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About Duke Kahanamoku

Hawaii's most famous citizen and the "Father of INTERNATIONAL Surfing,"

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was born August 24, 1890 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the first of six sons and three daughters of Duke and Julia Kahanamoku. He grew up in carefree Waikiki with the ocean as his playground, doing what he loved mostly swimming, surfing, canoeing and bodysurfing.

At the age of 21 he won his first Olympic gold medal, then went on to represent the United States in the Olympics for 20 years, winning not only medals but the hearts of people all over the world. He is remembered as a swimmer not just for remarkable speed, but for his grace in the water, his good humor, and his sportsmanship.

Duke won medals, trophies,and worldwide fame as a swimmer, but he surfed purely for enjoyment in an era before surfing was a competitive sport. Although no spectacular video footage records his legendary longboard surfing, his exploits on a surfboard catapulted the sport to new heights.

Duke's tall, athletic stature and striking, bronze good looks also attracted the Hollywood film industry, and he appeared in over 28 movies including The Wake of the Red Witch starring another famous "Duke," John Wayne.

Beyond his athletic and film accomplishments, Duke was known for his charm, integrity and courage. He represented the ali'i nobility in the highest and truest sense - concern for others, humility in victory, courage in adversity, good sportsmanship - all qualities we are inspired to emulate.

In his golden years, Duke became Hawaii's Ambassador of Goodwill & Aloha and Honolulu's Official Greeter.

During 1966, at age 76, he was the first person inducted into both the swimming and surfing Halls of Fame. Whether rescuing people at sea or serving as Hawaii's official Ambassador of Aloha, he was always gracious, never capitalizing on his fame.

The world bid Duke "Aloha" on January 22, 1968. He was remembered in Congress and in national magazines and newspapers as a symbol of Hawaii, and as a man of many accomplishments who was at peace with himself.

Today, statues honoring his excellence in swimming and surfing and his role as Ambassador of Aloha are well-visited shrines in California, Australia, France, Hawaii, and elsewhere.

Duke's Creed

In Hawaii we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawaii renowned as the world's center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You'll be surprised by their reaction.

I believe it and it is my creed.

Aloha to you.

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku