Flying a Kapa Lupe at Lēʻahi: Honoring a Tradition Above Waikīkī

By Brianna Johnson

Some experiences stay with you long after they’re over. For the Waikīkī Beach Services team, flying our handcrafted kapa lupe (traditional Hawaiian kite) at the base of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) was one of those unforgettable moments.

The journey actually began a year earlier, when our team had the privilege of visiting Pukoa Studios to learn from Native Hawaiian artist and master kapa maker Kumu Page Chang. Under her guidance, we learned about the cultural significance of kapa making and created our own kapa lupe using traditional practices. It wasn’t just an art project—it was an opportunity to connect with Hawaiian history in a meaningful way.

A year later, we brought that kite to a place where its story comes full circle.

On the western slopes of Lēʻahi once stood Papaʻenaʻena Heiau, an important cultural and spiritual site overlooking Waikīkī. Often called the “surfing heiau,” it was a place where surfers sought mana—spiritual strength and knowledge of the ocean—before heading into the waves.

According to Hawaiian tradition, when the surf was good, the kahuna (priest) at Papaʻenaʻena would fly a kite as a signal to the community. People working in the valleys and uplands would see the kite in the sky and know it was time to grab their surfboards and head to Waikīkī. Ancient chants even describe this moment, celebrating the kite as a symbol that the ocean was ready for surfing.

Standing beneath Lēʻahi and watching our own kapa lupe catch the trade winds was a powerful reminder that some traditions can still be experienced today. While our kite wasn’t announcing perfect surf conditions to the island, it honored a practice that has connected Hawaiians to the ocean for generations.

At Waikīkī Beach Services, surfing has always been about more than catching waves. It’s about respecting the history, culture, and traditions that make Waikīkī such a special place. Experiences like this help us deepen that understanding so we can continue sharing Hawaiʻi’s surfing heritage with our guests in an authentic and meaningful way.

Whether you’re spending the day exploring Waikīkī, heading out for a surf session, or taking one of the Best surf lessons in Waikīkī, on the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian, find one of the Waikīkī Beach Service’s beachboys, strike up a conversation, and hear the stories of Waikīkīʻs rich history. Itʻs these stories that will give you a little piece of Hawaiʻi to remember wherever you go.