History
Buffalo Keaulana Hawaii Surf: Makaha’s Legendary Waterman
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Buffalo Keaulana: The Mayor of Makaha Who Rode Waves Like No Other
Buffalo Keaulana wasn’t just a surfer—he was a force of nature. Born in 1934, this full-blooded Hawaiian grew up on Oahu’s West Side, turning Makaha Beach into his kingdom. After Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing to the world, Buffalo took the torch and ran with it, shaping Hawaii’s waves in his own wild way.
Bodysurfing Boss
They called him “Buffalo” for his big frame and water-bound life—think a Polynesian warrior streaking across waves like a seal. No fins, no board, just him and the swell. He ruled Makaha’s shorebreak, winning the bodysurfing title at the Makaha International four times between ‘54 and ‘58. Greg Noll once said Buffalo invented the roll move—tucking into barrels upside down and riding out like it was nothing.
Makaha’s Lifeguard Legend
From 1969 to 1995, Buffalo was Makaha’s first full-time lifeguard, pulling countless folks from the drink. His Buffalo Keaulana Hawaii surf legacy isn’t just about riding—it’s about saving lives and sharing aloha. He started the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic in ‘77, a contest that’s still kicking after 48 years, celebrating every kind of wave-riding under the sun.
Post-Duke Power
Duke put Hawaii on the map, but Buffalo made it roar. He sailed the Hōkūleʻa to Tahiti in ‘76, steering Polynesian pride back into the spotlight. His son Brian and granddaughter Ha’a Keaulana kept the family stoke alive, but it’s Buffalo’s raw, natural vibe that defines the Buffalo Keaulana Hawaii surf story.
Still Shredding
At 83, he was still cracking jokes at his contest in 2018, a living legend who never left the water. Check out more at hawaii.surf—Buffalo’s tale is pure Hawaiian soul.
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