Nuuhiwa was born in 1948 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of a Waikiki beachboy and martial arts instructor, and began surfing at age five, one year after his mother died.
Nuuhiwa's smooth and fluid style established him winning the May 10th 1966 international championship in San Diego.
Nuuhiwa continued to win contests following the shortboard era, such as the 1971 U.S. Surfing Championships.
By this time Nuuhiwa had transitioned from his longboards to shortboards, favoring twin-fin fishes.
He continued to win competitions and make projects, most notably surfing in Rainbow Bridge, a film starring Jimi Hendrix.