Duke’s Day, Australia’s annual celebration honouring legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, returns to Freshwater Beach from 8–10 January 2026. Proudly supported by Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier, the three-day festival celebrates the birthplace of Australian surfing and Duke’s enduring legacy of Aloha, ocean stewardship and community.
The festival is delighted to welcome Tom Pōhaku Stone, renowned Hawaiian cultural practitioner, educator, master craftsman and former professional surfer. Stone has dedicated his life to reviving traditional Hawaiian knowledge, especially the carving and riding of papa he‘enalu (wooden surfboards). Across the weekend, he will share stories about the cultural origins of surfing and its deep spiritual significance for Native Hawaiians.
“Surfing is who we are as native peoples. We’re not land people, we’re ocean people,” says Stone. “When you stand on a traditional wood board, it’s like listening to a symphony that soothes your soul.”
Hawaiian Airlines has added its support to the festival in 2026 by flying Tom Pōhaku Stone to Australia. The Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders will also attend and perform live hula and music as a festival highlight.
“Preserving and celebrating the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, one of our Islands’ most beloved watermen, is paramount for us in Hawaiʻi and at Hawaiian Airlines. It is with great honor and kuleana (responsibility) that we join our friends in Sydney at Freshwater, a place where Duke made history in sharing his aloha and passion for surfing with Australia,” said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community and cultural relations at Hawaiian Airlines, who will also attend the Duke’s Day events.
Hawaiian Airlines also continues to be a long-standing sponsor of the Annual Dukes Oceanfest in Waikīkī, which takes place in August each year to celebrate the Duke’s birthday.
Festival Highlights (8–10 January 2026)
- Sunrise photo honouring Duke
- Surfing events
- Cultural ceremonies and Hawaiian performances
- Live hula and music by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders
- Talk story sessions with Tom Pōhaku Stone
- Surf culture and carving demonstrations
- Presentation of a hand-carved board to the Cecil Healy family
See full schedule of event: 2026 Events – Duke’s Day
Aloha Party Opening Night
The festival opens with a relaxed Aloha Party at Freshwater Brewery on Thursday 8 January, featuring live music, hula and moments celebrating Duke’s legacy. Free tickets are available online.
Celebrating a historic connection
Duke Kahanamoku introduced modern surfing to Australia at Freshwater in 1914–1915. Duke’s Day continues to honour that moment by bringing together surfers, families and ocean lovers to celebrate unity, culture and the shared joy of riding waves.
