amateur players. The event was inaugurated with a ceremonial blessing by Kahu Kordell Kekoa, marking the occasion with community spirit and excitement as players prepared to compete.
Adding to the weekend’s unique activities, scuba divers participated in an underwater pumpkin carving contest on October 26, showcasing their creativity 35 feet below the surface near Koko Crater. This