‘I made it’: Kalani senior dedicates state bodyboard title to late father

Sports admin May 14, 2026 0 Comments

‘I made it’: Kalani senior dedicates state bodyboard title to late father

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ho‘okipa Beach on Maui’s North shore will forever be a special place for Kaipo‘i Koa.

The Kalani High School senior etched her name into the record books by winning the girls bodyboard division at the first-ever HHSAA Surfing Championships.

“I’m honored to represent my school, the school that I go to, Kalani High School, my parents, my mom, my dad,” Koa said. “I dedicated it to them, my number-one supporters that’s been there since the day I was born.”

Koa dedicated this win and her entire season to her late father, Joe, who was killed in 2024 after his moped was broadsided by a car on Kapiolani Boulevard.

Koa scored her highest wave scores of the weekend in the championship heat, knowing her dad was with her in the ocean.

“A special moment for sure knowing that he got the best seat, the best view to watch,” Koa said. “It’s just a crazy feeling.”

It’s been a difficult two years for the family with Koa, who also plays flag football, completely out of sports last season.

However, she decided to return to compete in surfing this year.

“This turned our world upside down,” Koa’s mom, Kawena Garcia, said. “This shouldn’t have happened, we’re so sad and devastated with so many things working against us all this last couple of years and I’m really glad Kaipo‘i kept strong and she’s a motivation to all of us, to me.”

Now about to graduate from Kalani, Koa is set to join the IBC bodyboarding world tour.

She’s also speaking up about safe driving as the entire Koa ohana carries on Joe’s legacy.

“I wanted to use this platform to spread awareness,” Koa said. “Just drive safely, just keep your eyes open.”

“We want everybody to get home to their families,” Garcia added. “We really don’t want anybody to experience this type of loss. It’s really, really heartbreaking.”

The oldest of five siblings, Koa hopes that her story can be one of resilience as she moves through rough waters.

“Look at me now,” Koa said. “I’ve been through a lot. It’s been a crazy ride, but through all the hardships and all the obstacles, I made it. I made it.”