Duke Kahanamoku Statue

The legendary Duke Kahanamoku is not only known as "The Father of International Surfing," his legacy as a man of the water spans a lifetime of extraordinary achievements in swimming, canoeing and teaching. Born August 24, 1890 and growing up near Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Duke spent his childhood steeped in the spirit and ancient traditions of Hawaiian culture and life with the sea.

With his prominence on the international stage, Duke introduced his love of surfing to the U.S. Mainland and Australia; capturing the hearts of those who followed him in the sport, as well as the attention of Hollywood, where he worked as a background actor and made connections with people who would help him further global awareness of the sport of surfing.

Aside from his career as a champion in swimming and surfing, Duke was an ambassador of the Aloha Spirit of the islands. As one of the pioneers of a group of local water men called the Waikiki Beach Boys, Duke earned a living teaching canoeing and surfing to visitors of Hawaii. His colorful and accomplished life is in his memorabilia displayed at a local restaurant, Duke's Canoe Club in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel - named in his honor. His bronze statue stands in welcoming aloha spirit, draped in fresh leis daily, at Kuhio Beach on the shores of Waikiki.