Duke Kahanamoku, the “Ambassador of Aloha,” is more than just a surfing legend. He’s a symbol of Hawaiian culture, athletic prowess, and the welcoming spirits of the islands. Widely regarded as the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku made significant contributions to the sport while demonstrating extraordinary heroism. On June 14th, 1925, while surfing at Newport Beach, California, Duke Kahanamoku witnessed a fishing vessel, Thelma, capsize in heavy surf, throwing 17 fishermen into the turbulent waters. He displayed remarkable bravery and skill and used his surfboard to make repeated trips through the treacherous waves, rescuing eight men single-handedly. His innovative use of the surfboard for life-saving purposes helped revolutionize rescue techniques and led to the development of the ‘rescue surfboard’ which is still used today by lifeguards.
Here at The Twin Fin Hotel, we’re lucky to be situated a stone’s throw from Waikiki Beach, where one of the most iconic Duke statues stands. But did you know there are other Duke Kahanamoku statues around the world, each with a unique story? Join us as we dive into the story behind these statues and discover how they continue to inspire surfers and visitors alike.
Duke: The Man Behind the Bronze
Before we explore the statues commemorating him, we must understand the man who inspired them. Duke Kahanamoku was a legendary surfer and a five-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, a movie actor, and the sheriff of Honolulu for 26 years. His influence on surfing as we know it today and Hawaiian culture is immeasurable, and his legacy lives on through the statues that seek to honor him. Despite facing racism and challenges throughout his life, Duke remained committed to spreading the Aloha spirits and promoting surfing. At the Olympics, Duke Kahanamoku also introduced a new style of swimming to the world, with a flutter kick and powerful strokes. His remarkable achievements in the Olympics and his dedication to maintaining his amateur status to represent Hawaii further solidify his legendary statues. He’s still best known as the surfing ambassador to the world, having traveled to California, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to demonstrate his prowess on homemade wooden surfboards and introduce the sport to wider audiences. Duke was elected to serve as the sheriff of the city and county of Honolulu from 1932 to 1961, completing 13 consecutive terms. He served in the salaried office of official greeter of famous personages for the state of Hawaii from 1961 until his death.
Duke Kahanamoku’s resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to representing Hawaiian culture continue to inspire generations. His perseverance in overcoming barriers, along with his graceful and humble demeanor, made him not only a sports icon but also a cultural ambassador for Hawaii. Duke’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the inspiration he provides to those who face their own struggles, encouraging them to rise above their adversity and embrace the values of kindness, respect, and unity. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s cultural roots.
Standing Tall: A Look at the Duke Statues
Waikiki Beach, O’ahu, Hawaii:
The most iconic of the Duke Kahanamoku statues stands proudly on Waikiki Beach, just steps away from The Twin Fin Hotel. Unveiled in 1990, this bronze statue captures Duke standing on a surfboard with his arms open before the ocean, welcoming visitors to the birthplace of modern surfing. Duke cemented himself as The Ambassadors of Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. He was and continues to be the Pride of Hawaii. The City and County of Honolulu commissioned artist Jan Gordon Fisher to sculpt the statue in honor of Duke’s contributions to surfing and his embodiment of the Aloha spirit. This statue is often adorned with leis, as visitors and locals like to give them to the Duke as tributes.
Freshwater Beach, Sydney, Australia:
Duke’s influences reached far beyond Hawaii. In 2015, a statue was erected on the Northern headland of Freshwater Beach Lake, Manly New South Wales, Australia, where Duke famously introduced surfing to the country in 1914. Sculpted by artist Alan Somerville, this statue highlights Duke’s global impact on the sport of surfing. Duke traveled to Australia for swimming exhibitions when he introduced surfing to the communities. It was here that he met Isabel Latham. Duke Kahanamoku was performing a surfing demonstration on Sydney’s northern beaches. Isabel Latham was already a competent body surfer, and it was for this reason that she was selected to partake in Duke’s second surfing demonstration. She surfed under his guidance and afterwards, the Duke left his board with Isabel, she quickly developed a passion for surfing that would revolutionize women’s surfing in Australia.
The statue installation was part of a community effort led by the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club and celebrates the cultural exchange between Hawaii and Australia. The board that Kahanamoku built from a piece of pine from a local hardware store is also kept and commemorated by the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club.
Representing the aloha spirit of the legendary ambassador, we extend our thanks to Erin Masters Photography, located in Manly Beach Australia, for these images of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue adjacent to Freshwater Beach; and her donation to the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. All images copyright of @erinmasters.
Huntington Beach, California, USA:
The “Surf City USA” also has paid homage to Duke Kahanamoku with a statue in Huntington Beach, California. Installed in 2005, this statue was created by Artist Edmund Shumpert and commissioned by the Huntington Beach Art Center. It celebrates Duke’s role in popularizing surfing on the mainland and his enduring legacy in the surfing community. Duke’s rescue story in nearby Newport beach, where he introduced the now-standard rescue board for lifeguarding further cements his impact on the area and history itself. Some boards he shaped are preserved at San Clemente, California’s Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center. A bronze bust and permanent exhibit of his contributions resides at the International Surfing Museum in Huntington Beach. In 1994, Duke’s name was inscribed in the Huntington Beach Surfer Walk of Fame, and his statue there continues to be a focal point for many surfing events and ceremonies in the area.
A big mahalo to Southern California photographer Dave Marano for these images of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California. All images copyright of @davemarano.
Jack Ho and the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation
When he was five, Jack Ho started surfing at Waikiki Beach, in front of the Duke statue. Jack Ho is a part of The Twin Fin Waikiki Ohana, and he excels in his role as a surf ambassador and youth waterman. Watermen excel in all aspects of the ocean and feel comfortable putting themselves in uncomfortable situations, such as surfing big waves, training hard to improve, or trying a new sport or activity. Jack Ho’s involvement with the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, as well as his role as Ambassador at The Twin Fin, has been instrumental in preserving Duke’s legacy and promoting surfing culture globally. His efforts help ensure that the events held at the Coconut Club remain a staple of the local surf community so that the stories and achievements of Duke may continue to inspire new generations of surfers.
Where Surfing Meets History: Award Ceremonies at Duke’s Statue
The Duke Kahanamoku statues around the world are more than just tourist attractions; they’re recognized as places of honor and gathering spots for the surfing community. Numerous surfing awards ceremonies occur in Waikiki, Huntington Beach, and Freshwater Beach, celebrating the achievements of surfers who carry Duke’s legacy forward. These events attract surfers and fans from all around the globe, making it a vibrant hub of activity and a must-visit for anyone passionate about surfing.
Experience Duke Kahanamoku’s Legacy at The Twin Fin
When you stay at The Twin Fin, you’re not just booking a room; you’re immersing yourself in Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. Our prime location near Duke’s Waikiki statue allows you to connect with the history and spirit of Kahanamoku, Honolulu, and Hawaii. We invite you to stop by the statue and embrace the Aloha spirit that Duke so beautifully represented.
At The Twin Fin, we’re ready to welcome you to our retreat. Our beachside oasis is a place for people to gather, connect, and, of course — check out the surfing scene. Make the most of your Waikiki Beach escape and stay for a few nights to fit everything in — you’ll save 25% with our Escape to Twin Fin package. Discover our Check-In, Paddle Out offer and enjoy free lessons, daily board rentals, and complimentary late check-out. The next best thing to catching a wave is watching them roll in, so start planning your escape to Hawaii and book your room at our oceanfront resort today.
