ALA MOANA BOWLS, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA (Monday, June 1, 2026) – Today, Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Sophia Culhane (HAW) emerged victorious at the Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Presented by HTA, a World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Regional Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000, in four-to-six-foot wave faces at the pristine reef break of Ala Moana Bowls. With the win, Stewart claims the men’s Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Regional victory to qualify for the 2026/2027 WSL Longboard Tour alongside Sive Jarrard (ASM), whose win at the TOA Pro Papara already secured her regional victory. A brilliantly fought battle from Kelis Kaleopaa’a (HAW) and Nelson Ahina III (HAW) earned them Finals appearances to close out the season alongside finalists Keani Canullo (HAW), Alana Johnson (HAW), Ethan Speltz (HAW), and Kala Willard (HAW).
Stewart Seals Second Win at Ala Moana Bowls, Requalifies for WSL Longboard Tour
A massive day for Kaniela Stewart (HAW) provided a spectacle of style and poise under pressure to earn a must-win and requalify for the world’s best longboarders. This marks Stewart’s second win at the Local Motion Surf Into Summer, and second Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Regional win, after posting the day’s best performances that included an 18.94 (out of a possible 20) heat total in the Semifinals and a 17.93 heat total in the Quarterfinals. Stewart’s incredible showcase also earned the day’s best single-wave score of a near-perfect 9.77 (out of a possible 10) heading into the Final where he found more excellence when needed most.
“This win is super special. I’ve got all my friends, all my family here, and it was to requalify for the Tour, so it was a need to win situation. I was just stoked to come out on top,” said Stewart. “Nelson [Ahina III] is an incredible competitor, and he’s one of the best guys in the world. In my eyes, he’s one of the top World Title contenders ever. I grew up watching him surf and taking notes, but we just surfed it out and it came down to the last waves in the last seconds. It was so close, and I’m just stoked. I was so happy there were waves, and just showing up when I needed to show up. I was stoked there were some barrels out there, it was so fun. ”
The men’s Final concluded in epic fashion with Stewart and Nelson Ahina III (HAW) going toe-to-toe until the very end. Despite a slow start and smaller scores at the start of the heat, the waves began pumping and all four finalists took advantage and took longboarding at Bowls to the next level. It was Kala Willard (HAW) who kicked things off with two medium scores within the first minute, searching for nose ride-to-barrel sections on the inside. Ethan Speltz (HAW) was charging all day but couldn’t quite find his same rhythm in the Final despite a very strong effort. Ultimately, it was Ahina III who caught the last and biggest wave of the Final, requiring an excellent 8.03, but just mis-timed the last section and couldn’t ride out to score a 7.97. Stewart, with classic poise, style, and critical maneuvers, was the standout of the event, and kept that form in the Final to force his competitors to require excellence after a 16.50 heat total heading into the final minutes and priority to hold firm until the horn sounded.
Culhane’s Excellent Surge Culminates In Second Surf Into Summer Victory
A perennial World Longboard Title contender, Sophia Culhane (HAW) put on a clinic of backhand footwork and style to earn her second Local Motion Surf Into Summer win. Culhane, 20, narrowly missed out on requalifying for the world’s best in 2025 after finishing No. 9 on the rankings, but reminded her fellow competitors of her excellent caliber throughout Finals Day today to culminate in a victory. Now, Culhane awaits the opportunity of a possible Wildcard for 2026/2027 and is ready for the call-up should the occasion arise.
“It feels so good to get a win. To be out there with only three other girls in the lineup, and two of them being my best friends, made it so much fun,” said Culhane. “I couldn’t have asked for a better ending than that. It’s just so special to surf pumping Bowls. Coming down here with all the family and friends, and getting to surf heats together was so much fun.”
The women’s Final started as Culhane struck first with an even 8.00, showcasing her clean approach and an extended nose ride on the steepest section of the waves. Culhane led the charge and showed back-to-back event winner Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW), Keani Canullo (HAW), and Alana Johnson (HAW) what it would take to claim the win. While Culhane played a more patient game, right at her heels was Kaleopa’a, who stayed the busiest throughout the heat, catching a total of 9 waves which included the highest single wave score of the Final – an excellent 8.17. Not to be overshadowed, both Canullo and Johnson put on amazing displays of style, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to overtake Culhane, who ended with a total of 16.07
Kaleopa’a Nearly Completes Three-Peat, Plus Ahina III Earns Men’s Runner-up in Regional Title Showdow
One the island’s cemented longboard talents, Nelson Ahina III (HAW) left everything in the water to rejoin the world’s best in 2026/2027. A win at the HTA HIC Haleʻiwa Pro Longboard set Ahina III up for a major opportunity alongside the likes of fellow Top 4-ranked athletes Stewart, Moana Domenech (PYF), and Zachary Newton (HAW). But, with Stewart’s unstoppable form despite an impressive Quarterfinal win from Ahina III, the humble Hawaiian showed his class and sportsmanship after a marvelous day of competition.
“Today was super special. I learn from every event, and there’s still so much room to learn,” said Ahina III. “I just had to pick my waves a bit better, but I feel good about the way I surfed, and the competitors are just hammers. That was super fun. I feel like I still got it. Having a family makes it a little hard to train this past year, but I was unsure about how the outcome would be with my surfing. But I’m so blessed and I’m very thankful for my family, and those around me.”
One of the Longboard Tour’s modern era staples, Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) showed why she was a back-to-back Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard victor with excellent showcases in each of her Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final appearances. Kaleopa’a’s connection to Ala Moana Bowls remains one of the most entertaining to witness, finding her space in the barrel and locking into nose rides with poise. Now, the 21-year-old prepares for the world’s best later this year in search of another World Title race.
“Placing second after having so many good years here, I can’t complain. I got to surf with two of my best friends and a really sweet grom who we love so much, Alana [Johnson],” said Kaleopa’a. “I got super antsy because there were so many good waves coming through, so it was really hard to wait for a good one. But the waves were pumping, and it was just so fun, and I’m really happy. Getting ready for the Tour, everyone does it a bit differently, but for me it’s just surfing as much as I can and tuning in a lot of things that I know I can improve and work on. And just taking care of myself first and foremost, and I feel really good for the year ahead. I haven’t felt like this ahead of the season in a really long time so I’m excited.”
Jarrard and Stewart Officially Rejoin 2026/2027 WSL Longboard Tour
An amazing run through the 2025/2026 for Sive Jarrard (ASM) earned her two more LQS wins and back-to-back regional victories to rejoin the WSL Longboard Tour. Jarrard’s consecutive HTA HIC Haleʻiwa Pro Longboard wins set her up for success heading into Tahiti, where she emerged victorious once again. Despite her Semifinal exit today at Ala Moana Bowls, the title was hers as she looks to vie for a World Longboard Title in 2026/2027.
“I am really happy to be joining the tour again. After getting bumped off, I came home and reset,” said Jarrard. “This year for me was strengthening my faith and finding out who I am through Jesus. My results are answered prayers, and I am grateful that I can be my best through the Lord. My goals this year on tour are appreciating the moment and where I am. I am so excited to be back and show my surfing. Truly, it is God’s plan.”
With Stewart’s win, he rejoins the world’s best longboarders alongside Jarrard as the regional representatives looking to vie for a World Longboard Title.
Final 2026/2027 Men’s Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Regional Rankings:
1 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW)
2 – Nelson Ahina III (HAW)
3 – Moana Domenech (PYF)
4 – Zachary Newton (HAW)
5 – Kala Willard (HAW)
Final 2026/2027 Women’s Hawaiʻi/Tahiti Nui Longboard Regional Rankings:
1 – Sive Jarrard (ASM)
2 – Sophia Culhane (HAW)
3 – Alana Johnson (HAW)
4 – Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW)
5 – Bella Eberz (HAW)
Women’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Final Results:
1 – Sophia Culhane (HAW) 16.07
2 – Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 15.40
3 – Keani Canullo (HAW) 12.43
4 – Alana Johnson (HAW) 11.80
Men’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Final Results:
1 – Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 16.50
2 – Nelson III Ahina (HAW) 16.44
3 – Kala Willard (HAW) 12.83
4 – Ethan Speltz (USA) 12.20
Women’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.40 DEF. Alana Johnson (HAW) 11.30, Bella Eberz (HAW) 9.26, Sive Jarrard (ASM) 8.80
HEAT 2: Keani Canullo (HAW) 14.06 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.73, Puaiohi DeFries (HAW) 11.80, Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 8.86
Men’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Ethan Speltz (USA) 14.53 DEF. Kala Willard (HAW) 13.60, Moana Domenech (PYF) 12.14, Zachary Newton (HAW) 11.37
HEAT 2: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 18.94 DEF. Nelson III Ahina (HAW) 17.23, Jack Ho (USA) 13.60, Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 12.40
Women’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.83 DEF. Bella Eberz (HAW) 13.34, Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.30, Hanae Rose (USA) 8.03
HEAT 2: Alana Johnson (HAW) 14.93 DEF. Sive Jarrard (ASM) 13.94, Sarasa Ishibashi (HAW) 7.93, Phoenix Lopez-Mustille (USA) 7.93
HEAT 3: Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 14.16 DEF. Puaiohi DeFries (HAW) 13.93, Cash Hoover (USA) 9.90, Vaimiti Teiefitu (PYF) 7.33
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.00 DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW) 10.27, Kaiya Oliva (USA) 8.63, Luluhia Blomfield Kane (HAW) 8.10
Men’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kala Willard (HAW) 16.10 DEF. Ethan Speltz (USA) 15.33, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 14.50, Tony Brigante (HAW) 6.96
HEAT 2: Moana Domenech (PYF) 14.04 DEF. Zachary Newton (HAW) 13.57, Samuel Schatz (HAW) 12.60, Gabriel Nascimento (BRA) 6.13
HEAT 3: Nelson III Ahina (HAW) 16.13 DEF. Jack Ho (USA) 14.73, Micah Desoto (HAW) 14.00, Shane Stedman (USA) 6.17
HEAT 4: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 17.83 DEF. Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 10.13, Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 9.77, Kuio Young (HAW) 9.40
Women’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Round of 20 Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 15.50 DEF. Phoenix Lopez-Mustille (USA) 6.60, Noelo Wong (HAW) 6.07, Elizabeth Weitz (HAW) 4.66
HEAT 2: Puaiohi DeFries (HAW) 5.00 DEF. Luluhia Blomfield Kane (HAW) 3.50, Po’akalani Rangel (HAW) 2.24, Hana Makita (HAW) 1.54
Men’s Local Motion Surf Into Summer Longboard Round of 24 Results:
HEAT 1: Ethan Speltz (USA) 15.50 DEF. Gabriel Nascimento (BRA) 12.36, Kahanu Palencia-Cuban (HAW) 11.84, Kaimana Domen (USA) 10.83
HEAT 2: Samuel Schatz (HAW) 14.20 DEF. Kala Willard (HAW) 12.74, Neil Piper (HAW) 10.90, Yoshiaki Uchimura (JPN) 7.37
HEAT 3: Jack Ho (USA) 13.40 DEF. Kuio Young (HAW) 9.84, Eizen Grace (HAW) 6.00, Stephen Haugse (HAW) 5.13
HEAT 4: Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Shane Stedman (USA) 9.56, Bode Davis (HAW) 7.87, Yoni Amir (USA) 5.14
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.