Abraham ‘Snake’ Ah Hee honored with Pioneers of Surfing award
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Leilani’s On the Beach recognized Abraham "Snake" Ah Hee as its 2026 Pioneers of Surfing honoree during a private award presentation Sunday at the restaurant in Kaanapali.
Ah Hee, an accomplished surfer, fisherman, diver and paddler, was recognized for his contributions to surfing, Polynesian voyaging and the preservation of Hawaiian cultural traditions.
He has sailed aboard the Hōkūleʻa on seven voyage legs, including the return trip from the voyaging canoe’s inaugural journey to Tahiti in 1976.
Through his involvement in traditional voyaging and other ocean activities, Ah Hee has contributed to the revival of Polynesian navigation traditions and efforts to strengthen cultural pride and Hawaiian heritage, according to the restaurant.
The Pioneers of Surfing award was established in 2022 in conjunction with Kimo’s Longboard Contest at Mala Wharf in Lahaina. The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have helped advance the sport of surfing.
Previous honorees include Laura Blears in 2022 and Neal Norris in 2023.
The Oct. 25 presentation took place in the upstairs dining room at Leilani’s On the Beach.
Abraham "Snake" Ah Hee was honored with the 2026 Pioneers of Surfing award Sunday at Leilani’s On the Beach in Kaanapali. Photo courtesy T S Restaurants