AccesSurf to host 18th annual Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.

AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.

Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.

Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.

“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”

Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.

In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.

Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.

The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.