RIDING THE WAVES
Sharing their love of the water and each other with grace and aloha spirit, the generations of the Moniz family are inspiring, prize-winning ambassadors for the home of modern surfing.
Never far from the beach he loved, the spirit of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku lives on in Waikiki. A 9-foot bronze sculpture honours the Hawaiian Olympic champion and father of modern surfing, who passed away in 1968 at the age of 77. Visitors leave fragrant floral wreaths around his neck in tribute to his memory.
Nearby, the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort sits on the original home of Outrigger Canoe Club, where Duke was a member. Faith Surf School can be found there. Founded by Tony Moniz more than 20 years ago, the school offers lessons in surfing and its etiquette, stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoe surfing. When guests take a lesson there, they get to play in the waters where modern surfing was born.
You won’t find better teachers: the Moniz family tree is full of world’sbest talent. Tony is a former international champion surfer, while his wife Tammy and five children are all top surfers with scores of titles and accolades between them. Daughter Kelia is a two-time world longboard champion and son Seth is currently on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, narrowly missing a win against Kelly Slater in this year’s Billabong Pro Pipeline in Hawaii.
Spend any amount of time with Tony, Tammy, their genetically blessed offspring and numerous grandkids,
and you’ll also come away with lessons on the value of family, faith and respecting the environment.
“The Moniz family grew up surfing in Waikiki and their love for the place exudes in all that they do,” says Monica Salter, VP of Global Communications & Social Responsibility for Outrigger Hospitality Group.
“They authentically care about being good stewards of Waikiki, care for their employees and care for the guests who come to ride the waves. Outrigger is grateful to have the Moniz family as a long-time partner at the resort.”
Matriarch Tammy Moniz has built a loyal Instagram following of more than 38,000 fans by sharing her regular updates from the beach in Waikiki and candid family snaps.
Followers from all over the world tune in for a dose of aloha as Tammy shares insights on everything from caring for a big family to the fitness
“WE ARE SO PROUD OF THE LEGACY DUKE KAHANAMOKU LEFT US.”
benefits of hula dancing and her inspirational attitude of gratitude. Tammy says that when someone comes to the school feeling fearful and apprehensive, she slowly works with them until they can stand on the board. “It could be a 73-year-old local grandma who always dreamed of surfing, finally bought herself a lesson, and then comes back at least 10 times,” she says. “She’ll then order her own board, buy a new car that she could put a surf rack on top, and change her licence plate to ‘Surfette’.”
Now a grandmother herself, watching the youngest members of her tribe paddle out on the waves her own mother introduced her to, Tammy says it makes her heart overflow to feel the beauty of passing down the love of surfing.
“Our passion is surfing and we are so proud of the legacy that Duke Kahanamoku left us,” she says. “We really work hard to continue to share aloha to others. We hope to pass along the happiness, freedom and joy we feel when we ride on the gently rolling Waikiki waves.”