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Kelia Moniz
About Kelia Moniz - OUTRIGGER Surfers in Residence
Two-time longboard champ Kelia Moniz has been hitting the waves for almost as long as she's been able to walk. And with a humble confidence and cool playfulness, she's become a local icon off of the water, too. As part of our Surfer in Residence series, we're highlighting some of our favorite Kelia moments (hint: all of them!).
All in the Family
Raised on the shores of Waikiki, Kelia and her four brothers (who she affectionately and protectively calls her "boys") were all in the ocean before they learned to walk. From homeschooling to nonstop surfing (and a brief stint as a cheerleader), Kelia loved every minute of growing up on Waikiki Beach. "I'm so proud to be from Waikiki. I'm so proud to be a surfer, to be part of my family, and to be on my mom's talk show today (I'm calling it her talk show cuz I think it's funny)," Kelia says with a laugh in her latest Surfers in Residence interview. Kelia's pro-surfer dad Tony and surf-culture icon mom Tammy (who spearheads our Surfers in Residence interviews with the who's-who of the surf set) are founders of the Faith Surf School. "We'd get to the beach around 7 AM, set up our pop-up tent. My mom would teach us school under the tent on the beach in Waikiki. My dad would do surf lessons, and now we have a wonderful location at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach—and we're all professional surfers so it worked out really well," Kelia shared with her mom in their prior Surfers in Residence chat.
"Sister" Style
Known for her grace and agility on the longboard and some killer cross-stepping-to-the-nose moves, Kelia is renowned as much for her beauty and style off the board as she is on. She was first sponsored by Billabong and then later, by Roxy. "[Becoming a Roxy Girl] was a dream of mine since I was a little girl," says Kelia. "I've gained my best friends from the brand. Literally traveled the world, and not only surfed—but gained a family." "I'm just proud to be part of a brand the supports females—even before it was a trend," she shares.
Coconut Mojitos and Kalua Nachos
One of Kelia's favorite non-surf spots? Duke's at OUTRIGGER Waikiki. "I eat there probably four times a week," she says. "And I'm not a tourist, I'm obviously a local. I love the hospitality there ... you kind of have this feel of real authentic Hawaii there, and the employees make you feel at home. And we have staycations [at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort] all the time. We love it."
Her menu faves go beyond the iconic Hula Pie:
- Duke's Mai Tai: "Duke's are the best."
- Duke's Coconut Mojito: Blended "minty-coconutty milkshake" goodness.
- Duke's Salad Bar: "Hands-down best Salad Bar ever."
- Kalua Pork Nachos: "It's divine."
Surfing's Biggest Lesson
With the rising popularity of surf—and the exciting recent Olympics win—Hawaii is only growing as a hotspot surfing destination, especially for new surfers. And Kelia has some wave-inspired wisdom to share. "The most important thing is to be humble," Kelia shares. "And to talk to the locals." When her mom asks her what is the most valuable thing she's learned from surfing, Kelia shows her love and honor for the sport that has become her life. "One major thing I've learned, and I think this goes across the board for life generally, is having respect for people around you, but also having respect for people older than you ...," she says. "It goes really far when you have this posture of respect, not for something like for a wave or for money or for things—but having just a humble approach to anything, any room you enter in life. It is very beneficial, and I think that is something I've learned from the ocean that I've taken into my professional life." Hang Ten in the Heart of Waikiki Yourself! Follow in Kelia's in-the-know footsteps and come hang with us at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort to surf (and shop) like a local, enjoy authentic food, and check out new surf-art culture with the latest exhibits from award-winning artist Eduardo Bolioli and a new permanent art experience, ‘Love & Aloha: Surfing in Waikīkī.
OUTRIGGER's Surfers in Residence
Together, the cousins dominated the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour. But before they were professional surfers, the pair could be seen catching waves on the iconic shores outside OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – and they still are!
Born and raised in Waikiki, Kai started surfing at 10 years old with the world-famous Beach Boys. Today, Kai is growing his own team of Waikiki surfers that took the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour by storm.
Meet extraordinary surf photographer Brown Cannon on the latest episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. Brown recently released NORTH, an epic book celebrating the courageous watermen and women on Oahu’s North Shore.
Meet Josh Bogle and his pup Maya the Cruiser on this episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. Hear Josh’s inspiring journey to becoming a waterman and adaptive surfer, charging waves with his tandem partner Maya.
James Pamplin and his Staffordshire bull terrier Church join us for a special episode of the Surfers in Residence podcast. The duo represented Maui in this year’s Going to the Dogs Surfur Competition at the Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Festival, where they placed second.
Laura Blears gained world-wide fame in the 1970s as an ambassador of surfing and an advocate for female athletes. In 1973, she became the first woman to compete in the Smirnoff World Pro-Am Surfing Championships and is often considered the first professional female surfer.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Fred is a world champion surfer who carved the way for the World Surf League and eventually became a local senator.
Born in Uruguay in the 1960s, Eduardo Bolioli grew up around the world. He learned to skateboard in Switzerland, started to surf in South America, and attended art school in New York City. How’d he end up painting surfboards in Hawaii?
Nique Miller shares how she went from cross country runner to professional surfer on this episode of Surfers in Residence. Finding inspiration from the legends of Waikiki and tapping into her impressive athletic background, she’s making waves in the competitive surf world.
Just fifty-feet from his seat, is where Randy Rarick rode his first wave at 10 years old. From the shores of Waikiki to Oahu's North Shore and around the world, Randy has surfed epic breaks most people only dream of.
Listen to big-wave surfer Mark Mathews as he shares his story of overcoming fear, recovering from injury, and using the lessons he learned to inspire others.
Travis and Alex Smith professional surf and now run a thriving business together with brother Koa.
Local lifeguard turned “Super Bowl of Surfing” champion beating the best surfers in the world.
With nearly every major surf record, Kelly Slater is a legend both on and off the waves.
This two-time longboard champ has surfed for almost as long as she's been able to walk.
Every generation seems to have one surfing star who makes the crossover to Hollywood.
When it comes to Hawaiian culture, Duane embodies some of the most beautiful tenets.
The first woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in surfing got her start on Waikiki Beach.
Icon and surf trailblazer, Shane is a legend for the sport, culture and the next generation.
Hear from two surf legends and how they both got their start in surfing on Waikiki Beach.
Having won 15 championship titles in bodysurfing, Mark isn't your average retiree.
Alessa Holloway started surfing at three years old, entered her first contest at 10, and was sponsored by the time she was 11. But surfing is more than a sport for the professional athlete; it’s a lifestyle.
Honoring the life and legacy of Ben Aipa.
