August 20 through the 28th in Waikiki is this summer’s Oceanfest which honors Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, fondly remembered as the greatest watermen who ever lived. This event is held at various venues sites throughout Waikiki and features ocean sports, surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming and more.
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was an incredible Hawaiian waterman, and has been credited with spreading the sport of surfing. He was a natural of virtually all water related activities including boarding, surfing, body surfing, sailing and diving. At the age of 20 he broke the American 50 yard record by more than a second and beat the 100 yard world record by more than four seconds in 1911. He’s known as being one of the greatest waterman to have ever lived. He graciously welcomed waves of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands during his lifetime and was regarded as a symbol of all that was good in the islands.
There’s a Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku foundation which is dedicated to serving Hawaii’s water sports community. They are his legacy by raising support for youth athletes and scholars of Hawaii.
The event starts on Saturday, August 20 with a surfing fast at Queens Beach and Kuhio Beach. This is followed by volleyball tournaments, a canoe regatta and the Oceanfest’s opening ceremony at Dukes Statue at 4:00 PM.
Activities spill into Sunday through the next Sunday with water polo activities, surfing competitions, fantastic music, delicious food, tandem contests, beach volleyball and much, much more. There is stuff happening throughout Waikiki in venues and on the beaches. Visit the calendar of events for more information and a schedule of everything that’s happening.
Stay tuned to our blog for more local events and things to do on Oahu.
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