Monday’s Results: Big Performances Ensue, Finals Day Ready at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro

Silva Stakes Her Claim Alongside Liotta Leading Women’s Surge into Semifinals
Braye Unleashes Backhand Power at Haleiwa, McGill and Moniz Flourish Near Home
Finals Day Ready at Proving Ground of Haleiwa

Pictured: Luana Silva (BRA) held nothing back in her debut with the event’s best performance so far. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, November 27, 2023) – Action got back underway at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, and more dominant performances from top-seeded competitors ensued. Men’s Round of 64, Heats 5 – 16, wrapped up debuts from the heavy-hitters before women got their Round of 24 and Quarterfinals completed in their entirety. Now, Finals Day awaits with a promising swell on the forecast on the horizon.

One of the North Shore’s standout competitors, Luana Silva (BRA), showcased her world-class capabilities and posted an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) and event-best so far, 16.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total in her Quarterfinal debut. The former Championship Tour (CT) elite, Silva is set to take on the 2024 Challenger Series and displayed she hasn’t lost her hunger in the jersey heading into Finals Day.

“This is the place where I started surfing and I’ve grown up surfing here since I was five years old,” said Silva. “I think everyone else on the North Shore who was born and raised here grew up surfing Alii and Haleiwa so it’s just special. I have a really good crew here and it’s home, there’s no other place like it in the world.”

Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 2 Nora Liotta (HAW) squared off with current No. 1 Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), Isla Sexton (HAW), and Lucy Jarrard (ASM) in Quarterfinal, Heat 1. Liotta’s form went unmatched in her debut, accruing a 15.10 (out of a possible 20) heat total to start her Haleiwa run. Now, Maui’s own Liotta looks to hold firm and finish the season strong.

“It feels amazing to be able to just surf and have fun,” said Liotta. “The waves were really fun so I’m super excited. I guess I’m just surfing and got lucky with the priority rotation and got to pick the best waves. I haven’t that much fun in a heat in awhile.”

Pictured: Erin Brooks (CAN) continues her excellent form across the world to North Shore’s waters. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Eweleiula Wong (HAW) earned her way back into the Semifinals and is joined by Erin Brooks (CAN) after an impressive Quarterfinal, Heat 4 victory of her own to close out the day. Only eight women remain and await their Finals Day showing to determine a 2023 victor.

Braye Unleashes Backhand Attack, Moniz and McGill Flourish in Debuts

Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Mihimana Braye (PYF) unleashed his signature backhand power to post an excellent 8.75. Braye’s determination to rejoin the Challenger Series contenders is palpable and the Tahitian isn’t holding back with only two events remaining to secure his place among the regional qualifiers.

“I’m just feeling good and so happy to surf this wave with only four people out, it’s always hardwork during the free surf,” said Braye. “The goal is just to do what I do best. Just surf and have some fun, and try to qualify for the Challenger Series. I’m just taking it heat-by-heat and trying to enjoy my surfing.”

Joshua Moniz (HAW) found his form to turn in a 14.85 heat total utilizing his forehand attack. The QS veteran looks to add on to his result from Sunset Beach and continue building points toward 2024 Challenger Series qualification. Now, Moniz heads into Finals Day with plenty of momentum and looking for more despite a minor injury.

“I tweaked my knee a bit about two weeks ago, but that’s how it goes,” said Moniz. “I’m just surfing in my heats and then just chilling, there’s no pressure for me. The waves are fun, it’s like four foot Haleiwa and pretty fun for a contest as long as you get a good one.”

Finn McGill (HAW) is on the hunt for a big result to kickstart his 2023/2024 campaign, currently sitting at No. 13 on the rankings, and delivered an excellent showing. McGill’s speed and power earned him an excellent 8.00, backing it up with a 6.00, and surged into the Round of 32.

“The waves are firing right now it’s just slow, kind of dying north swell but when they come they’re really fun,” said McGill. “I have no results right now so I have to get a result. This is where I learned how to surf, this is where I grew up, this is my daycare. It’d be awesome to win an event here, I’ve never really done well in a QS so to bring it home would be awesome.”

Pictured: Barron Mamiya (HAW) returned to the jersey for more reps among Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s top talents. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Championship Tour (CT) competitors Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Jake Marshall (HAW) brought their world-class forehands to Haleiwa with Marshall accruing an impressive 14.90 heat total. Future 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW) also delivered an impressive showing in his debut as he looks to prepare for the world’s best next season.

Also earning important Round of 64 wins, Kai Martin (HAW) keeps his pace to earn a spot into the Sambazon World Junior Championships and is joined by fellow Pro Junior standout Brodi Sale (HAW), Mason Ho (HAW), Cody Young (HAW), Kai Paula (HAW), and Torrey Meister (HAW).

Event organizers have called competition OFF for Tuesday, November 28 and will recovene Wednesday, November 29 at 7:00 a.m. HST to determine the next call.

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Nora Liotta (HAW) 15.10 DEF. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 11.50, Lucy Jarrard (ASM) 9.30, Isla Sexton (HAW) 7.65
HEAT 2: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 9.90 DEF. Zoe McDougall (HAW) 7.50, Irie Fitzgerald (GUM) 3.50, Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 1.00
HEAT 3: Luana Silva (BRA) 16.50 DEF. Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 13.10, Emily Nishimoto (JPN) 7.10, Coco Hakikawa (HAW) 5.10
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) 14.35 DEF. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 11.10, Julie Nishimoto (JPN) 10.50, Coco Ho (HAW) 9.40

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro Women’s Round of 24 Results:
HEAT 1: Isla Sexton (HAW) 9.75 DEF. Irie Fitzgerald (GUM) 5.20, Hope McCarren (CHN) 5.00
HEAT 2: Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 12.35 DEF. Lucy Jarrard (ASM) 12.25, Raquel Heckert (BRA) 7.75, Angelina Yossa (HAW) 4.70
HEAT 3: Coco Hakikawa (HAW) 8.10 DEF. Julie Nishimoto (JPN) 7.35, Brenice Alama (HAW) 6.25
HEAT 4: Coco Ho (HAW) 13.75 DEF. Emily Nishimoto (JPN) 10.40, Ellie Brown (HAW) 9.65

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro Men’s Round of 64, Heats 5 – 16 Results:
HEAT 5: Mihimana Braye (FRA) 14.75 DEF. Makana Franzmann (HAW) 10.65, Legend Chandler (HAW) 10.50, Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 9.30
HEAT 6: Kai Martin (HAW) 7.10 DEF. Kala Willard (HAW) 5.50, Koa Smith (HAW) 5.30, Gavin Klein (HAW) 4.85
HEAT 7: Finn McGill (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Diesel Storm Butts (HAW) 7.50, Mauricio Lopes (BRA) 7.15, Billy Kemper (HAW)
HEAT 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 11.25, Matteus Santos (HAW) 10.55, Makai McNamara (HAW) 8.35
HEAT 9: Jake Marshall (USA) 14.90 DEF. Sage Tutterow (HAW) 11.60, Kai Lenny (HAW) 10.50, Tereva David (PYF) 10.20
HEAT 10: Cody Young (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Jae Wood (HAW) 9.00, Levi Young (HAW) 8.45, Sheldon Paishon (HAW) 6.95
HEAT 11: Kai Paula (DEU) 10.35 DEF. Luke Swanson (HAW) 10.25, Luan Nogues (FRA) 9.85, Zachary Newton (HAW) 5.25
HEAT 12: Mason Ho (HAW) 12.25 DEF. Isaiah Moniz (HAW) 8.25, Steve Roberson (HAW) 8.00, Justin Roberson (HAW) 4.40
HEAT 13: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 14.85 DEF. Nalu Deodato (HAW) 12.75, Alex Smith (HAW) 10.65, Dusty Payne (HAW) 6.30
HEAT 14: Torrey Meister (HAW) 13.10 DEF. Robert Grilho (HAW) 10.90, Logan Bediamol (HAW) 9.95, Koa Rothman (HAW) 7.60
HEAT 15: Brodi Sale (HAW) 12.00 DEF. Cole Alves (HAW) 9.00, Noah Beschen (HAW) 8.85, Love Hodel (HAW) 6.50
HEAT 16: Eli Hanneman (HAW) 13.40 DEF. Cody Robinson (AUS) 12.15, Liam Wilson (HAW) 10.20, Koalaukani Ramos-Saunders (HAW) 6.05

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning the World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. WSL is comprised of the Tours and Competition division, which oversees and operates more than 180 global competitions each year; WSL WaveCo, home of the world’s largest high-performance, human-made wave; and WSL Studios, an independent producer of unscripted and scripted projects.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com .About Hawaii Tourism Authority
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is the state agency responsible for representing The Hawaiian Islands around the world, and for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with community desires, economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, and visitor industry needs. HTA works with the community and industry to Mālama Hawaiʻi – care for our beloved home. For more information about HTA, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org or follow @HawaiiHTA on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Twitter.About HIC
In 1971, Stephen and Jimmy Tsukayama, opened a small surf shop on Uluniu Street in Kailua Town on Oahu’s Windward coast – and Hawaiian Island Creations was born. Fifty years and thousands of surfboards later, the company has grown to include 16 stores across Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island; providing authentic Hawaiian surf gear to both locals and visitors alike. Through a commitment to quality, service and aloha spirit, HIC has built a reputation as an icon of Hawaiian surfing recognized by surfers across the globe. Enjoy the ride wherever you may be with HIC clothing and accessories shipped direct to you, from Hawaii with aloha.

For more information, please visit hicsurf.com

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Monday: Day Two Called ON at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa ProMen’s Round of 64, Heat 5 Started at 8:00 a.m. HST
Women’s Round of 24 and Quarterfinals on Schedule
More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Kai Lenny (HAW) returns to action in the Round of 64, Heat 9 against seeded competitors. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, November 27, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, has been called back ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start. Four-to-six foot, occasional plus, sets continue to show as lingering swell from opening day’s conditions remain. Men’s Round of 64, Heats 5 – 16, will start competition before moving directly into the women’s Round of 24 and Quarterfinal bouts.

The Round of 64 picks up in Heat 5 featuring Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Mihimana Braye (PYF), Makana Franzmann (HAW), Legend Chandler (HAW) and Kalanoweo DeSoto (HAW).

Also set to make their debut, Championship Tour (CT) competitors Barron Mamiya (HAW) (Heat 8) and Jake Marshall (USA) (Heat 9) join the likes of 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW) (Heat 16), Billy Kemper (HAW) (Heat 7), Joshua Moniz (HAW) (Heat 13), Mason Ho (HAW) (Heat 12), and Brodi Sale (HAW) (Heat 15).

Women’s debuts are led by Round of 24, Heat 1 competitors Isla Sexton (HAW), Irie Fitzgerald (HAW), and Hope McCarren (CHN).

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro will run on the best three days of the event window beginning November 26 – December 7.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Opening Day Swell Surges, High-Performance Showcases Delivered at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro Crawford’s Delivers Excellent Homecoming Debut
Payne Provides Powerful Showcase in Haleiwa Return
Meister Puts Event on Notice with Early Excellence

Pictured: Haleiwa’s own Shion Crawford right at home in his Round of 64, Heat 4 debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Sunday, November 26, 2023) – Opening day of The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, fired into action with solid, eight-to-ten foot conditions on offer to start the day. The swell held firm throughout the day and provided moments of magic for the men’s Round of 96 and Round of 64, Heats 1 – 4. Women’s competition was called OFF for the day.

Closing out the day in excellent form, Haleiwa’s own Shion Crawford posted the day’s best performance in his Round of 64, Heat 4 debut. Crawford’s relentless forehand attack provided an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) and 14.00 (out of a possible 20) heat total at his home break. Now, the emerging threat awaits his Round of 32 bout and will look for back-to-back wins.

“It was pretty fun, I got a couple waves and made it through that heat so I’m stoked,” said Crawford. “It kind of cleaned up a bit too so that was nice for my heat. Now I’ll just recover and just have no expectations. Just go into my next heat and don’t think too far.”

Seeded competitors including reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor Jackson Bunch (HAW), QS veteran Shayden Pacarro (HAW), and rising threat Diego Ferri (HAW).

Maui’s standout Dusty Payne put on a showcase throughout opening day with Dusty Payne leading the charge. Payne’s incredible win here in 2014 helped pave the way to his Championship Tour (CT) qualification and showed he still has his world-class forehand today, earning an excellent 8.25. But, the former CT elite competitor has his eyes set on more at Haleiwa.

“It’s just one wave and I know I’ll need a lot more of those to do what I need to do here, but it’s good to get a good start” said Payne. “Haleiwa is a special place. I grew up doing a lot of contests here and it always has a special place in my heart. Once I grew up and surfed the outside and found out how good of a wave it is, I’m just so grateful to be here.”

Fellow Maui competitors Levi Young and Kai Lenny also earned impressive wins in their Round of 96 and await their Round of 64 bouts.

Pictured: Haleiwa’s own Shion Crawford right at home in his Round of 64, Heat 4 debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

QS veteran and big wave charger, Torry Meister (HAW), matched Payne’s excellent showing, boasting an 8.25 of his own, and notched a 13.85 (out of a possible 20) heat total as the highest heat total of the Round of 96. Meister didn’t get the result he was after at the O’Neill Cold Water Classic and brought some of that fire to the hallow ground of Haleiwa where he looks to add a few more heat wins to his name.

“It’s so fun out there and it’s really cool to do an event at Haleiwa,” said Meister. “I think the last year I was out was 2019 so it’s been a long time. I was doing the Cold Water Classic and saw Haleiwa, and saw it would be like this so I got here. This swell is way bigger than predicted and hopefully it hangs around for a few more days to get some more fun surf.”

Meister is joined into the Round of 64 by Legend Chandler (HAW), Makai McNamara (HAW), Koa Smith (HAW), Diesel Storm Butts (HAW), Love Hodel (HAW), Stever Roberson (HAW), Kingston Panebianco (USA), Gavin Klein (HAW), Cody Robinson (AUS) and Luan Nogues (FRA) after each earned big debut wins in the Round of 96.

Event organizers will reconvene for a 7:00 a.m. HST call to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start.

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro will run on the best three days of the event window beginning November 26 – December 7.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

The 3-day Regional Qualifier has solid NNW but some lump & bump on hand for some extra challenge. Good opening day of competition. SNN

Opening Day Called ON at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro

Men’s Round of 96 Starts at 8:00 a.m. HST
Men’s Round of 64 on Schedule
More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro has been called ON in solid, eight-to-ten foot conditions. Credit: © WSL / Heff

HALEIWA, Oahu, Hawaii (Sunday, November 26, 2023) – The World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro, a Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start. Eight-to-ten foot swell pulses into the famed lineup of Haleiwa to provide the platform for men’s Round of 96 and Round of 64, Heats 1 – 4 to kick off opening day.

Round of 96, Heat 1 will feature Kainaru Kato (HAW), Nikoa Gazzola (HAW) and Turo Arritu (PYF) to start competition. Notable debuts from Kai Lenny (HAW) (Heat 9), Luke Tema (HAW) (Heat 11), Dusty Payne (HAW) (Heat 13), Makai McNamara (HAW) (Heat 8), Torrey Meister (HAW) (Heat 15), Noah Beschen (HAW) (Heat 16), and more.

Top-seeded competitors including defending Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Haleiwa’s own Shion Crawford (HAW) make their debuts in the Round of 64.

The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro will run on the best three days of the event window beginning November 26 – December 7.