Eweleiula Wong and Luke Tema Win 2024 The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro

Eweleiula Wong Takes Down Maiden QS Victory
Luke Tema Claims First-Ever QS Win Over Heavily-Stacked Field
Runner-ups Shion Crawford and Keala Tomoda-Bannert Gather Momentum
Next Stop, the Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro November 25 through December 7

Pictured: Luke Tema (HAW) (L) and Eweleiula Wong (HAW) (R) earned their maiden Qualifying Series wins at Sunset Beach. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, November 4, 2024) – Today, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and Luke Tema (HAW) claimed wins at the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, in iconic Sunset Beach conditions. A dream conclusion crowned Wong and Tema victors in six-to-eight-foot, pristine swell as they battled through heavily stacked fields of proven chargers. Impressive showings from 2023 event victor Shion Crawford (HAW) and reigning Hawaii/Tahiti QS Regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) earned them runner-ups moving into the next stop.

Eweleiula Wong Takes Down Maiden QS Victory

Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) got the women’s Final underway against two-time QS Regional victor Moana Jones Wong (HAW), perennial Challenger Series threat Eweleiula Wong (HAW), and No. 1 entering the event, Kiara Goold (PYF). After Tomoda-Bannert added to her score line, Eweleiula fired back with a 7.25 (out of a possible 10) on her powerful forehand to overtake the lead ten minutes into the Final. But, Eweleiula wasn’t done yet and posted another solid, 6.75 to push her lead and forced her opponents into needing excellent numbers to catch her.

But, no opportunities of major scoring potential came through before time expired and Wong emerged victorious to claim her first-ever QS win – pushing her atop the regional rankings.

“I’m super stoked to win my first QS. I haven’t made it to a Final in a really long time so I’m super stoked,” said Wong. “I hardly ever surf Sunset and usually just stick to Haleiwa but I’m stoked to have won in pretty solid Sunset and I’ll probably surf here a bit more now. I definitely do as well as I wanted to on the Challenger Series so these QS events at home are really nice and build some confidence and hopefully requalify for the Challenger Series next year.”

After a phenomenal showing in her Quarterfinal debut on Day 2, Wong started her Finals Day campaign in a stout Semifinal battle against then No. 1 Goold, defending event victor Nora Liotta (HAW) and an in-form Lucy Jarrard (ASM). Wong held firm for a Semifinal win alongside Goold advancing as Goold notched back-to-back Finals appearances. It all ended with Wong’s maiden QS win and now prepares for the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro.

Luke Tema Claims First-Ever QS Win Over Heavily-Stacked Field

The men’s Final witnessed a clash of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s emerging talents including defending event victor Shion Crawford (HAW), Luke Tema (HAW), Luke Swanson (HAW) facing proven QS veteran Torrey Meister (HAW). Meister unleashed his signature forehand power to post an excellent 8.00 for an early jump on the field before Crawford matched Meister’s power with his own for an 8.75. But, with minimal backups, Tema seized his opportunity to showcase his high-performance capabilities for an 8.35, combined with his 6.50, to overtake the lead with just over five minutes left.

Swanson and Crawford’s last efforts fell short of the requirement and Tema earned his maiden QS chair-up the beach to kickstart the North Shore competitive leg.

“There were so many good guys in the field and it was hard. I had a lot of close heats but I’m stoked to come out on top,” said Tema. “Luke [Swanson] and Shion [Crawford] and Torrey [Meister], they all push me and I’ve been surfing with Luke and Shion forever so it was so cool to share a Final with them. I thought it was done when I got the worst of the first exchange but then that eight came in at the end. I’ll just go into Haleiwa and try to get a win but I’m mainly just so stoked to win this one.”

Tema started his Finals Day surge in the men’s Round of 32 with a decisive win before heading into a stacked Quarterfinal bout featuring the likes of Mason Ho (HAW). But, the 18-year-old, Tema, held firm and advanced behind Meister in their Semifinal clash with Ho and Tahiti’s hard-charging Eimeo Czermak (PYF). Tema now sits at No. 1 on the rankings heading into Haleiwa with another big opportunity ahead.

Pictured: A brilliant showing from Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) earned her a second Finals appearance of the 2024/2025 season. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Runner-ups Shion Crawford and Keala Tomoda-Bannert Gather Momentum

For Tomoda-Bannert, this marks back-to-back Finals in Hawaii QS events as she now gets ready to defend her U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro win beginning November 8. The Kauai, Hawaii competitor set the tone on Finals Day in her Semifinal bout after matching the day’s best single-wave score of a 9.00 and carried that momentum to a big runner-up finish.

“It feels really nice to be in a Final again after it was kind of a tough year. Getting second gives me a lot of confidence to go into next week at the Super Girl,” said Tomoda-Bannert. “It’s exciting to get some good results and the women are doing really well so I have to keep the rhythm going but I’m not putting a lot of pressure on myself to requalify for the Challenger Series. I’ll get to go home and reset which is what I love to do between contests and feel like my confidence is there so I’m happy.”

Pictured: Shion Crawford (HAW) surged through Finals Day once more at Sunset and nearly went back-to-back. Credit: © WSL / Heff

2023 event victor Shion Crawford (HAW) nearly pulled a historic, back-to-back win but fell just short and earned a momentum-building runner-up result. Crawford showcased his forehand power throughout the event, posting multiple excellent numbers and a 9.00 during his Finals Day surge through the Round of 32, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals. The rising threat faced some of Hawaii’s most proven QS contenders including a superheat in the Semifinals featuring multi-event winner Billy Kemper (HAW), 2019 event winner Cody Young (HAW), and eventual third-place finisher Luke Swanson (HAW).

“I wanted to go back-to-back and it feels good to almost do that but I’m stoked to go into Haleiwa and just wanting to do my surfing,” said Crawford. “I’m definitely excited to get back there and hopefully it’ll be firing and hopefully take a win there. It’ll be really fun just to be in my routine and surfing at my home break.”

For the men, QS competitors now set their eyes to Haleiwa for a chance to claim a victory of their own and push toward 2025 Challenger Series qualification.

The women now prepare for the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs QS 3000 beginning November 8 through 10.

The 2024/2025 Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS continues at The Hawaiian Islands HIC Haleiwa Pro beginning November 25 through December 7.

Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Final Results:
1 – Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 14.00
2 – Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 9.90
3 – Kiara Goold (PYF) 7.30
4 – Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 5.25Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Final Results:
1 – Luke Tema (HAW) 14.85
2 – Shion Crawford (HAW) 14.50
3 – Luke Swanson (HAW) 12.30
4 – Torrey Meister (HAW) 10.90Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 16.00 DEF. Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 10.80, Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 6.65, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 6.25
HEAT 2: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 9.45 DEF. Kiara Goold (PYF) 9.00, Nora Liotta (HAW) 7.85, Lucy Jarrard (ASM) 5.45Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Torrey Meister (HAW) 12.45 DEF. Luke Tema (HAW) 12.35, Mason Ho (HAW) 11.90, Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 9.95
HEAT 2: Luke Swanson (HAW) 13.15 DEF. Shion Crawford (HAW) 12.25, Billy Kemper (HAW) 8.90, Cody Young (HAW) 7.45

Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Luke Tema (HAW) 14.40 DEF. Mason Ho (HAW) 11.25, Jae Wood (HAW) 4.15, Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) 4.10
HEAT 2: Torrey Meister (HAW) 11.75 DEF. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 9.85, Rylan Beavers (HAW) 9.35, Kiron Jabour (HAW) 8.20
HEAT 3: Billy Kemper (HAW) 15.80 DEF. Shion Crawford (HAW) 13.85, Koa Smith (HAW) 9.60, MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 6.50
HEAT 4: Luke Swanson (HAW) 12.05 DEF. Cody Young (HAW) 10.40, Mihimana Braye (FRA) 9.00, Oliver Zietz (NLD) 7.10

Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Round of 32 Results:
HEAT 1: Mason Ho (HAW) 13.75 DEF. Kiron Jabour (HAW) 11.90, Kai Lenny (HAW) 11.10, Dylan Franzmann (HAW) 8.65
HEAT 2: Luke Tema (HAW) 13.00 DEF. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 11.95, Kai Martin (HAW) 11.50, Levi Young (HAW) 5.15
HEAT 3: Torrey Meister (HAW) 12.80 DEF. Jae Wood (HAW) 11.35, Kainalu McCormick (USA) 9.65, Marco Rista (HAW) 7.40
HEAT 4: Rylan Beavers (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) 10.65, Benji Brand (HAW) 8.90, Tyler Newton (HAW) 3.20
HEAT 5: MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 10.95 DEF. Luke Swanson (HAW) 9.85, Logan Bediamol (HAW) 9.40, Landon McNamara (HAW) 4.35
HEAT 6: Shion Crawford (HAW) 16.75 DEF. Cody Young (HAW) 13.00, Finn McGill (HAW) 11.60, Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 11.40
HEAT 7: Mihimana Braye (FRA) 15.30 DEF. Koa Smith (HAW) 13.60, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 13.25, Kai Paula (HAW) 11.75
HEAT 8: Oliver Zietz (NLD) 14.00 DEF. Billy Kemper (HAW) 13.00, Turo Ariitu (PYF) 12.05, Kalani Rivero (HAW) 11.15

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…
Finals Day Called ON at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro
Men’s Round of 32 Starts at 8:00 a.m. HST
2024 Event Victors Set to be Crowned
Live Scoring at WorldSurfLeague.com
Pictured front page: Joshua Moniz (HAW) locked into a 9.00 in his 2024 Sunset debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Pictured: Multi-event winner Billy Kemper (HAW) looks for more success starting in the Round of 32, Heat 8. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, November 4, 2024) – Finals Day at the World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 1000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start in continuing solid swell at Sunset Beach. Plenty of 6′ to 8′ waves are still on tap at the famed North Shore reef break, and two event victors will be crowned by day’s end.

Men’s Round of 32 opens up with Day 2 standout Kiron Jabour (HAW) facing North Shore mainstay Mason Ho (HAW), renowned waterman Kai Lenny (HAW), and emerging talent Dylan Franzmann (HAW) in Heat 1.

Also in the Finals Day draw, multi-event winner Billy Kemper (HAW), former Championship Tour (CT) elite Ezekiel Lau (HAW), former event victor Cody Young (HAW), defending event winner Shion Crawford (HAW), and many more look maintain momentum starting in the Round of 32 all the way to the Final.

Women’s Semifinal action follows beginning with two-time Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor Moana Jones Wong (HAW) up against reigning regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), Challenger Series threat Zoe McDougall (HAW), and current No. 2 Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) looking for the top two advancing positions for a Finals appearance.

Then, current No. 1 Kiara Goold (PYF) faces defending event victor Nora Liotta (HAW), Day 2 standout Eweleiula Wong (HAW), and event threat Lucy Jarrard (ASM) in Semifinal, Heat 2.

Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kiara Goold (PYF) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Lucy Jarrard (ASM)

Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kai Lenny (HAW) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW) vs. Mason Ho (HAW) vs. Dylan Franzmann (HAW)
HEAT 2: Eimeo Czermak (PYF) vs. Levi Young (HAW) vs. Luke Tema (HAW) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 3: Kainalu McCormick (USA) vs. Jae Wood (HAW) vs. Torrey Meister (HAW) vs. Marco Rista (HAW)
HEAT 4: Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) vs. Tyler Newton (HAW) vs. Rylan Beavers (HAW) vs. Benji Brand (HAW)
HEAT 5: Landon McNamara (HAW) vs. Luke Swanson (HAW) vs. MaiKai Burdine (HAW) vs. Logan Bediamol (HAW)
HEAT 6: Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Finn McGill (HAW) vs. Cody Young (HAW) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 7: Kai Paula (HAW) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW) vs. Koa Smith (HAW) vs. Mihimana Braye (FRA)
HEAT 8: Turo Ariitu (PYF) vs. Oliver Zietz (NLD) vs. Billy Kemper (HAW) vs. Kalani Rivero (HAW)

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…DAY 1-2

Pictured front page: Joshua Moniz (HAW) locked into a 9.00 in his 2024 Sunset debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Pristine Conditions Provide Iconic Performances to Set Up Finals Day at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro
Kiron Jabour Shakes Up Top Seeds’ Debut with 9.60
Joshua Moniz Joins 9-Point Club to Kickstart North Shore Season
Eweleiula Wong’s Electric Start Goes Near-Perfect at Sunset
Zoe McDougall Digs Deep and Makes Her Statement

Pictured above: Kiron Jabour (HAW) continues to put the event on notice, this time with a near-perfect 9.60 (out of a possible 10). Credit: © WSL / Chlala

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Sunday, November 3, 2024) – A second-consecutive dream day unfolded at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, with pristine Sunset Beach conditions. Six-to-eight foot, offshore winds provided a full day of near-perfection, high-performance showcases, and scattered upsets among top-seeded competitors. Women’s Quarterfinals and men’s Round of 64 bouts finished to set up an epic Finals Day conclusion.

Kiron Jabour Shakes Up Top Seeds’ Debut with 9.60

One of the North Shore’s chargers,Kiron Jabour (HAW), returned to the QS jersey in his Round of 96 debut before finding the event’s highest single-wave score so far of a 9.60 (out of a possible 10). Jabour navigated a heaving Sunset barrel before unloading on his forehand attack and bested top seeded competitors Diego Ferri (HAW) and Nalu Deodato (HAW) alongside Levi Young (HAW), who also advanced.

“I haven’t done a contest in about six years and it’s fun to have that challenge of putting on the jersey and feeling the nerves,” said Jabour. “If I want to do a contest it’s going to be at home and you can’t ask for much else than pumping sunset. I’m stoked to be at home with the family and just getting some heats done.”

Pictured: Joshua Moniz (HAW) locked into a 9.00 in his 2024 Sunset debut. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Joshua Moniz Joins 9-Point Club to Kickstart North Shore Season

No stranger to success on the North Shore, Joshua Moniz (HAW) already has a Pipe QS event title to his name and started off with a 9.00 in the Round of 64 at Sunset. Moniz continued to find his form, posting a day’s best 15.90 (out of a possible 20) heat total to surge toward Finals Day and earn another North Shore staple event to his resume.

“Surfing perfect Sunset is mental. It’s been the best Sunset I’ve seen for a contest in almost six years,” said Moniz. “It’s pretty easy when it’s consistent and big and you’re just on your own mission. You’re really hoping to get the waves that hit the reef well so you can perform.”

Former Sunset QS victor Billy Kemper (HAW) found a 15.00 heat total of his own to storm toward the Round of 32 with a heat win alongside the likes of Hawaii/Tahiti No. 1 Ezekiel Lau (HAW), Kai Paula (HAW), Luke Tema (HAW), Cody Young (HAW), Luke Swanson (HAW), Landon McNamara (HAW), and more looking to etch their name into Sunset Beach history.

“From caddying for Sunny’s [Garcia] last win to some of my wins it’s been such a crazy ride,” said Kemper. “My first pro win was here and caddying for Sunny for his last win here was just as important and as rewarding as me winning. All the mentors out here like Sunny, Kahea [Hart], Pancho [Sullivan], the list goes on. I’m just grateful and I’m stoked to be back in the jersey.”

Eweleiula Wong’s Electric Start Goes Near-Perfect at Sunset

Fresh off her second year among the Challenger Series elite, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) smashed her The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro debut with a near-perfect 9.00 and 14.50 heat total. Wong’s aggressive forehand flowed through a sizeable Sunset wall with power and precision to overtake the Quarterfinal bout. Now, Wong prepares for Finals Day alongside an in-form Lucy Jarrard (ASM), who also advanced, toward earning a maiden win at the iconic reef break.

“The goal is always to win but I just want to surf like myself in bigger conditions and get more used to surfing in this power,” said Wong. “I’m feeling pretty confident. I just finished the Challenger Series season and I didn’t do as well I wanted so I’m hoping to regain some more confidence in the QS events.”

Pictured: Zoe McDougall (HAW) returned to the QS jersey in phenomenal form at Sunset Beach. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Zoe McDougall Digs Deep and Makes Her Statement

Another 2024 Challenger Series contender Zoe McDougall (HAW) returned to home waters of the North Shore and looked right in rhythm with pumping conditions. McDougall’s forehand power notched a 14.50 heat total of her own and surged into Finals Day alongside current No. 2 Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW).

Finals Day is set to commence tomorrow, Monday, November 4 beginning at 8:00 a.m. HST with men’s of Round 32 action to kick off the event’s conclusion.

Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: MoanaJones Wong (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 13.25, Kohai Fierro (PYF) 8.15, Ellie Brown (HAW) 7.55
HEAT 2: Zoe McDougall (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW) 5.15, Skai Suitt (HAW) 4.15, Raquel Heckert (BRA) 3.90
HEAT 3: Kiara Goold (PYF) 9.25 DEF. Nora Liotta (HAW) 8.95, Malia Lima (HAW) 6.85, Brenice Alama (HAW) 0.90
HEAT 4: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Lucy Jarrard (ASM) 13.50, Zoie Zietz (NLD) 6.00, Puamakamae DeSoto (HAW) 4.25Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Round of 64 Results:
HEAT 1: Kai Lenny (HAW) 11.80 DEF. Eimeo Czermak (PYF) 11.65, Robert Grilho (HAW) 6.40, Angel Jardine (CAN) 3.85
HEAT 2: Kiron Jabour (HAW) 13.60 DEF. Levi Young (HAW) 13.25, Nalu Deodato (HAW) 11.40, Diego Ferri (HAW) 8.00
HEAT 3: Luke Tema (HAW) 12.50 DEF. Mason Ho (HAW) 9.75, Makana Franzmann (HAW) 5.70, Zachary Newton (HAW) 5.10
HEAT 4: Kai Martin (HAW) 12.90 DEF. Dylan Franzmann (HAW) 11.15, Ezra Clark (HAW) 8.90, Tama Hannemann (HAW) 6.45
HEAT 5: Kainalu McCormick (USA) 11.60 DEF. Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) 11.15, Shayden Pacarro (HAW) 10.75, Waimea Star (USA) 5.40
HEAT 6: Jae Wood (HAW) 14.25 DEF. Tyler Newton (HAW) 10.00, Brodi Sale (HAW) 10.00, Paumalu Malone (HAW) 8.25
HEAT 7: Rylan Beavers (HAW) 11.95 DEF. Torrey Meister (HAW) 11.65, Philippe Chagas (BRA) 9.00, Cole Alves (HAW) 8.15
HEAT 8: Benji Brand (HAW) 14.00 DEF. Marco Rista (HAW) 11.00, Eli Hanneman (HAW) 6.60, Diesel Storm Butts (HAW) 5.50
HEAT 9: Landon McNamara (HAW) 9.30 DEF. Shion Crawford (HAW) 8.60, Liam Wilson (ASM) 6.60, Given Goodwin (HAW) 6.10
HEAT 10: Luke Swanson (HAW) 12.20 DEF. Finn McGill (HAW) 9.85, Tiger Abubo (HAW) 8.75, Kalanoweo Desoto (HAW) 7.75
HEAT 11: Cody Young (HAW) 14.15 DEF. MaiKai Burdine (HAW) 8.00, Legend Chandler (HAW) 5.90, Taj Newton (HAW) 4.85
HEAT 12: Ezekiel Lau (HAW) 9.60 DEF. Logan Bediamol (HAW) 6.65, Nalu Sheppard (HAW) 6.15, Wyatt Butterbaugh (HAW) 6.00
HEAT 13: Kai Paula (HAW) 14.25 DEF. Turo Ariitu (PYF) 10.75, Jackson Dorian (HAW) 8.75, Kingston Panebianco (USA) 7.75
HEAT 14: Joshua Moniz (HAW) 15.90 DEF. Oliver Zietz (NLD) 12.60, Makai McNamara (HAW) 10.00, Sage Tutterow (HAW)
HEAT 15: Billy Kemper (HAW) 15.00 DEF. Koa Smith (HAW) 12.50, Eala Stewart (HAW) 10.30, Enzo Ackermann (DEU) 4.00
HEAT 16: Kalani Rivero (HAW) 11.90 DEF. Mihimana Braye (FRA) 10.50, Gregg Nakamura (HAW) 2.95, Merrik Mochkatel (HAW) 1.85Women’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Moana Jones Wong (HAW) vs. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW) vs. Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kiara Goold (PYF) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Lucy Jarrard (ASM)Men’s The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kai Lenny (HAW) vs. Kiron Jabour (HAW) vs. Mason Ho (HAW) vs. Dylan Franzmann (HAW)
HEAT 2: Eimeo Czermak (PYF) vs. Levi Young (HAW) vs. Luke Tema (HAW) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 3: Kainalu McCormick (USA) vs. Jae Wood (HAW) vs. Torrey Meister (HAW) vs. Marco Rista (HAW)
HEAT 4: Shiloh Tennberg (HAW) vs. Tyler Newton (HAW) vs. Rylan Beavers (HAW) vs. Benji Brand (HAW)
HEAT 5: Landon McNamara (HAW) vs. Luke Swanson (HAW) vs. MaiKai Burdine (HAW) vs. Logan Bediamol (HAW)
HEAT 6: Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Finn McGill (HAW) vs. Cody Young (HAW) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 7: Kai Paula (HAW) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW) vs. Koa Smith (HAW) vs. Mihimana Braye (FRA)
HEAT 8: Turo Ariitu (PYF) vs. Oliver Zietz (NLD) vs. Billy Kemper (HAW) vs. Kalani Rivero (HAW)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

SUNDAY: Day 2 Called ON at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro
Women’s Quarterfinals Start at 8:00 a.m. HST
Men’s Round of 64 on Schedule
Live Scoring at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Malia Lima (HAW) and the women return to the Sunset arena starting with Quarterfinal action. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Sunday, November 3, 2024) – The North Shore continues to deliver at the World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 1000, and Day 2 has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start. Six-to-eight-foot swell fills into the iconic Sunset Beach lineup with women’s Quarterfinals starting off the action before men’s Round of 64 follows.

Reigning Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) kicks off women’s Quarterfinal action against Tahiti’s Kohai Fierro (PYF), North Shore staple Moana Jones Wong (HAW), and QS newcomer Ellie Brown (HAW).

Also, defending Sunset Pro victor Nora Liotta (HAW), current regional No. 1 Kiara Goold (PYF), 2024 Local Motion Surf Into Summer victor Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW), Challenger Series threat Eweleiula Wong (HAW), and more await their debuts.

Then men’s top-seeded bouts follow with Round of 96 Kai Lenny (HAW) taking on Robert Grilho III (HAW), Eimeo Czermak (PYF) and Angel Jardine (PER) in the Round of 64, Heat 1.

Plus, 2024 Championship Tour (CT) rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW) joins the lineup alongside current regional No. 1, and former CT elite, Ezekiel Lau (HAW), defending event victor Shion Crawford (HAW), North Shore’s renowned Mason Ho (HAW), multiple Sunset Pro QS winner Billy Kemper (HAW), Joshua Moniz (HAW), and more in their debuts.

The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro event window opens October 28 through November 4, 2024. Event organizers will run on the best three days during the window.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

North Shore Delivers Pumping Conditions for The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro Start

The QS1000 Regional Qualifier scored insane conditions with a solid 5-8 (a few 10′ bombs) NW-NNW (chance of some 10′ Sunday too); East Trades moderate to fresh offshores all day Saturday-more of the same for Sunday. SNN

Near-Perfection for Kingston Panebianco and Koa Smith
Lucy Jarrard Tackles Macking Sunset Beach in Debut
Moana Jones Wong Starts Strong for Quarterfinal Appearance

Pictured: Sunset Beach asked the questions and contenders such as Turo Ariitu (PYF) answered its call. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Saturday, November 2, 2024) – The famed Sunset Beach came to life for opening day of the World Surf League (WSL) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1000, and provided a spectacle of power surfing. A solid eight-foot, WNW swell at one of the North Shore’s most iconic waves put contenders to the test. Women’s Round of 24 and men’s Round of 96 were finished in their entirety with excellent showcases, early shake ups, and sets the stage for top seeds to make their debuts.

Pictured: Koa Smith (HAW) in his comfort zone with pumping Sunset Beach conditions. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Near-Perfection for Kingston Panebianco and Koa Smith

The men followed women’s performances and elevated the scale with excellent scores and near-perfection unraveled courtesy of Kingston Panebianco (HAW) and Koa Smith (HAW) in their respective heats.

One of the North Shore’s mainstays, Smith, went to work on his backhand attack to push the day’s highest heat total of a 15.50 (out of a possible 20) heat total – including a 9.00 (out of a possible 10). Smith is no stranger to waves of consequence and felt right at home in the pumping Sunset conditions as he now looks to take on top-seeded competitors in the Round of 64.

“Sunset is absolutely pumping and I got gifted a set and my mindset is super simple out here,” said Smith. “You just have to get the wave and go as vertical as possible and that paid off. That 9.00 was a perfect wave. I thought it might drain on the takeoff but with Sunset you can’t just look for the barrels and get the turns in, but if the lip comes over you head you know you’re getting barreled.”

Pictured: Emerging talent Kingston Panebiancon (HAW) wasted no time enjoying the fruits of Sunset Beach. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Panebianco tipped the scale in his debut with a 9.25 and 15.25 heat total after finding a Sunset gem that allowed him to open up on his forehand. The rising talent, Panebianco showed he’s ready for what Sunset Beach has to offer as he looks to build his resume in the QS jersey.

“Right when it came in I knew that 9.25 was a good one. I saw it coming in and it just lined up perfectly,” said Panebianco. “It had three big sections and it was really fun out there. It’s as good as Sunset gets I think with barrels and just everything so I’m stoked.”

Some of Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s threats including world-renowned waterman Kai Lenny (HAW), No. 2 Oliver Zeitz (NDL), Luke Tema (HAW), Legend Chandler (HAW), Merrik Mochkatel (HAW), Benji Brand (HAW), and more all earned brilliant debut wins and now prepare for the Round of 64.

Pictured: Lucy Jarrard (HAW) threw herself into hefty Sunset gems for a 12.50 heat total. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Lucy Jarrard Tackles Macking Sunset Beach in Debut

The women took over Sunset Beach to start competition and held their own with Lucy Jarrard (HAW) accruing a 12.50 heat total to kickoff her campaign. Jarrard’s forehand attack matched the power Sunset had to offer and pushed the scale early. Now, she prepares for the Quarterfinals featuring the women’s top seeds.

“It feels really good to do well in that first heat. It’s fun but there’s also really big sets that will smash you,” said Jarrard. “I got crushed a couple times but it was still fun. I was just trying to find a good lineup and follow the game plan with my coach. It worked so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Pictured: North Shore charger Moana Jones Wong (HAW) earned her Sunset stripes. Credit: © WSL / Heff

Moana Jones Wong Starts Strong for Quarterfinal Appearance

Two-time Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS Regional victor, and former Championship Tour (CT) Pipe Pro victor, Moana Jones Wong (HAW) was right at home in North Shore’s heavy waters. Jones Wong’s backhand attack was more than enough to take down an early heat win as the proven wave of consequence competitor looks for more when competition resumes.

“It’s super intense because there’s water moving and being first heat of the day is really stressful. The sun is glaring up above the mountains where the lineups are,” said Wong. “You’re out there trying to read the wave and let a couple sets come by to let you know where you need to be. It’s really cool with everyone one the bike path cheering us on and when you surf Sunset you want to surf the real deal.”

Also, Raquel Heckert (BRA) and Malia Lima (HAW) earned Round of 24 victories and head into the Quarterfinals.

Competition is confirmed to resume tomorrow Sunday, November 3 at 8:00 a.m. HST, and will conclude with Finals Day on Monday November 4. Today’s WNW swell and favorable winds are projected to continue delivering solid surf for Sunset through Sunday.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

DAY ONE IS ON: Starting with Women…

Opening Day Called ON at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro

Women’s Round of 24 Starts at 8:00 a.m. HST
Men’s Round of 96 on Schedule
Live Scoring at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: The wait is over and The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro is set for opening day action. Credit: © WSL / Thomas

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Saturday, November 2, 2024) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 1000, has been called ON for an 8:00 a.m. HST start. Eight-foot, occasional plus, swell pulses into Sunset Beach’s famed reef to start competition beginning with women’s Round of 24 followed by men’s Round of 96.

“We’re excited to kick off Day 1 of The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro in solid eight-foot and bigger surf,” said Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Tour Manager Marty Thomas. “The WNW swell filled in overnight and from a great direction with clean, offshore winds. It’s going to be a great day of competition starting with the women before going directly into men’s action.”

The women will take over Sunset Beach to start competition with two-time Hawaii/Tahiti Nui QS victor Moana Jones Wong (HAW) facing Skai Suitt (HAW), Kiki Oshiro-Kaneshiro (HAW), and Melanie Bartels (HAW) in the Round of 24, Heat 1.

Sunset Beach’s own Chesney Guinette (HAW), recent Challenger Series wildcard standout Noah Klapp (DEU), Malia Lima (HAW), and more also make their Round of 24 debuts.

Maui, Hawaii duo Levi Young (HAW) and Kai Lenny (HAW) will take on Justin Roberson (HAW) and Todd Coffey (HAW) to kickstart men’s Round of 96, Heat 1.

Current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 2 Oliver Zeitz (HAW), QS veteran Torrey Meister (HAW), North Shore standout Koa Rothman (HAW), emerging talent Luke Tema (HAW), aerial threat Noah Beschen (HAW) and more await their Round of 96 debuts.

The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro event window opens October 28 through November 4, 2024. Event organizers will run on the best three days during the window.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
The North swell was downgraded as the storm sent most of its energy to our east. Looks promising for this weekend. Friday gets a long 20 sec NW to NNW rising esp. late in the day… and all weekend will be 5-8′ maybe 10′ at Sunset since it jacks long periods so well. SNN

Competition Called OFF for the Day at The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro

Next Call, Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 a.m. HST

Pictured: Event organizers and competitors await Sunset Beach to come to life for opening day of The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Monday, October 28, 2024) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 1000, has been called OFF for Monday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 29. Event organizers continue to track the forecast for a promising NW swell on the horizon for Oahu’s famed North Shore.

“The swell we were looking at to begin the event on opening day today didn’t fill in the way we were hoping so we’ve called competition off for today and tomorrow,” said Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Tour Manager Marty Thomas. “We already had our eyes on the impending swell that looks favorable for later this week and hopefully it continues to track well. We’ll provide another update Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 a.m. HST.”

Once competition gets underway, the likes of defending event victor Nora Liotta (HAW) will take to the to water alongside current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Kiara Goold (PYF), rising regional threat Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW), perennial Challenger Series contenders Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and Zoe McDougall (HAW), reigning Hawaii/Tahiti QS Regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), North Shore staple Moana Jones Wong (HAW), and more.

For the men, an also heavily-stacked draw includes defending event winner Shion Crawford (HAW), 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW), who looks to rejoin the world’s best, current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1, and former CT veteran, Ezekiel Lau (HAW), 2024 Challenger Series contender Mihimana Braye (FRA), rising regional threats Brodi Sale (HAW), Noah Beschen (HAW), and QS veterans Joshua Moniz (HAW), Finn McGill (HAW), and North Shore staple Mason Ho (HAW) among many more.

The next call will be made at 7:00 a.m. HST, Wednesday, October 30, for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start to competition.

The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro event window opens October 28 through November 4, 2024. Event organizers will run on the best three days during the window.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW….

NEXT CALL WEDNESDAY. The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro QS 1000

Shion Crawford and Nora Liotta Return to Defend Event Titles
Event Organizers Watching for Potential Start Monday, October 28

Pictured: A favorable swell could provide potential for opening day of competition to get underway Monday, October 28 at Sunset Beach. Credit: © WSL / Heff

SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii (Friday, October 25, 2024) – The World Surf League (WSL) Hawaii/Tahiti Nui Qualifying Series (QS) The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro, a men’s and women’s QS 1,000 event competition window opens Monday, October 28 and event organizers are keeping a close eye on the opening day forecast. Hawaii/Tahiti Nui’s contenders return to the arena of Sunset Beach’s famed lineup to get their QS season back in the water.

Nora Liotta and Shion Crawford Return to Defend Event Titles

2023 marked maiden QS wins for both Nora Liotta (HAW) and Shion Crawford (HAW) at this event that helped secure their place among the 2024 Challenger Series. Now, Liotta returns to her regional QS season, following her best Challenger Series showing at the final event in Brazil, currently ranked No. 9 after two events of her 2024/2025 campaign. The 20-year-old powered her way atop the podium at Sunset Beach last year which jumpstarted her year before finishing runner-up at the U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro.

“It’s really exciting going into this event. I have a little more confidence being at an event closer to home and doing well there last year,” said Liotta. “I need some good results now to requalify for the Challenger Series next year so I’m happy it’s at a break I’m familiar with. And then the Super Girl as well. It’s a big change going from Sunset to Jacksonville but I love both places.”

Liotta will square off with the likes of current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1 Kiara Goold (PYF), rising regional threat Vaihitimahana Inso (HAW), perennial Challenger Series contenders Eweleiula Wong (HAW) and Zoe McDougall (HAW), reigning Hawaii/Tahiti QS Regional victor Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW), North Shore staple Moana Jones Wong (HAW), and more.

Crawford showcased some of his potential throughout the 2024 Challenger Series, including a massive air-reverse at Saquarema, and now looks to continue his momentum back in home waters. The North Shore competitor, Crawford, earned his first wildcard on the Championship Tour (CT) in 2024 at the Lexus Pipe Pro and now looks to return to the Challenger Series for his chance at joining the world’s best full-time in 2026.

“I’m super excited and I’m just going to go out there, have some fun and see where it goes,” said Crawford. “I’m just going into this event wanting to win. I feel like I haven’t won in awhile, going back to last year, so I want to get that winning feeling again. I love Sunset. I love the push and I just love to push super hard and try to get big scores. A lot of people inspired me this year like Kade [Matson], Jackson [Bunch], Jett [Schilling], and Kai [Martin]. I had a great time traveling with them and we all push each other.”

Crawford will take on contenders such as 2024 CT rookie Eli Hanneman (HAW), who looks to rejoin the world’s best, current Hawaii/Tahiti Nui No. 1, and former CT veteran, Ezekiel Lau (HAW), 2024 Challenger Series contender Mihimana Braye (FRA), rising regional threats Brodi Sale (HAW), Noah Beschen (HAW), and QS veterans Joshua Moniz (HAW), Finn McGill (HAW), and North Shore staple Mason Ho (HAW) among many more.

A promising swell trend continues to show as the winter season approaches the North Shore. Event organizers are following a potential swell to kick off competition on the opening day of the window, Monday, October 28.

The first call will be made at 7:00 a.m. HST Wednesday for a possible 8:00 a.m. HST start to competition.

The Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro event window opens October 28 through November 4, 2024. Event organizers will run on the best three days during the window.

For more information, please visit www.WorldSurfLeague.com.