Barry Kanaiaupuni: North Shore’s Power Surfer Who Shaped Modern Surfing

Introducing Barry Kanaiaupuni: The Speed, Style, and Mana of a Surf Legend

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Barry Kanaiaupuni became famous in the 1960s and ’70s for his explosive, carving turns at Sunset Beach—a break that helped define his style. Unlike the cruisier longboard lines of earlier decades, Barry’s approach was sharp, fast, and powerful, paving the way for modern performance surfing.

Revolutionizing Surfing at Sunset Beach

During a time when Sunset Beach humbled most surfers, Kanaiaupuni mastered it. His signature “BK turn” was legendary—deep, gouging bottom turns followed by vertical top-to-bottom surfing on heavy Hawaiian water. He wasn’t just surviving Sunset; he was dominating it with power and grace.

Influencing Board Design and Performance Surfing

Kanaiaupuni worked closely with Lightning Bolt and other shapers, contributing to the design of shorter, more responsive boards that suited his aggressive style. He helped transition surfing from its soul-ride longboard roots into a more dynamic, high-performance era. The ripple effect of his influence can still be seen in boards today.

BK’s Enduring Impact on Hawaiian Surf Culture

Though less talked about than Duke or the Aikaus, Barry Kanaiaupuni is revered by surfers who know their history. His bold surfing was rooted in Hawaiian mana, and his fearless approach to Sunset Beach earned him eternal respect. To this day, North Shore locals still mention his name with reverence.

Inspired by BK’s legacy? Next time you watch someone carve a wall at Sunset, remember the surfer who helped define that line. Share this story to keep his name riding high.