Frames: Maui Welcomes Top 17

Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) in Maui, before her final battle to win a sixth World Title.

The world's best female surfers gathered for the Target Maui Pro's opening ceremony.

The event kicked off with a traditional Hawaiian blessing for the surfers and the competition.

Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) and Laura Enever (AUS) at the opening ceremony.

A Hawaiian priest blew from a conch shell as part of the blessing.

As part of the ceremony, Enever rinsed her hands in a communal bowl.

Coco Ho (HAW) was just an island jump from her home on Oahu.

Lakey Peterson (USA) documented the event.

Surfers gathered at dawn to attend the opening ceremony.

Opening day for the Target Pro included a welcome party for the Top 17.

Enever (right) and Carissa Moore (HAW) got the red-carpet treatment at the soiree.

Van Dijk (right) and Pauline Ado (FRA) received traditional welcome leis -- the must-have accessory for Hawaii.

Tyler Wright (AUS) took a moment to take in some local culture. Opening day of the Target Maui Pro was also the kickoff for her final push for her 2014 Title campaign; she's currently No. 3 in the World.

Ho and her boyfriend, Olympic snowboarder Mark McMorris, attended the welcome dinner.

Johanne Defay and Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) enjoyed some light moments at the party.

Along with opening day festivities, there were also activities as the Top 17 waited for bigger waves. Courtney Conlogue (USA), took advantage of the layday with a round of golf.