5 Terrific Neon Swimsuits Modeled by Malia Manuel in Turks and Caicos

The professional surfer was in her element while posing for the 2020 SI Swimsuit Issue.

Cara O’Bleness | Dec 10, 2023

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks and Caicos.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

When professional surfer Malia Manuel posed for the 2020 SI Swimsuit Issue in Turks and Caicos, the Hawai’i native was in more than in her element. The 30-year-old became the youngest person to ever win the U.S. Open of Surfing at the age of 14, and has been chasing waves ever since.

“I’ve been so comfortable surfing events for over a decade and growing up on an island my whole life and been in a swimsuit since I was a little girl, and thought this was the perfect opportunity to do something different and really meet new people and come to such a beautiful part of the world that I wouldn’t really come [to] for surfing,” Manuel shared while on location three years ago. “Just growing up and seeing all the past Swim Issues and all the models, it was really fun to go back and pick inspiration and kind of prep and I’m so happy I committed and came.”

While on location in the tropics, the athlete modeled a number of neon swimsuits, from bright bikinis to cut-out one-pieces that allowed her to shine, whether she was striking a pose for photographer James Macari on land or in the water.

In addition to her career as an athlete and model, Manuel is cofounder of The Sclpt Co, a brand that offers accessories designed to elevate workouts. Today, in honor of all of her accolades, we’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite snapshots from her SI Swimsuit feature in Turks and Caicos.

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINK LEMONAID.

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by Dipped in Blue.

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by TeenyB Bikini Couture.

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by MBM Swim.

Malia Manuel was photographed by James Macari in Turks & Caicos. Swimsuit by TeenyB Bikini Couture.

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Published Dec 10, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.