Ian Walsh’s 14th Annual Menehune Mayhem Is Near

Ho’okipa Beach. All Images by Nick Ricca.

On April 8th, hundreds of groms will descend upon Ho’okipa Beach Park for the 14th annual Menehune Mayhem hosted by Ian Walsh. The Menehune Mayhem is a non profit event that brings the community together for a day of fun with food and friends. There’s something for everyone, from live music and jumping castles, to arts and crafts and a water trampoline. That includes the actual surf contest, as well. The contest has helped hone the skills of up and coming Maui surfers, to prepare them for success on a larger scale.

The infamous water trampoline.

The contest is for ages 17 and under, and places an emphasis on surfers excelling in and out of the water. From the website, “the Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation seeks to support activities and events that encourage the youth of Maui: to maximize their potential in surfing, fitness, and healthy living; to cultivate their talents in communication through the arts; to care for and champion the natural environment of their island home to value the importance of academic achievement.”

Start ’em young.

From the Menehune Mayhem’s blog, Ian said, “This event means a lot to me because the Maui community has given me so much as a professional surfer. I grew up surfing these coastlines and it is a great feeling to give the Maui youth an event to look forward to. It is a free event and every competitor walks away with a huge backpack of prizes no matter what place they finish in. It’s a fun day for the whole community to come and share the love of surfing as a Maui ʻohana.”

Ian handing out an award.

For more information, visit www.menehunemayhem.org.