The Famous Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, Oahu, Hawaii
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku - The Father of Modern Surfing
Kuhio Beach is home to a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, who greets visitors to Waikiki with open arms as they arrive. In addition to being a genuine Hawaiian hero, Duke was regarded as one of the world's finest watermen, having excelled in swimming, surfing, and outrigger canoe paddling.
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, the surfer of a century, was born on August 24, 1890. He grew up near the present Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Duke's fame started when he smashed the world record in the 100-yard freestyle in his first competition. In 1912, Duke won gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the relay. He won two gold medals in 1920 and a silver medal in 1924 at the age of 34.
Duke Kahanamoku was one of the most influential surfers in history, and his legacy lives on. Duke became well-known not only for spreading surfing around the world but also for his aloha spirit. That’s the reason why he eventually earned the nickname “the father of modern surfing”.
When Duke was growing, he began to help out in the Waikiki Beach Boys who made their living by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe at Waikiki Beach. If you look hard enough, you can still find real Waikiki Beach Boys today, showing visitors a good time in the Waikiki surf.
The amiable Duke also acted in Hollywood, served as Hawaii's first ambassador of goodwill and was eventually elected sheriff. He is also inducted into both the Surfing Hall Fame for his achievements with surfing and the Swimming Hall of Fame because he has been recognized internationally for excellent swimmer
The famous Hawaiian surfer statue
The Duke Kahanamoku Statue, which is located on Kuhio Beach, a section of Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, is a famous tourist attraction and one of the most photographed locations in the area. Guests are greeted with open arms by Duke's bronze statue, which is decorated with flower leis that visitors drape over his arms and place in front of his feet on most days of the week.
