Hawaiian Waterman Dies in Car Crash: ‘Ambassador of Aloha’

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 9:36 AM ET

Over the weekend, Hawaiian waterman Fullerton “Hopena” Pokipala was involved in a car accident in Waimanalo on the southeastern side of Oahu. Now, reports are showing that Pokipala died in the crash – he was 30 years old.

Per the police, Pokipala was driving a utility task vehicle (UTV) at about 8:00pm on Saturday night. He ignored a stop sign at the Kalanianaole Highway intersection, when he was struck by a 74-year-old motorist. The UTV flipped, and Pokipala was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Later, he died from his injuries.

Following the news of his passing, those close to him mourned. They spoke about Pokipala’s compassion for others, his selflessness, his relationship with his wife and former Miss Hawaii Allie Chu, along with his love for surfing big waves.

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“Hopena was an ambassador of aloha,” Pokipala’s uncle, Clif Botelho, told Hawaii News Now. “Just the epitome of love and aloha, would give his shirt of his back, his clothes off his body, would give everything to everybody just to make the world a better place. I’m at a loss. My ohana is at a loss.”

Recently, Pokipala married Allie Chu, former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA. They were planning for a formal reception in March. Botelho added:

“He and his wife Allie were doing amazing things and had the dream of being together forever and worked towards it. We can find whatever type of peace, knowing at least Hopena was able to marry the love of his life.”

Additionally, Pokipala started his own oyster shucking business, was a longshoreman, an aspiring politician, and a big wave surfer. On his 30th birthday, Pokipala shared video of himself surfing a giant wave at Waimea Bay.