Rilynn Williams and other young surfers smile for photos with pro surfer professional surfer Ian Walsh after Williams won the division for girls from 6 to 7 years old at the 2026 Menehune Mayhem on Saturday and Sunday at Hookipa Beach Park

Menehune Mayhem returned to Hoʻokipa on May 16-17th, bringing joy to Maui’s youth through community events and competition.

First established in 2003, the event was created by Maui-born professional surfer Ian Walsh after he recognized a lack of surfing competitions for local youth. Walsh aimed to build an event that reflected what he would have wanted growing up as an island kid spending much of his time in the ocean.

Hundreds of Maui youth not only participated in the surfing portion of the free event, but took part in its creative component. Walsh’s mother, a fourth-grade teacher and art instructor, wanted to emphasize the importance of academic achievement and environmental stewardship, along with creative expression through art.

A separate art event is held at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, where art supplies are provided and participants submit entries for review by a panel of judges. In the weeks that follow, judges select a winning design, which is then featured on a T-shirt included in participants’ goodie bags at the surfing event.

Historically, the art portion takes place in April, with the surfing competition in May.

“They all do these incredible artworks, and we have them displayed for a couple weeks at the hui,” said Walsh. “We promote prizes for each elementary and middle school student — the T-shirt that was voted on and created by a student to then wear around school, the island community and at the event.”

Participants ages 1-15 were welcome to take part in each event throughout Menehune Mayhem. Those who are outside of this age range and have completed high school may be eligible to apply for a scholarship through the Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation, established in 2018.

The foundation provides Maui students with college scholarship opportunities in support of furthering their education, reflecting the emphasis Walsh and his mother have placed on both academics and athletics.

Throughout the weekend, there were no skill-level requirements for participation. Divisions included age groups of 5-and-under, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15, separated into boys and girls divisions.

Online registration, which happens in April, was the only way to participate, and interest was high with more than 400 signups in the first hour of registration. Participants are encouraged to sign up for notifications at menehunemayhem.org to help secure a spot.

“The 5U division is basically an introduction to competitive surfing and this event, some even learning to surf,” said Walsh. “That division is 100-plus kids, all receiving participation trophies. Judges start from the 6-7, all the way up to the 14-15 boys and girls divisions — lately coming up with four finalists and winners. We ran basically 10 hours Saturday and Sunday, nonstop surfing happening all day and the heats were tight. ”

Rilynn Williams, winner of the 6-7 girls division, was among the highlights of this year’s event, earning one of the highest heat scores of the competition.

“She surfed incredibly, with two excellent rides totalling up to an 18.94 out of 20,” said Walsh.

In the 14-15 boys division, Matias Banto won in the final minutes of his heat, earning an 8.17 to take the win and secure the championship.

Walsh said it takes a lot of composure knowing you need to deliver a specific score with a minute remaining. “Understanding the situation when it mattered most and then coming through with that ability, that’s what Matias executed. That is really special.”

Matias Banto won the boys 14-15 division at the 2026 Menehune Mayhem. Photo courtesy Olivia Jenkins

Throughout the weekend, more than 450 youth participated on the sand and in the water. Organizers credit the growth of Menehune Mayhem to strong community support, as participants often bring friends and family to the event. The presence of supporters on the beach, including those watching friends and family compete, has contributed to increased participation in recent years.

“Something we learned is that when kids come with others, they see how fun it is for their peers to do the surf part of the event and the next year they take part in both,” said Walsh. “At the moment, we want to continue elevating the event and amplify the scholarship program as much as we can for the future.”

He added that the event has come to reflect the energy youth athletes share out on the water. Grateful for their donors, sponsors, the Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem team, the athletes, and most importantly the volunteers to make this event happen.