O‘AHU — The legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku will be honored with a three-day weekend celebration in Waikiki from August 22-24, combining the “waterman” spirit of competition with the goodwill of Hawaii’s Aloha that defined its character. Known worldwide as the
O‘AHU — The legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku will be honored with a three-day weekend celebration in Waikiki from August 22-24, combining the “waterman” spirit of competition with the goodwill of Hawaii’s Aloha that defined its character.
Known worldwide as the “Father of International Surfing”, Duke is credited with introducing the sport to the Eastern U.S. seaboard, Europe and Australia.
Duke was the first person inducted into both the Swimming (1965) and Surfing (1966) Hall of Fames. “Surfer” magazine named him “Surfer of the Century” while “Sports Illustrated” declared him Hawaii’s greatest athlete of the 20th century.
He also represented the U.S. in four summer Olympic Games between 1912 and 1932, winning three gold and two silver medals in swimming along with a bronze medal in water polo.
In his prime, he was “the world’s fastest swimmer.”
The 2nd annual Duke’s Ho‘olaule‘a in late August will be a series of events in tribute to the enduring legacy of a global icon who perpetuated Hawaii’s friendly and exotic appeal for more than a half a century while also inspiring generations of swimmers, surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
The Duke-inspired weekend will offer something of interest for everyone.
Fun and unique water sports competitions will include Surf Water Polo (August 23) along with a Duke’s Ocean Mile Swim and Waterman Challenge (August 24).
Other events of note include the Old-Timers Beach Boy Celebration at Duke’s Canoe Club (August 22) as well as the Waikiki Historical Walking Tours and the spectacular Lei Draping of Duke’s Statue with fresh flower lei’s (August 23).
On August 24, the 113th anniversary of Duke’s birth, the city and county of Honolulu, will present a Brunch on the Beach in his honor along Kalakaua Avenue.
The featured attraction will be a special exhibit of the Hawaii International Surfing Museum showcasing Duke’s Olympic medals and other memorabilia near his statue.
The Olympic exhibit display is being sponsored by Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and Bishop Museum.
“Duke gave so much to Hawaii, first as a world class athlete and later as our ‘Ambassador of Aloha’, it’s a privilege to continue sharing the incredible story of his life with the people of today,” said Pamai Tenn, a Duke historian who served for 23 years as a personal representative for Nadine Kahanamoku, Duke’s widow.
“Duke was more than just the world’s greatest aquatic sportsman, he was a rare gem from Hawaii never to be equaled.”
Last year’s inaugural celebration was held in conjunction with the dedication of a new postage stamp in Duke’s honor by the U.S. Postal Service.
This year’s celebration has been expanded to incorporate more events for a greater range of audiences.
Proceeds raised from Duke’s Ho‘olaule‘a will help fund scholarships provided by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) whose mission is to support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate his spirit and legacy.
