Waikiki in Honolulu in Honolulu County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

August 24, 1890 - January 22, 1968

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 15, 2014

1. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Marker

Inscription. Raised in Waikiki, Duke was a full blooded Hawaiian, who symbolized Hawai'i to millions of people. He developed into an Olympic Champion and the world's fastest swimmer. Between 1912 and 1932 he won three gold medals, two silver and a bronze in four Olympics. He is know as the "Father of International Surfing."

Duke introduced surfing to the Eastern seaboard of American, Europe and Australia. He became a hero when he saved eight lives from a capsized launch at Corona del Mar, California in 1925 using his surfboard. A movie actor from 1925 - 1933 he was elected Sheriff of Honolulu for thirteen consecutive terms from 1934 - 1960. He has been recognized as Hawai'i's Ambassador of Aloha since 1912.

He has honored his name, he has honored his race, he has honored his state, he has honored us all. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Government & Politics • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 21° 16.532′ N, 157° 49.519′ W. Marker is in Honolulu, Hawaii, in Honolulu County. It is in Waikiki. Marker is on Kalakaua Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Located on Kalakaua Ave at Kuhio Beach Park across the street from the Hyatt

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Regency Waikiki Hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu HI 96815, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stones Of Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Lady of Waikiki (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Victoria Kawekiu F Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapu Ka’iulani Cleghorn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waikiki (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Beaches of Waikiki (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mahiole (approx. half a mile away); Helumoa (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Honolulu.

Additional keywords. Pacific Islanders

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 15, 2014

2. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Marker

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 15, 2014

3. Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Marker

Duke Kahanamoku & Amelia Earhart image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Denise Boose, April 15, 2014

4. Duke Kahanamoku & Amelia Earhart

Duke Kahanamoku shows famed aviator Amelia Earhart how pineapples are prepared for eating, Jan. 2, 1935 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Earhart visited Hawaii and embarked on a record-breaking solo flight from Honolulu to Oakland, Calif. on Jan. 11, 1935. Photo taken at the Royal Hawaiin Hotel.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 685 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.