Kaniela Stewart: the style master. Photo: Tommy Pierucki
Kaniela Stewart is a Hawaii boy through and through. Born and raised in Waikiki, Stewart spent every day of his childhood on the sand.
“I grew up right on the beach in Waikiki,” says Stewart. “My mom taught surf lessons, my dad took tourists out on the canoe, and my grandma used to live a couple of blocks from the beach, so we were there all the time. Being on the water is a huge part of my family.”
Stewart grew up watching his older brother and sister surf. They were around the same age as the Moniz family and Zeke Lau, so he had the privilege of watching and learning from a talented pool of surfers. When Stewart was five or six, his dad took him out surfing and he began regularly paddling out with his family and friends.
When he was nine, he started competing in local T&C contests. At first, he’d enter every event possible: shortboard, longboard, and bodyboard. But when the contest changed it rules, allowing competitors to only enter one division, Stewart decided to focus on longboarding.
“Growing up, I’d watch Kai Sallas and all these guys surf a longboard and move it so gracefully and so controlled — it amazed me,” says Stewart. “When those guys would paddle out to Queens I would just sit there and watch them surf. I love longboarding because I love using the whole length of board to do tricks and maneuvers.”
When he was 13, Stewart entered his first pro contest and paddled out with the legends he’d grown up watching and learning from. He was proud to be at a level where he was able to compete and grow alongside his heroes.
In 2019, Stewart displayed his potential as a title contender when he beat two-time world champ Joel Tudor at the New York Longboard classic. Stewart recalls the win as a both an exciting and educational experience.
“To surf a heat with him was so inspiring and so much fun,” says Stewart. “I was just learning from him — he’s got more knowledge than I do so I just tried to soak up every little thing that he said or taught me and use it to my advantage. I was lucky enough to get the better of some of the exchanges, so I ended up on top.”
Growing up on the south shore of Oahu, Stewart has had the opportunity to surf some incredible waves. His home break is Queens, but when the swell direction is right, he enjoys paddling out at Ala Moana Bowls and Threes. During the winter, he spends a lot of time on the North Shore, surfing Chuns, Lanis, Pipeline, Rocky’s, and V-Land. Stewart credits the combination of waves for making him a solid all-around surfer.
For the Stewarts, surfing is a family affair and the 21-year-old is lucky enough to surf and travel alongside his cousin, Kelis Kaleopaa, who is also a competitor on the world longboard tour.
“Kelis and I are so close,” says Stewart. “We grew up with each other. To be traveling together, competing on the tour, and supporting each other is so amazing — I’m so lucky to have her on tour with me and in my life.”
When Stewart isn’t surfing, he works as a captain on a catamaran in Waikiki where he takes tourists out snorkeling and sailing. Within the next few years, he hopes to purchase his own cat and start his own business.
As far as surfing goes, Stewart has big plans. Currently sitting in the world number three position, Stewart has his sights set on winning the world title. He’s proud to represent Hawaii through his surfing and hopes to bring home a win for his family and his home. As far as what the future holds for the young Hawaiian, only one thing is certain: you’ll always find him at the beach.
