World-Class Adaptive Surfing Returns to Waikīkī May 5–8 — Here's How To Tune In

Queen's Surf Break in Waikīkī is one of those waves that has seen everything — from Duke Kahanamoku to the modern era of professional surfing — and from May 5–8, it will once again play host to one of the most inspiring events on the global surf calendar. The 2026 Hawai'i Adaptive Surfing Championships return for their 18th year, and if you haven't tuned in before, this is the year to start paying attention.

Presented by AccesSurf Hawai'i and now a key stop on the Association of Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour, the event brings together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across nine divisions. Paralympians, world champions, rising athletes — the level of surfing on display is elite, and the level of stoke is off the charts. The event streams live daily on AccesSurf Hawai'i's YouTube channel from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., so there's no excuse not to watch.

"The Hawai'i Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community, and purpose," says Zoe Lewis, Executive Director of AccesSurf Hawai'i. "We are proud to host this event in Waikīkī, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community, and spirit of Hawai'i."

The week kicks off Monday, May 4 with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue — a fitting starting point for an event rooted in the spirit of what surfing is supposed to be about. Competition runs May 5–8, with daily cultural programming from 2–4 p.m. near the judges' tower, including kalo demonstrations, lei making, weaving, kapa card making, and hula. It's the kind of programming that reminds you that surfing in Hawai'i carries a weight and a history that goes well beyond the contest format.

Midweek brings one of the highlights of the whole event: a Hawai'i premiere screening of The Incredible Paulk on Wednesday, May 6 at SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar at the ʻAlohilani Resort. The documentary follows adaptive surfing champion Aaron Paulk — Navy veteran, entrepreneur, advocate — on a journey that is as much about life as it is about surfing. It begins at 7 p.m. and the sunset views from the infinity pool deck alone are worth arriving early for.

Thursday evening, the Twin Fin Hotel Waikīkī hosts a poolside pau hana from 5–9 p.m., presented by INDY.CLUB and Parley for the Oceans, with live music and the kind of easy conversation that happens when a community actually cares about what it's gathered around.

The awards ceremony follows the final heats on Friday, May 8, back at Queen's where it all began.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged. Volunteers are needed. And if you're on Oahu, this is exactly the kind of event worth showing up for in person — world-class surfing, deep community roots, and a reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone.

Full schedule at accessurf.org/hasc.