By: Emma Susas & Brianna Johnson

Makahiki in Hawaiʻi is a season of peace, rest, and renewal — a time dedicated to honoring Lono, the god of agriculture, rainfall, abundance, and fertility. Traditionally marked by the rising of Makaliʻi, Makahiki signaled the end of the harvest season and the beginning of months devoted to gratitude, reflection, ceremony, and friendly competition. Warfare came to a halt, offerings were made, and communities gathered to strengthen bonds through games and celebration.

Today, the spirit of Makahiki endures across the islands. While customs may evolve, its core values remain constant: unity, gratitude, renewal, and connection to ʻāina and community. At Waikīkī Beach Services, these values guide our modern-day celebrations.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

This year, Waikīkī Beach Services embraced Makahiki with our own series of traditional-inspired games in partnership with our friends at Gone Surfing Hawaiʻi. This collaboration was especially meaningful — Jojo and Trevor of Gone Surfing Hawaiʻi both began their journeys right here with us at Waikīkī Beach Services. Coming together again in celebration of Hawaiian tradition felt like a full-circle moment rooted in community and camaraderie.

Makahiki games have always played a symbolic role in Hawaiian culture. In old Hawaiʻi, these athletic contests promoted strength, agility, balance, and strategic thinking — but most importantly, they brought people together. Our modern games continue this legacy, blending cultural education with joyful, friendly competition on the sands of Waikīkī.

Makahiki Games at Waikīkī Beach Services

We hosted four traditional Makahiki games, each rich with history and plenty of fun:

1. Heʻe Nalu – Surfing

Translation: Heʻe (to slide), Nalu (wave)Surfing is one of the oldest Hawaiian sports, deeply connected to both aliʻi (chiefs) and commoners. It has long served as a way to build skill, honor the ocean, and celebrate Hawaiian identity.
During our Makahiki Games, Waikīkī Beach Services and Gone Surfing Hawaiʻi competed in classic Waikīkī waves — a timeless tradition thriving on these shores.

👉 Watch Heʻe Nalu: Waikīkī Beach Services Heat | Gone Surfing Hawaiʻi Heat

2. Heihei Kukini – Footrace

Translation: Heihei (race), Kukini (runner/messenger)
In old Hawaiʻi, kukini were elite runners, revered for their speed and endurance. Footraces challenged strength, agility, and stamina while fostering friendly rivalry.
Our modern Heihei Kukini brought high energy, cheering, and some impressive sprinting!

👉 Watch Heihei Kukini

3. Haka Moa – Standing Chicken Fight

Translation: Haka (stand), Moa (chicken)
This playful yet strategic game tests balance and footwork. Competitors stand on one leg with arms behind their backs and attempt to make the other lose balance or step out of the circle.

👉 Watch Haka Moa

4. Huki Huki – Tug of War

Translation: Huki (to pull)
Huki Huki is a classic test of strength and teamwork. Traditionally symbolizing unity, it brought communities together — quite literally pulling in the same direction.
Our final showdown between Waikīkī Beach Services and Gone Surfing Hawaiʻi was spirited, loud, and the perfect closing event for our Makahiki celebrations.

👉 Watch Huki Huki

Makahiki in Modern-Day Hawaiʻi

Across the islands, Makahiki today continues through:

• ʻOhana-style feasts

• Community games and competitions

• Cultural workshops and education

• Outdoor gatherings

• Moments of renewal and reflection

While the settings may differ from centuries past, the heart of Makahiki remains the same — celebrating abundance, honoring culture, and strengthening relationships.

Honoring Tradition, Building Community

Hosting our Makahiki Games reminded us why this season is so special. It invites us to pause, reset, appreciate our surroundings, and connect more deeply — with Hawaiian culture, with each other, and with the ocean we call home.

Having Jojo and Trevor return to join us made this year’s celebration even more meaningful. We hope you feel the joy and spirit of Makahiki through every moment of these games.

Celebrate With Us in Waikīkī

In the spirit of Makahiki, we welcome you to enjoy the ocean with us here in Waikīkī.
Waikīkī Beach Services has been voted Best Surf School for five years running, and our friendly, knowledgeable instructors are here to help you experience the magic of Hawaiʻi’s waves.

Whether you’re a first-time surfer or a returning ocean lover…
👉 Book your ocean experience today and join us in celebrating tradition, community, and aloha.