Kelis Kaleopa’a

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Aloha my name is Kelis Kaleopaʻa, I am a Native Hawaiian professional surfer born and raised in Waikīkī I am a lover of everything nature, a big family person and I’m super passionate about my home, heritage and the culture of the Hawaiian kingdom.

Q: What’s your favorite part about living in Hawaii?

The ocean, sun and nature obviously haha, but I truly love it because of the history of the Hawaiian Culture and people, we are so rooted in everything our home (Hawaiʻi) has to offer and it’s so special.

Q: When you’re not surfing, what are you up to?

Probably at home watching Seinfeld and resting. It’s very rare I’m not in the water surfing so on the rare occasion I’m not I’ll be at the māla (garden) with my grandma, or Pilates or at Costco. Everyone calls me tutu because I love just cruising when I’m not in the sun haha!

Q: What makes The Twin Fin the ultimate place to stay for surfing enthusiasts?

It’s right in the heart of Waikīkī! It’s so close to everything in Waikīkī, and it has the most killer views so you can see the waves 24/7 and it’s just practical for surfers and even non surfers. And the vibe is very surfy... if that makes sense.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations as a Twin Fin Surf Ambassador?

To keep doing what we’re doing :) My hopes as a twin fin ambassador is to keep this amazing connection with the community and team, they are truly awesome people with great visions for the future!

Ambassador

@keliskaleopaa

Kelis Malia lei Kaleopaʻa, is a Native Hawaiian professional surfer from the south shore of Oʻahu. Born and raised in the beautiful waters of Waikīkī.

Kelis has participated in countless surf competitions world-wide. One of her most memorable being the Dukes Fest Pro-am division, her first professional contest at the age of 12, surfing against her hometown hero’s at the breaks in Waikīkī and taking her first win. Her physical and mental preparation for events has evolved over the years. Lately she is focused on body needs, spending time with loved ones, and doing the things that bring happiness, which keeps her at her best once the competition starts. For her, the favorite part of competitions has always been pushing herself, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and of course getting to surf.

Surfing around the world, one of the Kelis’s most favorite spots to surf is Australia; noting ‘the waves and vibes are always great’ there. When traveling, her supporter and best friend has always been her mom, who she is always grateful to have by her side.

Outside of surfing, Kelis’s favorite hobby has been focusing on health and wellness. Moving and taking care of her body naturally and holistically, and spending time with the Āina. Her favorite point of reconnection is spending time in the loʻi. Keeping up with such an athlete in Waikīkī, you can find Kelis surfing, eating, doing Pilates and yoga, or just hanging out on the beach with her family and friends. And occasionally resetting herself with a vacation at the Twin Fin too!

Her goals for 2025: Live. Be happy, healthy, and present in the moment

What is your Ambassador Role?

I feel like my role as a Twin Fin ambassador is to portray my home, Waikīkī, in its true family based beauty, the Twin Fin Waikīkī has given back to our community in so many ways and I am so thankful for the platform they have given me. They are the best ʻohana and I am so stoked to be a part of it.⁣

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

How did you first get into surfing, and what made you fall in love with it?

My whole family surfs haha! My grandparents to my parents and being raised in Waikīkī my whole life I was bound to be a surfer. I was first put on a board at only a few months old with my mom and ever since I’ve been a water baby. I fell in love with surfing because of the people/ place that raised me. Waikīkī is so special and you can feel that connection when you are surfing.

What’s your favorite part about living in Hawaii?

When you’re not surfing, what are you up to?

Could you describe the unique surf culture here in Hawaii and how it differs from other surfing destinations?

I think our surf culture is one of the uniques ones because of our past, our kings and queens would surf the same exact spots we are and when you go out to those spots you feel that mana and pilina (connection) to them. I’ve been very fortunate to travel to amazing places and getting to experience other surf cultures is a blessing and they’ve all been similar in a way where the surf
community is very strong and passionate everywhere I’ve been, I would say the only difference is their cultures in general, every place has different histories and I think that’s what makes every culture unique.

Can you share a memorable story or experience from your early days as a surfer in Hawaii?

I think my most memorable experience as a surfer in Hawaiʻi would be surfing with my mom and grandma at our home spot Kapuni (queens). It was just a very full circle moment, you know being raised by an ocean family all my life, my mothers life and grandma’s life. It was just such an epic moment to share our love for each other surfing together.

What does it mean to you to represent The Twin Fin and the surfing community as Surf Ambassador?

It means a lot, the twin fin does so many amazing things for our community and not many hotels do that you know, so I feel very honored to be apart of this amazing group of people who love to be involved with the community, and it also gives me an opportunity to give back as well. I think it’s so important in this day and age to set healthy examples for the future of Hawaiʻi and the twin fin has done that and by them letting me be a part of this journey is amazing, and I’m beyond grateful!

What makes The Twin Fin the ultimate place to stay for surfing enthusiasts?

How does being a Surf Ambassador with The Twin Fin influence your connection with the local community in Hawaii?

It’s heartwarming because like I said, not many franchises in Waikīkī give back to the community and that’s what’s so cool about the twin fin is they give me and other ambassadors that platform to really play our role and give back. I’ve been influenced my whole life to give back to the place that gave you everything, and having the twin fin family backing us up on that is everything. My community also feels involved and seen… which is very rare is Waikīkī. So mahalo twin fin ʻohana.

What are your hopes and aspirations as a Twin Fin Surf Ambassador?

And finally, if you had to describe the feeling of catching the perfect wave, what three words would you use?