in Hawaiian history there were female warriors known as "waʻa wāhine." These women were skilled in the use of weapons and played a significant role in battles and wars. Women like Kelea served as fierce and skilled warriors. Kelea grew up in Lihue and was known for her surfing skills that excelled even when surfing amongst some of the best surfers in Oahu. She is famous for her appearance at Ewa beach on Oahu during a big swell in 1445. Rumors spread across the islands that a beautiful woman from Kaua'i had beaten all the Oahu chiefs at surf-riding.