No matter where which of the Waikiki hotels you’re staying at, there’s a good chance you’ll end up passing by the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue.
So, just who was Duke Kahanamoku?
In part, described by the statue plaque…
Raised in Waikiki, Duke was a full-blooded Hawaiian, who symbolized Hawaii to millions of people. He developed into an Olympic champion and the world’s fastest swimmer. Over his Olympic career, he won 3 gold medals and 2 silver medals.
He is also known as the…
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Father of International Surfing
Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to the eastern seaboard of America, Europe, and Australia. He became a hero when he used his surfboard to save lives from a capsized boat at Corona del Mar, California, in 1925. He was also a movie actor for a number of years. Later, he was elected Sheriff of Honolulu for 13 consecutive terms. He has been recognized as Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha since 1912.
He lived from 1890 to 1968.
Duke’s in Oahu is named after him
There’s a famous restaurant in Oahu, Duke’s Waikiki, where you can further learn about this Hawaii legend. You can have a look at the Duke’s Waikiki restaurant menu here to see if you want to put Duke’s on your list of things to do in Oahu!
So when you walk past the Duke Kahanamoku statue as you’re headed to a Waikiki beach…
Now you know! 😉
So where exactly is the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki?
Have a look at the Waikiki map below! If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, there’s a good chance you’ll see it every day! Explore the Waikiki map!
Do you want to expand your search outside of Waikiki? See the Oahu map!
HAPPY HAWAII PLANNING!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling