Legendary surfer-musician Donavon Frankenreiter brought the aloha spirit to life with a surprise intimate performance at Breakers, reuniting with longtime friend Benji Weatherley for a night that embodied everything ohana means.
Some nights just hit different. You walk into your favorite spot expecting dinner and drinks, maybe some good conversation with friends. But every once in a while, the universe conspires to deliver something extraordinary—a night that reminds you exactly why places like Breakers exist.
December 19th, 2025 was one of those nights.
To understand what made this evening so special, you need to understand the bond between Donavon Frankenreiter and Benji Weatherley. These two didn't meet at some industry event or through a record label introduction. Their friendship was forged decades ago, in the salt and spray of the world's best waves.
A friend taught me three chords, and it was like a light bulb went off.
— Donavon Frankenreiter
Word spread through Encinitas like wildfire: Donavon was playing at Breakers. No arena. No fancy production. Just an intimate pop-up show where guests could literally dine while sitting next to the band.
The place was absolutely packed. Every seat filled. People standing wherever they could find a spot. The drinks were flowing, the Hawaiian grinds were top-notch—Loco Moco, Kalua Pork, you name it—and the energy in the room was electric with anticipation.
Then Donavon and his band took their spot in the corner of the restaurant, and magic happened.
What made this show even more special? Donavon's son was right there beside him, playing rhythm guitar. Watching father and son share the stage, trading looks and grins between songs—it was the kind of moment that makes you believe in the power of family and tradition.
This wasn't just a concert. It was a living example of what Breakers is all about: ohana.
For Donavon, surfing and music complement each other. "They're both escapes for me," he says. "They require you to be present, and neither of them ever gets boring. You're never going to ride the same wave twice, just like you're never going to write the same song twice."
Between songs, Donavon shared stories that had the crowd hanging on every word. One in particular stood out—the tale of how he wrote one of his songs while on a surf trip with Benji. The two old friends, decades into their brotherhood, still chasing waves together and creating music in the moments between sessions.
That's what friendship looks like when it's real. Not just texts and social media likes, but actually showing up, making memories, and inspiring each other's art.
He played all the hits. Every single one. The songs that soundtracked countless surf trips, summer days, and moments of pure stoke for fans around the world. And in the intimate confines of Breakers, with the Christmas lights twinkling, Mai Tais in hand, and the smell of garlic shrimp in the air, those songs took on new life.
What struck everyone who was there wasn't just the caliber of the performance—it was the vibe. Love was in the air. Friendship was everywhere. Families were dining together, friends were reconnecting, strangers were becoming friends over shared plates and shared music.
This is exactly what Benji envisioned when he opened Breakers. The original Breakers was his family's cafe in Haleiwa, Hawaii, run by his mom for two decades. When he opened this location on July 4th, 2025, he wasn't just starting a restaurant—he was continuing a legacy of bringing people together.
I'm a full-on people person, so hospitality comes naturally to me. I got my feet wet working in the family cafe as a kid, and now I just found my calling.
— Benji Weatherley
There's really no other way to describe it. From the moment the first chord rang out to the final note, December 19th at Breakers was one for the books. The kind of night that people will talk about for years. The kind of night that only happens when the right people come together in the right place with the right spirit.
Donavon Frankenreiter didn't just play a show that night. He gave everyone present a gift—a reminder that music, friendship, and community are what life is really about.
And Breakers? We were honored to be the backdrop for such an incredible evening. This is what we do. This is who we are. Ohana.
Mahalo to Donavon, his band, and his family for an unforgettable night. And mahalo to everyone who packed the house and made the energy what it was. Until next time—see you at Breakers.
Photos by Adam Walker (@admwlkr)
