The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is a large, eye-catching bronze statue on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki.
In fact, he’s such a famous figure in Hawaii that nearly everyone knows his name. He was a legendary Olympic gold medalist swimmer and the pioneer who spread surfing to the world!
For his many great achievements, he is still revered as a hero in Hawaii.
Perhaps you’ve even snapped a photo with it yourself without knowing his story.
Located in the heart of Waikiki Beach, one of the most popular tourist destinations, be sure to stop by and say hello when you visit Hawaii!
The Life of Duke Kahanamoku
Duke Kahanamoku was born and raised in Waikiki and had a deep love for the ocean.
He excelled at swimming and surfing, and was a popular figure on Waikiki Beach from a young age.
Although he only began competitive swimming in his 20s, he quickly demonstrated his overwhelming talent and skill, winning three Olympic gold medals!
He was the first person from Hawaii to achieve such a feat, which instantly made him a superstar.
After retiring from competitive swimming, he dedicated himself to surfing, his other lifelong passion.
He is known as the “Father of Modern Surfing” for popularizing the sport, which was then a little-known activity, to people all over the world.
That’s why he is celebrated as a hero in Hawaii, and why a statue was erected in his honor right in the middle of Waikiki Beach!
To this day, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue is often adorned with numerous leis as a sign of respect and admiration.
How to Get the Best Shot of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
While the Duke Kahanamoku Statue is a very popular tourist spot, it’s actually known for being difficult to photograph well.
Because the surrounding beach and ocean are so bright, timing is crucial for taking a good picture!
If you try to take a photo from the front in the afternoon, it will always be backlit, and you’ll end up with just a black silhouette of the statue.
So, if you want to take a beautiful picture, it’s best to visit early in the morning!
By the way, there are plenty of cafes and shops nearby, so waking up a little earlier to make your day in Hawaii longer might be a great idea!
General Information about the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
| Name | Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue |
| Address | 2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI |
| Map | |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | 5 minutes |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | None (Use nearby street parking) |
Recommended Ways to Get to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Biki (BIKI) – A convenient bike-sharing system for getting around Honolulu
Waikiki Trolley – A large bus specializing in sightseeing at popular spots