What is the Hawaiian term for the sport of surfing?

Heʻe nalu is the Hawaiian term for the sport of surfing.

The Hawaiian phrase is commonly translated as “wave sliding” or “wave sliding sport.” It reflects the central action of riding across the face of a moving wave rather than simply swimming or playing in the ocean.

Surfing was deeply embedded in traditional Hawaiian society. The practice, known as heʻe nalu, involved specially shaped boards, skilled wave selection, and cultural ceremonies. Different board types and wave-riding privileges could reflect social status, although surfing was enjoyed across Hawaiian society.

The term is often written with the ʻokina, a mark representing a glottal stop in Hawaiian. English-language sources may omit or replace the mark, but “heʻe nalu” is the standard modern spelling.