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A big part of a vacation in Hawaii is spending time in Waikiki. There are activities that can be enjoyed from early morning to the wee hours of the night. There is much to do, swim at Waikiki Beach, lay out on the sand and tan, jog around Kapiolani Park, visit the Honolulu Zoo, shop at the various shops and boutiques, dine at the restaurants and party at the night clubs. I know that I have forgotten so many other things but trust me, there is something for everyone in Waikiki.
Duke Kahanamoku Statue
 The City and County of Honolulu has done a wonderful job in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the visitors and locals along the beach at Waikiki. One of the favorite stops during a walk along the beach is the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku. You must go and see him greeting all of our visitors with open arms across the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Hotel on the makai (ocean) side of Kalakaua Avenue.
Duke Kahanamoku is a true Hawaiian legend. Duke, a full blooded Hawaiian, lived from 1890 to 1968. He grew up swimming and surfing Waikiki and was one of the pioneers of the Waikiki Beach Boys, watermen who earned their livings teaching visitors how to surf and canoe on Waikiki Beach. This tradition continues on even today.
 Duke is famous for many things including being an Olympic champion winning three gold, two silver and one bronze metal in swimming in four Olympics between 1912 and 1922. He is also famous for introducing surfing as a sport to people in Mainland United States and Australia. But I think that most of all he is known for being Hawaii’s finest in spreading the aloha spirit. He represented Hawaii very well for many years. It was a great loss when he passed away at the age of 77 due to a heart attack.
The statue is of Duke Kahanamoku in his swim shorts with open arms and a surfboard in the back of him. As I recall it was quite controversial that his statue was placed with his back to the ocean. Many believe that a real surfer would never turn his back to the waves and that according to Hawaiian belief facing the ocean is bad luck. It has been 17 years since the statue was erected. Visitors and the people of Hawaii honor him with leis and by taking pictures with him. I believe that luck is on his side and that there is nothing to worry about regarding the way his statue was placed.
If you are a fan of his and would like to learn more about him, stop by Duke’s Waikiki, a restaurant located right on the beach in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. The restaurant is named in honor of the surfing legend. You’ll see among other memorabilia, framed photographs, old posters and surfboards. Enjoy a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the spot where Duke caught his biggest wave. It’s a fun way to enjoy Waikiki. I go there with my daughter when we feel like playing “tourist”. |
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