While big wave surfing legend Garrett “GMAC” McNamara continues to make headlines for his record-breaking rides and HBO’s 100 Foot Wave series, much less is known about the woman who was by his side during his early years: Konnie Pascual McNamara, his first wife.
Konnie, a native of Hawaii, shares three children with Garrett: Ariana Kaimana McNamara (born 1995), Titus Waimea McNamara (1997), and Tiari McNamara.
Though the couple eventually parted ways and Garrett remarried in 2012, Konnie has carved out a respected life of her own, away from the spotlight, as a multi-talented entrepreneur and community contributor on Oahu’s North Shore.
Konnie Pascual McNamara Life Is Rooted In Hawaii
Unlike Garrett, who frequently travels between Portugal and Hawaii for his surfing career, Konnie remains based in Hawaii.
There, she is well-regarded for her work in baking, fashion, event planning, and marketing.
Konnie currently works with several local Hawaiian businesses, including 1979 Hawaii (February 2024 to present), Auntie Lolo’s Cookies as Partner and PR & Marketing Cookie Ambassador (April 2023 to present), and Sunset Ranch Hawaii wedding venue.
Her past experience includes working as a seamstress at Seamaids Beach Boutique, a cake decorator at Ted’s Bakery in Sunset Beach, and event roles at Kualoa Ranch Weddings and Tropical Moon Events.
She Is Balancing Family Life With Her Career
Though she has maintained a low public profile, Konnie is widely appreciated in the local community for her dedication to her craft and her family.
Her children with Garrett have grown up surrounded by surf culture but rooted in Hawaiian tradition and community values.
Her daughter, Tiari McNamara, just recently celebrated her 16th birthday.
Despite the global fame that followed Garrett’s daring wave conquests, Konnie chose a different path, which centered around local business and family.
Garrett Has Remarried, But She Seems To Be Single, Focused On Her Career
Following their separation, Garrett married Nicole McNamara in 2012.
The couple shares three children (Barrel, Theia Love Nazaré Celeste Rose, and Fe do Mar Strawberry Lucy) and is often seen in public and on social media, particularly through their environmental and surfing-related work in Nazaré, Portugal.
Meanwhile, Konnie Pascual McNamara remains an integral part of the North Shore scene, known for her style, culinary talent, and business ventures.
While she may not seek headlines, her impact is tangible across the small businesses and families she supports.
Though often identified as Garrett McNamara’s first wife, Konnie is much more than a footnote in surfing history.
She’s a respected woman of the North Shore, a baker, planner, artist, and mother.
