Duke Kahanamoku and the history of surfing

Surfing (heʻe nalu) is a Hawaiian invention, once enjoyed by aliʻi and commoners alike. Waikīkī's Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimming champion in 1912 and 1920, introduced modern surfing to Australia and the U.S. mainland and became Hawaiʻi's ambassador of aloha. His bronze statue (1990) stands on Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī, usually draped in lei.

• Ancient surfing: Hawaiians rode boards made of koa and wiliwili; aliʻi had their own surf spots and long olo boards.
• Duke: born in 1890 in Honolulu; Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle in 1912 (Stockholm) and 1920 (Antwerp). His 1914 to 1915 demonstrations in Australia and his years in California spread surfing worldwide.
• Later, he served as Sheriff of Honolulu for decades; he died in 1968.
• Visit: the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Kūhiō Beach, Waikīkī (near the Moana Surfrider). Duke's birthday, August 24, is celebrated with surf and paddle events.
• Waikīkī is still one of the best places to learn to surf (see tours and activities).

Sources: Wikipedia: Duke Kahanamoku · GoHawaii: Duke Kahanamoku statue

Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.