In 2014, Honolulu formed its sister city agreement with Chigasaki, Japan, known for its thriving surfing community and “laid-back” lifestyle. A year earlier, the Japanese city had declared aloha shirts the official summer wear. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the agreement, Hawaiian Airlines proudly sponsored the “2024 Honolulu Mayor’s Cup” surfing competition held on July 27 at Nishihama Beach for surfers ages 15 and younger, representing surf clubs in Chigasaki.

A young surfer rides a wave at the 2024 Honolulu Mayor’s Cup surfing competition sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines

“We are very grateful to be a part of this honorable event. Although our two cities are miles apart, it is our oceans that connect our two cities, and that is what unites us here today. I look forward to continuing our support in bridging the similar cultures of Chigasaki and Honolulu,” said Hawaiian Airlines Country Director Toru Sakaguchi during the opening ceremony.

Japan’s Country Director Toru Sakaguchi addresses the spectators at the Honolulu Mayor’s Cup 2024

To give young Japanese surfers the opportunity to test their skills in Hawaiian waters, Hawaiian rewarded three contest winners with 80,000 HawaiianMiles, the equivalent of a round-trip flight between Tokyo and Hawaii. After the contest concluded, all 120 contestants, including airline volunteers, city officials and community members, dispersed across the beach to participate in a cleanup organized by Hawaiian.

Hawaiian Airlines employees participate in beach cleanup at Nishihama Beach in Chigasaki

“At Hawaiian, protecting our coastlines and promoting sustainable activities is critical, not only for our employees but also for the communities we serve,” said Keiko Tsukui, Hawaiian’s manager of partnerships and promotions in Japan. “We have conducted several beach cleanups in Japan and brought Japanese students to Honolulu to help with a cleanup at Ala Moana Beach Park. We are proud to educate our youth about the importance of pono (traveling responsibly) through these collaborative efforts.”