At the 2023 Kona Spearfishing Nationals held in June, Bobby Twitchell placed fifth as an individual, and the team of (from left) Twitchell, Brad Kepo’o and Kaui Brown came in second in the team standings.

WEST MAUI — Like so many keiki of the Islands, Bobby Twitchell grew up with a deep affinity for the ocean waters around his home here on Maui.

Raised on the West Side in Napili, he and his family spent much of their free time swimming, surfing, diving and exploring along the shoreline from Honolua to the Pali.

Dad Bob Twitchell led the family in an amphibious extracurricular life of swimming, surfing, free diving, spearfishing and net laying. Naturally, after son Bobby grew up in the pristine water world around Maui, the young boy continued into the sea.

After attending King Kamehameha III Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High School, young Twitchell continued his education at Arizona State University and earned a degree in Education. He came home and began teaching eighth grade math at Lahaina Intermediate School.

He also launched a career in teaching deep sea diving at Maui Spearfishing Academy in 2012.

Twitchell recognized his own affinity to deep sea diving — to depths of 200 feet and more — as well as spearfishing and laying net.

With guidance from his dad and diving instructor Kurt Chambers, Bobby soon emerged as a talented deep sea spearfisherman.

An opportunity arose to compete in the 2023 Kona Spearfishing Nationals, and he dove in for the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event.

For the third time in event history, the competition at Kona on June 15 focused on invasive species –such as Roi, Taape, and Toau — for the 100 competitors.

In the team event, Twitchell and teammates Brad Kepo’o and Kaui Brown came in second place; and in the individual competition, Twitchell took home the fifth place trophy.

“This was a unique event and a big one as well,” said Twitchell last week. “I’ve spent my whole life getting into the water, and I am very thankful to my father and to people like Kurt Chambers that have helped me along the way. We are thankful for this opportunity.”