Mainei Kinimaka

Mainei Aloha Kinimaka grew up on the east coast of Kaua'i in the Hawaiian homestead of Anahola. As the daughter of big wave surfing legend, Titus Kinimaka, Mainei was born into Hawaiian royalty - but has always set out to make a name for herself. Raised as the niece of 16 aunties and uncles who were water-men, hula masters, and musicians, traditional practices and values were core pillars in Mainei's youth. Preserving Hawaiian heritage, environment, and way of life has been, and will always be, imperative to her. At the young age of four, Mainei began surfing and developed a deep passion for her ancestral practice. She soon found her competitive spark and claimed her first victory at only 5 years old as the only girl in her division. She gained sponsorship from the international lifestyle action sports brand, Roxy, at age 8. From then on, she began to surf professionally around the world. Mainei's mother is a small-business owner and former school teacher, and was very insistent that she also pursue her academic goals. She remained in public school and balanced coursework with frequent international travel for professional competitions. It was at Kapa'a Intermediate and High School that she fostered her passion for photography and filmmaking. In 2015, she wrote, directed, shot, and edited her first short film highlighting the issue of domestic violence in her native Hawaiian community. This film was Mainei's first ever entry in a film competition, where it took first prize at the Hawaii 'Olelo Youth Exchange. Shortly after, her film was nominated for documentary of the year in the national No Bull Challenge, a youth filmmaking initiative promoting leadership and social justice. She became the first from the state of Hawai'i to ever be recognized in this national event, prompting Kaua'i's Mayor to name May 15th, the day she was nominated, as Mainei Aloha Kinimaka Day. Since then, Mainei has begun studying through the University of Hawai'i with the goal of obtaining a degree in Hawaiian Studies. Simultaneously, she has worked on camera hosting global surf events and sportscasting for the World Surf League, surfing's' largest and most prestigious association. At 22 years old, she is entering her 15th year of professional surfing for Roxy. Mainei's love of filmmaking caught the attention of her cousin in, Jason Momoa (Aquaman) who began mentoring Mainei and teaching her about all aspects of the film industry. Soon after, she landed a key role after her very first audition for SEE, Apple's tent-pole for the launch of their new streaming service. SEE is written by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), directed by Francis Lawrence (Hunger Games), produced by Chernin Entertainment (Hidden Figures) and starring opposite Jason Momoa. In late 2019, Mainei then completed her first starring role on the production of The Last Manhunt, an indigenous retelling of Robert Redford's Tell Them Willie Boy is Here. Mainei's biggest goal in life is to honor those who came before her by giving back to her home islands and community. She hopes to perpetuate her cultural practices of surfing and storytelling with integrity for the future generations.