The third annual First Responders & Military Honolua Classic is scheduled for a two-day run at Honolua Bay during a holding window from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2026. The invitation-only contest brings together Maui first responders, military members, teachers and, for the first time, emergency room staff. Organizers will set the exact dates according to surf conditions.
Wave-Dependent Scheduling and New Lineup
Organizers plan to announce the contest dates 72 hours in advance, with the event timed for Honolua Bay’s winter surf season, according to news.outrigger.com. OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy are co-hosting. The competition is invitation-only, but spectators are welcome. The new emergency room care team division joins categories for Maui firefighters, police officers, ocean safety specialists, Coast Guard members, EMS and medics, military personnel and teachers.
Maui Now reports that Lahaina-born world champion waterman Zane Schweitzer and U.S. Coast Guard Officer Dylan McCall founded the contest. McCall participated in response operations during the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires.
From First Responder Tribute to Islandwide Celebration
The contest began in 2024 with first responders and military members. Educators joined the field in 2025, and the 2026 edition adds emergency room staff.
The contest's 2025 edition, held Dec. 6–7 at Honolua Bay, marked the first time educators competed alongside first responders and military personnel, according to Maui Now's earlier coverage. That second annual competition featured 12 heats of 50 minutes each, with proceeds split between the Lahaina Junior Lifeguard Program and Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy's free youth mentorship programs, according to OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels.
Proceeds Fund Free Youth Ocean Programs
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy, whose free youth programs combine surf instruction with mental health support, environmental stewardship and cultural connection, according to OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. The resort remains the presenting sponsor.
Ocean conservation and water safety
Honolua Bay is within the Honolua–Mokulē‘ia marine life conservation district, a 45-acre area established in 1978, according to the Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health says drowning is the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1–15 in the state, and less than 2% of Hawaiʻi second graders have the basic skills to avoid or recover from drowning. The department recommends swim lessons that include water-safety skills; it says lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88% and should be combined with other protective factors.
OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort general manager Edwin Torres said the resort is supporting the contest as a chance for participants to gather around the ocean. The resort is offering discounted stays for the competition period; its separate 2026 Cyber Sale advertises up to 45% off stays with promo code CYBER26, according to OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels.
Those wanting event updates, volunteer opportunities or ways to contribute can check the Kahākūkahi Foundation website, or reach organizers directly at 808-205-0918, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels reported at OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels.
