About Us
At ʻIke Kai School of Surfing, we are passionate about sharing the rich knowledge of the ocean through the traditional Hawaiian sport of surfing. ʻIke Kai means to observe and learn from the ocean. This reflects our deep respect for the ocean’s power and the vital practice of watching and understanding the waves before entering, ensuring safety and connection. Founded by Kane Turalde, a native Hawaiian professional surfer, our surf school is rooted in a deep respect for both the ocean and Hawaiian culture.
Kane’s Journey
Kane comes from a Hawaiian family born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi — a family deeply rooted in the ocean. His father is a lifelong fisherman and professional canoe paddler, and his siblings are all surfers, paddlers, and fishermen. Kane began surfing at the age of six and was raised in a lifestyle centered around the ocean, spending nearly every day surfing, fishing, diving, or spearfishing with friends.
He has competed in surfing from a young age and continues to pursue his passion on the WSL Qualifying Series. Over time, his love for surfing naturally evolved into a passion for teaching. After teaching his mother, younger sister, nieces, and nephews how to surf, Kane found fulfillment in helping others connect to the ocean through surfing. Through ʻIke Kai, he now shares that same passion with students of all backgrounds, offering an authentic and meaningful surfing experience on the North Shore.
Our Mission
ʻIke Kai was founded to offer more than just surf lessons — it was created to provide a deeper, more meaningful connection to the ocean. With a lifetime spent in the water, Kane shares not only the physical skills of surfing but also the cultural and historical roots of this ancient Hawaiian sport. Surfing was once reserved for aliʻi — the kings and queens of Hawaiʻi — and that legacy lives on through every lesson. Each student is guided with care, respect, and aloha, so they can truly feel the mana of the ocean and the thrill that has inspired generations of surfers. Surfing a wave is the best feeling in the world to Kane — it brings joy, clarity, and a deep sense of connection — and he aims to share that feeling with every person he teaches. Through this approach, ʻIke Kai honors both the wave and the heritage behind it.
Why Choose ʻIke Kai?
ʻIke Kai was founded on the core Hawaiian values of aloha, haʻahaʻa, and hoʻihi. Aloha is a deep love for the ocean and a passion for sharing the joy of surfing and the spirit of compassion with people from around the world. Haʻahaʻa, or humility, reminds us that the ocean is powerful and we are small in comparison — we approach it with gratitude, not ego. We don’t surf to conquer waves, but to connect with them. Hoʻihi means respect, and we carry that into everything we do — honoring the ocean for all that it gives and teaching our students to do the same. These values guide every lesson and shape the experience we offer at ʻIke Kai.
WHy surf with us?
At ʻIke Kai School of Surfing, we’re more than just a surf school — we’re here to connect you to the ocean through expert instruction, Hawaiian values, and unforgettable experiences. Founded on the values of aloha (love and compassion), haʻahaʻa (humility), and hoʻihi (respect), our goal is to guide you through surfing in a way that honors both the waves and the cultural heritage behind them.
Personalized Instruction: Every lesson is tailored to your skill level, whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or working on advanced technique. You’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Expert Local Guidance: Led by Native Hawaiian surfers, our team brings deep generational knowledge of the ocean and years of hands-on experience.
Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. All instructors are CPR-certified and trained to create a safe, encouraging learning environment.
Cultural Depth: We teach surfing with intention — not just as a sport, but as a living tradition. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ocean and its importance in Hawaiian culture.
Lasting Memories: We strive to make each session meaningful. Our goal is that every student walks away not just with new surf skills, but with a sense of connection to the ocean and memories that last a lifetime.
Come experience surfing the Hawaiian way — with respect, heart, and deep connection.