Last Updated on July 1, 2025
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (the MAH) presents an exhibition paying tribute to the founding members of local surf culture and the deep connection between Hawaii and Santa Cruz County. Princes of Surf 2025: Heʻe Nalu Santa Cruz (July 18, 2025–January 4, 2026) tells the story of how three Hawaiian princes—David Kawananakoa, Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, and Edward Keliiahonui— introduced surfing to the U.S. mainland in 1885 and rode the wave of legacy and relevance to this area. It will illuminate the often overlooked history of Antoinette Swan, the daughter of Hawaiian royalty and explorer Don Francisco de Paula Marín, who hosted the brothers here in Santa Cruz, and was a critical part of this history.
The history of surfing has indigenous roots in Hawaii. The three princes’ famed presence in Santa Cruz in 1885 sparked the revolution that made the ocean a focal point for outdoor recreation all over the world. While the unsung history of Antoinette Swan— as a host, Chamberlain, and surfer— underscores the fact that women are an important, and often overlooked, part of surfing’s origins. The exhibition will feature replicas of the redwood boards first created by the princes in 1885 and rode at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz.
Scheduled to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the Three Princes’ historic ride in Santa Cruz, the exhibit will feature over 50 vintage surfboards honoring surf legends such as Duke Kahanamoku, Sam Reid, and Rosemari Rice, as well as o’los created by renowned surfboard shaper Bob Pearson. The exhibition was made with the help of the local surfing community and will honor early local surf shops, such as Haut Surfboards, Yount Surfboards, O’Neill Surf Shop, and Portola Surf Shop that are part of the sport’s legacy.
The MAH will also host multiple surfing events, including a paddle out on July 19th, 2025, hosted by Geoffrey Dunn, Barney Langner, Bob Pearson, and Kim Stoner; who all learned from the generation that was taught by the princes.
“The princes and the boards they rode shaped the cultural identity of Santa Cruz Countym” Marla Novo, the MAH’s Deputy Director and the curator of this exhibition, said. “Mainland surfing started right here at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River, creating a legacy from early surf shops, to renowned surfers that links to numerous clubs and organizations today.”
About the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
The MAH is a thriving community gathering place that offers rotating art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with its many partners. It maintains a permanent collection of significant art and artifacts, a research library, a historical archive, and historical sites including the Evergreen Cemetery and Davenport Jail.
It is also home to Abbott Square, a vibrant public plaza adjacent to the museum that offers food, social events, and year-round creative happenings.
