DUKE KAHANAMOKU STATUE

WAIKIKI, OAHU

On Kuhio Beach, a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you to Waikiki with open arms. Duke was one of the world's greatest watermen, a master of swimming, surfing, and canoeing, and a true Hawaiian hero.

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was born on August 24, 1890. He grew up swimming and surfing in Waikiki near the current Hilton Hawaiian Village. Discovered as a swimming sensation, Duke's legend began when he broke the world record in the 100-yard freestyle during his very first competition. The prodigious Duke went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the relay in 1912. He also won two gold medals in 1920 and won a silver medal at age 34 in the 1924 Olympics.

Duke was also one of the pioneers of the Waikiki Beach Boys, watermen who earned their livings teaching visitors how to surf and canoe on Waikiki Beach. If you look carefully, you can still find real Waikiki Beach Boys showing visitors a great time in the Waikiki surf today.

The amiable Duke also acted in Hollywood and used his fame to spread the popularity of surfing to the U.S. mainland and Australia. Later, he was elected Sheriff and official greeter of the city and county of Honolulu and was the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Swimming Hall of Fame.

Duke Kahanamoku, "The father of modern surfing," was Hawaii's first ambassador of goodwill. He was instrumental in helping to spread the sport of surfing and the spirit of aloha around the world. To see authentic photos and memorabilia of Duke and the Waikiki Beach Boys grab a bite at Duke's Canoe Club in the Outrigger Waikiki overlooking Waikiki Beach.

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