Surf and Service: Hawaiian Airlines Recognizes a Decade of Honolulu’s Sister-City Relationship

In 2014, Honolulu established its sister-city relationship with Chigasaki, Japan, known for its thriving surf community and “laid back” lifestyle. A year prior, the Japanese city made Aloha Shirts the official summer wear. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the agreement, Hawaiian Airlines proudly sponsored the “2024 Honolulu Mayor’s Cup” surf contest on July 27 at Nishihama Beach for surfers ages 15 and under, representing surf clubs in Chigasaki.

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

To give young Japanese surfers a chance at trying their skills in Hawaii’s waters, Hawaiian awarded three contest winners 80,000 HawaiianMiles, equivalent to a round trip flight between Tokyo and Hawaii. Once the contest concluded, all 120 attendees, including employee volunteers with the airline, city officials, and community members, dispersed across the beach for a clean-up effort organized by Hawaiian.

“At Hawaiian, caring for our coastlines and promoting sustainable activities is vital, not only to our employees but to the communities we serve,” said Keiko Tsukui, Hawaiian’s manager of Japan partnerships and promotions. “We’ve hosted several beach cleanups in Japan, as well as transported Japanese students to Honolulu to assist in a cleanup at Ala Moana Beach Park. We take pride in educating our youth on the importance of traveling pono (responsibly) through these combined efforts.”