Maluhia Kinimaka. Photo: Bryce Johnson
Maluhia Kinimaka is going to Stanford.
Let that sink in for a minute. The prestigious northern California university is one of the top schools in the nation. This year, Stanford had the lowest acceptance rate in the university’s history at a mere 5%.
In the fall, Maluhia will become a Cardinal along with the other freshmen of the Class of 2018, but no doubt, she will stand out from the rest.
Born and raised on Kauai, Maluhia will be the only student from the small island in her class. The daughter of big wave Hawaiian legend, Titus Kinimaka, Maluhia comes from one of surfing’s royal families. Growing up with a tight knit family, Maluhia and her sister Mainei quickly developed a close bond with the ocean mirroring that of their parents. Surfing became an integral part of her life growing up.
As her surfing ability progressed, she began to pursue the sport competitively. Over the years, Maluhia enjoyed competitive success in the junior ranks. Like many aspiring junior surfers, Maluhia competed in regional events in Hawaii. She distinguished herself by earning a spot on the Hawaiian Junior National Team and securing a sponsorship with Roxy. However, unlike most junior surfers, Maluhia excelled outside the water as well, in a place not usually associated with surfing: the classroom. Alongside surfing and competing, Maluhia challenged herself with a difficult class load throughout her years of schooling. This fall her hard work paid off with an acceptance to Stanford. I caught up with Maluhia to get some of her thoughts on surfing, school, and breaking the mold.
What was it like growing up in a surfing family?
In Hawaiian culture, family holds the highest value. Thus it has always been a central part of my life. My parents never did anything without my sister and I tagging along with them. I believe that because of this, we have developed a closeness to the things our parents loved to do: surfing, swimming, being active. It came naturally to me because they loved it, and therefore I grew up loving it as well. We surf first for happiness, and second for competition. I always believed that if you’re doing something because it makes you happy, success will follow naturally.
Maluhia and her sister, Mainei. Photo: Bryce Johnson
How has surfing shaped you as person?
When you’re raised with it as a means of being connected to family or friends it becomes a lifestyle. I believe my experiences in surfing have molded who I am today. For one, I was able to travel to foreign places while competing. This taught me cultural variety and open-mindedness that results from exposure to the unknown. But most importantly, surfing has helped me develop awareness for our planet and natural conservation. When you are constantly immersed in nature, you want to preserve it as if it were part of your own body because it becomes a part of you. Without surfing, I wouldn’t have the unique perspective on life that I have today.
How did education become a serious priority for you?
In middle and high school I enrolled in as many honors and AP classes as I could simply because they had good instructors and I found the coursework interesting. I never chose my classes with the intent to pursue an education at Stanford. I chose them because I liked learning.
When did you decide to pursue a college education?
I always had a passion for learning, but I decisively decided to pursue a higher education around the middle of 11th grade. To be perfectly honest, I was highly doubtful I would be admitted, but a nagging intuition made me apply anyway. I don’t believe a lot of students from Kauai apply to Stanford because it seems out of reach. I have never been one to put limits on myself before attempting a challenge so that may explain why I applied, as well.
What do you plan to study at Stanford?
I plan to study engineering because my favorite subjects thus far have been higher-level math and physics. I want to become an aerospace engineer because I have always been fascinated with rockets, aircraft, and more recently, drones. I am aware that this will be a demanding major but I have faith that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Do you have any dreams you hope to put in to action in the future?
I want to use my education to benefit the community on Kauai that gave me a safe environment to grow up in. After school, I hope to move home in order to make a positive impact there.
Any words of inspiration for other surfer scholars out there?
To all the young surfing athletes who would like to pursue a higher education, go for it. Going to school doesn’t mean giving up surfing, there is plenty of time for both. I would also like to encourage the completion of High School because I know many competitive surfers sacrifice education in order to advance their surfing careers. Carissa Moore and Ezekiel Lau are two examples of successful professional surfers who completed high school educations at elite schools and are now among the best in the world. My final advice is never to limit yourself. Anything conceivable can be achievable.
Photo: Bryce Johnson
Who have been the key figures in your life? Anyone you would like to thank?
My parents, my sister, my friends, and my boyfriend of two years have been my main support group through school and surfing. However, my entire family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) has always supported me through everything. I would like to thank my amazing math teacher Mrs. Bailey and also my physics teacher Mr. Cox for inspiring and intriguing me. I would also like to thank the organizations who awarded me scholarships to pay for the remainder of my tuition this year. I owe a great debt of gratitude to The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, The Hawaii Rotary Club, The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, The Kauai Board of Realtors, The Masonic Lodge in Kauai, The Hawaii Community Foundation, and finally The Kamehameha Schools Scholars Program. In addition, I want to thank my sponsors for supporting my surfing endeavours: Roxy clothing, Ransom Surf Wax, Boardstix paint pens, Tonic Hair Care, Schaper Surfboards, Stance Socks and The Pineapple Hut jewelry.
