Shirley Ann Kalaniopua Nakamura
Aunty Shirley, as she was called, was a long-time member of Waikiki Surf Club until her passing after a long brave battle with cancer.
Aunty Shirley’s paddling career began while she was attending McKinley High School when she would go surfing in Waikiki after school. While surfing, she would observe the nearby canoe clubs practicing and one day decided that she wanted to paddle. She made it her goal to get involved with paddling and lucky for us, she joined Waikiki Surf Club.
Aunty Shirley’s love for paddling spanned over 30 years, well into her fifties. She was an outstanding paddler earning numerous metals in WSC’s prestigious Senior Women’s crew. In 1975, she was a part of the only two all women crews to do the first ‘Onipa’a, Moloka’i to O’ahu race. She was also a part of the first sanctioned women’s Moloka’i to O’ahu race in 1979.
Paddling quickly became an important part of Aunty Shirley’s life which it eventually became a family affair for her and her family. She met her husband, James Nakamura, at a local YMCA. They later married and had 5 children, four girls and one boy, all of whom eventually became paddlers of Waikiki Surf Club.
We are very thankful for everything that Aunty Shirley has done for Waikiki Surf Club, especially our junior program. Her legacy and love of paddling continues till this day through her own children-who perpetuates the sport of Hawaiian canoe racing - and our junior program kids that continue to paddle as adults.
We are confident that Aunty Shirley is very proud of all our junior crews and we know that her spirit continues to guide and lead all of us here at Waikiki Surf Club.
In the words of Aunty Shirley before every race “GO OUT THERE AND GIVE ‘EM HELL!!”