Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Duke’s OceanFest – Waikīkī’s premier ocean sports festival – is back and celebrating its 20th anniversary with eight days of events and competitions taking place 20-28 August.
A fun and festive tribute to the life and legacy of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku – Hawai‘i’s legendary Olympic champion, surfing pioneer and Ambassador of Aloha – the 20th annual Duke’s OceanFest will feature exciting ocean and beach competitions during the week of Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday anniversary (24 August 1890).
Most competitions and events are taking place at Queen’s Surf on Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī, a favorite surfing spot of Duke and home to the magnificent statue honoring his lifetime of achievements and furthering the Aloha Spirit.
Renowned as Hawai‘i’s greatest athlete, Duke Kahanamoku won six Olympic medals, including three gold medals in swimming. He is also recognised as the “Father of International Surfing.” In his prime, Kahanamoku was the world’s fastest swimmer, the single-most influential person in promoting surfing worldwide, and a champion canoe paddler and steersman.
Duke’s OceanFest supports the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) with proceeds from the event helping to support the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s scholarships and grants directed at Hawai‘i residents and nonprofit groups competing in ‘Duke related’ sports.
Later in life, Duke Kahanamoku was revered as Hawai‘i’s Ambassador of Aloha. Captured in his own words, he conveyed the power of the Aloha Spirit in the following, known as Duke’s Creed:
“In Hawai‘i we greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawai‘i renowned as the world’s center of understanding and fellowship. Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed. Aloha to you.”
For more information about Duke’s OceanFest, please visit the website or follow updates on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
