06-03-2025
Big Wave Surfer Charged With 25 Felonies Including Unlawful Imprisonment
Hard-charging Hawaiian big-wave surfer Kealii Mamala has been arrested and charged with 25 felonies in Hilo District and Circuit Courts. Currently being held without bail until a hearing on Friday, the 46-year-old is facing a litany of serious charges ranging from felony assault, abuse and unlawful imprisonment.
The charges include "restraining a household member since November last year and allegedly strangled them, physically assaulted them with a dangerous instrument, ruptured their ear drum, and broke their nose," reports Hawaii News Now.
Mamala has been charged with 14 offenses that took place from the end of February through early March. He was also charged with 11 more offenses that happened at the end of 2024 through January extended jail time, his charges of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and felony abuse are among the most serious. All carry a maximum of five year prison terms or probation with jail time.
A longtime fixture in big-wave lineups around the world, Mamala was an invitee at the 2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. He also competed in the Eddie in 2023. Nominated for numerous XXL Awards over the years, Mamala was a contender for Ride of the Year at Teahupo'o in 2013, as well as Ride of the Year at Nazare in 2015. In 2010 he finished fourth at the Nelscott Reef Classic. Respected amongst the big-wave community, undoubtedly this development comes as a shock to those that know and surf with him.
