Informational
47th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Championship 2026 at Makaha Beach
Mar
47th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Championship at Makaha Beach Park: Everything You Need to Know
Every spring, the west side of Oahu comes alive with the sound of keiki charging waves, families cheering from the sand, and the unmistakable feeling that something bigger than a surf contest is happening at Makaha Beach Park. That something is the Rell Sunn Menehune Championship, one of the most beloved youth surfing events in all of Hawaii, now in its 47th year.
What Is the Rell Sunn Menehune Championship?
The Rell Sunn Menehune Surf Contest was started in 1976 by Rell Kapolioka’ehukai Sunn, the woman the surfing world came to know as the Queen of Makaha. The purpose of the program is to educate the public, especially children, about sportsmanship and the environment, and to combat juvenile delinquency.
Nearly five decades later, that mission has never wavered. All children 12 years old and under are welcome to participate, and the public is invited to attend free of charge. Hundreds of children statewide visit Makaha each year to attend and participate.
2026 Event Details
Location: Makaha Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii Dates: Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, 2026 Registration: Available now at rellsunn.com
Events include bodyboard, longboard, and shortboard, and each event is broken into age and gender categories. The entrance fee is $10 per event and each child is limited to two events. That is still a fraction of what most comparable contests charge. Each contestant receives a t-shirt, assorted surf necessities, and educational literature covering sunscreen safety, sun dangers, environmental awareness, and early cancer screening information.
Beyond the competition itself, the spirit of the event shines through in the sportsmanship component. Each child is encouraged to cheer for every competitor and help retrieve lost surfboards. Each year, the child who displays the best sportsmanship is publicly honored by the organization.
Who Was Rell Sunn?
To understand why this contest carries so much weight, you have to understand who Aunty Rell was.
It was in 1954 that four-year-old Sunn rode her first wave at Makaha Beach. From that first ride, the ocean became her classroom, her calling, and eventually her legacy.
Her path from that first wave to surfing legend is remarkable. In 1975, she helped start the Women’s International Surfing Association and competed with a handful of women. A couple of years later, she was named Hawaii’s first female lifeguard.
But her titles and trophies were never really the point. She was the cheering auntie on the beach, offering praise to all the keiki vying for her attention. Those who knew her say kids simply made her want to live.
After becoming a pioneer of both surfing and lifeguarding, Rell was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983. However, this did not stop her from surfing professionally. She kept competing, kept showing up for her community, and kept building the Menehune contest into something that would outlast her.
On January 2, 1998, the Queen of Makaha passed away at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy almost impossible to fill. Hundreds gathered at Makaha Beach for her memorial, bringing with them surfboards and paddles.
The contest she started is now older than she ever got to be.
Why Makaha Beach?
Makaha is not just a backdrop for this event. It is the heart of it. The west side of Oahu, where this tournament is held, has faced challenges with poverty, drugs, and crime. This event was developed to provide a safe, healthy outlet for fostering competition and as an alternative to criminal behavior. Family involvement is encouraged, and many of the contestants’ family members volunteer to help run the event.
Makaha Beach itself is one of the most storied surf breaks in Hawaii, known for its powerful west swells and deep connection to Hawaiian surfing culture. Watching young groms navigate those same waters where Aunty Rell first learned to read the ocean is something that does not translate well into words. You have to be there.
What to Expect at the Event
First-timers should know this is a full family weekend. Arrive early, bring sunscreen, and plan to stay awhile. The energy on the beach is warm and welcoming in the way that only a community event rooted in aloha spirit can be. You will see groms as young as four years old paddling out, parents cheering from the shoreline, and longtime Westside families who have been part of this tradition for generations.
The competition is real, the waves are real, and the love for Aunty Rell is very real.
How to Register
Registration for the 47th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Championship is open now. Sign up through the Rell Sunn Foundation registration page. Spots fill quickly so register early.
Supporting the Rell Sunn Educational Fund
The contest benefits the Rell Sunn Educational Fund, which carries forward Aunty Rell’s commitment to youth education, ocean stewardship, and community health. Attending the event, registering your keiki, and spreading the word are all meaningful ways to support the fund and the legacy it represents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Rell Sunn Menehune Championship held? The contest is held at Makaha Beach Park on the west side of Oahu, Hawaii. Makaha Beach has been the home of this event since Rell Sunn founded it in 1976.
Who can compete in the Menehune Championship? The contest is open to all children 12 years old and under. Events are divided by age group and gender across shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard disciplines.
How much does it cost to enter? The entry fee is $10 per event and each child may enter up to two events. All competitors receive a contest t-shirt and a packet of educational materials.
Is the event free to attend as a spectator? Yes. The public is welcome to attend at no charge. It is a great family outing and one of the most community-driven events on the island.
When is the 2026 event? The 47th Annual Rell Sunn Menehune Championship takes place on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Makaha Beach Park.
How do I register my child? Registration is available through the Rell Sunn Foundation registration page linked above. Sign up early as spots fill quickly.
What should I bring to the event? Sunscreen, water, snacks, beach chairs, and plenty of aloha spirit. Parking can be limited so arriving early is recommended.
Is this event connected to a nonprofit? Yes. The contest benefits the Rell Sunn Educational Fund, which supports youth education, environmental awareness, and community health programs inspired by Aunty Rell’s life and values.
Sources
Hawaii.surf covers surf culture, events, and ocean lifestyle across the Hawaiian Islands.
