Duke Kahanamoku (1890- 1968) was a respected Hawaiian surfer, a champion Olympic swimmer, and a master of canoeing. The duke epitomized Hawaiian athleticism and contributed in making surfing a very popular sport. Duke Kahanamoku is credited for introducing surfing to the mainland and probably also to Australia, which is the reason why he is known as " The Father of Modern Surfing". The duke was born and raised in Hawaii. As an Olympic champion, he had won three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze medal in four different Olympics between 1912 and 1922. He was recognized as the "Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha".
The Duke and his surfer buddies started in 1905 a surfing club known as the Hui Nalu (Club of Waves). They were called the "Beach Boys of Waikiki". The Duke's legend started when he broke the world record of the 100-yard freestyle during the first competition that he participated. Besides being an athlete, the Duke also played a role in several Hollywood movies and was elected Sheriff and official greeter of the City and County of Honolulu.
The statue of Duke Kahanamoku is located next to the Waikiki Police Station on Kalakaua Avenue, just opposite to the Regency hotel. Memorabilia and authentic photos of the Duke and of the Waikiki Beach Boys can be seen if you visit the Duke's Canoe Club, which is also a restaurant located on Waikiki Beach in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel.