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Early Photography of Hawaiian Surfing

Early Photography of Hawaiian Surfing

Hawaii Inside

Welcome to our collection of early photography of Hawaiian surfing. We see surfing as being at the center of the Hawai’i’s relationship with the ocean and its all-consuming ethos. The kaona (hidden) meaning of “he’e nalu” (wave-sliding) touches upon a parallel universe that’s replete with meaning that most have little acquaintance with.

Hawawa ka heenalu, hai ka papa. – The awkward person breaks the board in riding on the surf. (Applied to those who undertake something with which they are not familiar.)

"Hawaiian surfers next to grass hut, c. 1890s"
“Hawaiian surfers next to grass hut, c. 1890s”
early photography of Hawaii: surfing
“Hawaiian surfer with alaia board”
early photography of Hawaii: surfing
Surfing Culture

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Hawaii Inside