Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy Returns to Lahaina Three Years After Wildfires
Our take
The return of the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy to Lahaina's Front Street is more than just a business reopening; it's a powerful symbol of resilience and the enduring spirit of Hawai'i. After the devastating wildfires of August 2023, the community faced unimaginable loss, and the destruction of the academy, a beloved family business, felt like another blow. Seeing it rise again, blessed by a *kahu* and embraced by the Kinimaka *ʻohana*, speaks volumes about the determination to rebuild, not just structures, but the very fabric of Lahaina’s culture. This echoes the broader efforts across the islands to support recovery – a sentiment also reflected in the recent news of Zuckerberg’s substantial donation to Kauai’s school community [Zuckerberg donates more than $330K to support Kauai’s school community]. The commitment to restoring normalcy and vibrancy is palpable, and the academy’s reopening is a significant step in that direction. We’ve long celebrated the natural beauty of these islands, and as highlighted in "The 5 Best Beaches on Kauaʻi in 2026" [The 5 Best Beaches on Kauaʻi in 2026], the ocean remains central to the Hawaiian experience. The Surf Academy’s return ensures that future generations will continue to connect with that vital element.
The significance extends beyond the immediate community. The Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy isn't just a shop selling surfboards; it’s a repository of knowledge, a place where generations have learned to ride the waves and connect with the ocean’s power. It represents the traditional Hawaiian relationship with the sea, a respect and understanding that goes far beyond sport. This return signifies the preservation of that cultural connection, a commitment to passing down skills and values that have been integral to Hawaiian identity for centuries. The continued presence of local businesses, like the academy, is critical to Lahaina’s recovery. While tourism will undoubtedly play a role, it’s the authentic, locally-rooted businesses that truly define the character of the town and provide a sense of place for both residents and visitors. Even something as seemingly simple as enjoying a classic Loco Moco [The Best Loco Moco in Hawaiʻi in 2026] feels more meaningful when experienced amidst the backdrop of a community rebuilding and reclaiming its identity.
The blessing ceremony itself underscores the importance of cultural practices in the healing process. Integrating traditional Hawaiian customs into the reopening demonstrates a deep respect for ancestral knowledge and a commitment to honoring the spirits of the land and sea. This approach contrasts sharply with purely commercial ventures and reinforces the idea that rebuilding Lahaina is about more than just replacing structures; it’s about restoring a way of life. The Kinimaka *ʻohana’s* perseverance is a testament to the strength of family and community ties, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of adversity. Their journey from devastation to renewed operation serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and a reminder of the enduring human capacity for hope and resilience.
Looking ahead, the academy’s return presents an opportunity to reimagine and enhance the surfing experience in Lahaina. Could this be a catalyst for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize cultural preservation and environmental stewardship? Will the academy integrate educational programs that teach visitors about Hawaiian history, ocean conservation, and responsible surfing etiquette? The resurgence of this beloved institution offers a chance to not only rebuild what was lost but to create something even stronger and more meaningful, ensuring that the spirit of Lahaina’s surf culture thrives for generations to come. It will be fascinating to watch how the academy adapts and evolves within the context of a transformed Lahaina, and what role it will play in shaping the future of the town and its relationship with the ocean.
The Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy returned to Front Street in Lahaina this month, three years after the shop was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires.
The family business received approval to resume operations in Lahaina on Aug. 1. That morning, kahu Greg led a blessing to mark the academy’s homecoming and an exciting new chapter for the Kinimaka ʻohana. The academy welcomed its first students back to Breakwall over the weekend.
“We are so thankful and blessed to be back home in Lahaina where our roots are. And we’re so grateful for this opportunity to give back,” Kimo Kinimaka said in a news release
Kinimaka started Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy in 1998. With his wife, Julie, and their five children, the family built one of Maui’s longest-standing surf schools.
The Kinimaka family’s connection to surfing stretches back generations. Kinimaka’s great-great-grandfather, David Laleo Kinimaka, was a close friend and bodyguard to King David Kalākaua. Family lore says the two surfed together. Today, Kinimaka continues to share the history and culture of heʻe nalu (surfing).
After losing its Lahaina shop in the wildfire, Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy continued to operate near Launiupoko. Three years later, the academy has returned to the community and the shoreline that shaped it.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has shared their love and support as we navigate this homecoming together,” Kinimaka said.
With its return, Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy is participating in the Kamaʻāina Referral Program as a way to say mahalo to Maui friends and neighbors who refer visitors to local businesses. The program rewards residents when their referrals result in completed bookings.
“We’ll see you in the water!” Kinimaka said.
For more information, visit royalhawaiiansurfacademy.com.
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