History
Rell Sunn: The Queen of Makaha and Pioneer of Women’s Surfing
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Apr
Apr
Images courtesy of Rell Sunn Foundation
Who Was Rell Sunn, the Queen of Makaha?
Rell Kapolioka’ehukai Sunn, born in 1950 in Makaha, Oahu, was more than a surfer—she was a cultural icon, a trailblazer, and the embodiment of aloha. Known as the “Queen of Makaha,” her life and legacy continue to inspire surfers and ocean lovers worldwide. Her middle name, meaning “Heart of the Sea,” perfectly captured her deep connection to the ocean, which shaped her remarkable journey.
Early Life and Surfing Beginnings in Makaha
Raised on Makaha’s shores, Rell began surfing at age four, mentored by legends like Buffalo Keaulana and Buzzy Trent. By her teens, she fearlessly tackled the massive waves of Makaha’s reefs, drawing on her belief in aumakua—protective spirits—for courage. At 16, she competed in the 1966 World Championships in San Diego alongside Duke Kahanamoku, showcasing her talent on a global stage. Despite a brief hiatus in Oklahoma, she returned to Hawaii in 1972, seamlessly rejoining the surfing scene with unmatched grace and skill, even as the sport evolved with shorter, more maneuverable boards.
Trailblazing Achievements in Women’s Surfing
Rell’s impact extended far beyond her surfing prowess. In 1975, she became Hawaii’s first female lifeguard, a groundbreaking achievement in a culture that reveres ocean competence. She co-founded the Women’s International Surfing Association (WISA) and Women’s Professional Surfing (WPS), helping establish the first professional women’s tour. In 1976, she launched the Rell Sunn Menehune Surf Contest at Makaha, a youth event fostering confidence and ocean stewardship, which continues today. By 1982, she was ranked number one in the world for longboarding.
Resilience and Legacy Through Adversity
Her life took a challenging turn in 1983 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, given just a year to live. Yet Rell defied expectations, surfing daily through chemotherapy, becoming a radio DJ, surf reporter, and physical therapist. She also pioneered a breast cancer awareness program at the Waianae Cancer Research Center. For 15 years, she battled the disease with resilience, passing away in 1998 at 47. Her memorial at Makaha Beach drew thousands, with surfers paddling out to scatter her ashes, honoring a woman the New York Times called a “state treasure.”
Rell Sunn’s Enduring Impact on Hawaiian Culture
Rell Sunn’s legacy lives on in Makaha’s waves, her Menehune contest, and the aloha spirit she shared. She once said, “The aloha spirit is real simple. You give and you give and you give… from the heart.” Her contributions to women’s surfing, Hawaiian culture, and community continue to ripple across the ocean.
Visit Rell’s Foundation here
