1982 Wright Surfing Map of the Hawaiian Islands

This is a 1982 Allen B. Wright Jr. surfing map of Hawaii.

A Closer Look

The map depicts the archipelago with Nihau on the left and Hawaii on the right. Each island is labeled, as are cities and towns on each island, except for Kahoolawe and Nihau. Roads are illustrated, including ungraded dirt or jeep trails. Most important for this piece is that surfing sites are identified throughout, with short descriptions in the lower left and upper right. The whole is surrounded by color photographs of swells and surfers. Four inset maps occupy the corners detailing Hanalei Bay on Kauai, Waikiki and the North Shore on Oahu, and Honolua Bay on Maui. The surfing at Hanalei Bay is considered the best on Kauai, while Honolua Bay, if the surf is right, is sometimes even better. Waimea Bay and Pipeline on the North Shore are world famous.

Surfing in Hawaii

Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing, is not just a pastime but a cultural tradition, a spiritual experience, and a testament to the islanders' connection with the Pacific. The ancient Hawaiians revered the art of 'he'e nalu' (wave sliding) as a communion between land, sea, and the individual, harnessing the power of waves on their wooden 'papa he'e nalu' (surfboards). Today, iconic spots like Waikiki, North Shore's Banzai Pipeline, and Maui's Jaws have become global meccas for surf enthusiasts, attracting professionals and novices alike to challenge the islands' legendary waves. In Hawaii, surfing transcends being a mere sport - it is an embodiment of aloha, history, and the rhythm of island life.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by Allen B. Wright Jr. and published in 1982. We are aware of three examples present in the institutional collections of the Library of Congress, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.