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Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Archival Overview
Native Hawaiian competitive swimmer, five-time Olympic medalist, and universally revered father of modern surfing who spread the sport globally.
Biographical Record
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890–1968), revered as The Big Kahuna, was a Native Hawaiian sporting deity and goodwill ambassador. A formidable swimmer with massive feet that gave him an unmatched flutter kick, Duke won three Olympic gold medals and two silvers across three Olympic Games (1912, 1920, 1924).
Duke introduced and popularized Hawaiian board surfing across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, sparking modern beach and surfing culture. In 1925, he staged a legendary rescue in Newport Beach, using his surfboard to save eight fishermen from a capsized trawler in massive surf.
Key Life Milestones
Olympic 100m Freestyle Gold in Stockholm
Won the 100-meter freestyle Olympic gold medal in Stockholm after shattering the world record in the qualifying heats.
Introducing Surfing to Australia
Gave a legendary surfing exhibition at Freshwater Beach in Sydney, carving his own board and introducing surfing to Australia.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialHonolulu, Hawaii, United States