Lesson Plan - History Makers: Duke Kahanamoku

In the early 1900s, only swimmers in Hawaii who belonged to a sports club could compete in official competitions. But the top clubs in Honolulu allowed only White members. In 1908, Kahanamoku and two friends started a sports club for Native Hawaiians. They called it Hui Nalu, which means “Club of the Waves” in Hawaiian. The club was a community for swimmers, surfers, and other water sports athletes. Hui Nalu still exists today.

Pictured: Kahanamoku (second from right) and friends pose with their surfboards on Waikiki Beach.

Kahanamoku first gained fame as a swimmer. Unlike other swimmers at the time, he used a technique called the flutter kick. It involves rapidly moving your legs close to the surface to propel you through the water. It later became known as the “Kahanamoku Kick.” Today, most swimmers—including Olympians—use this kick.

In 1912, Kahanamoku became the first Hawaiian Olympic champion. He won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle event and a silver medal in the freestyle team relay. At the 1920 Games, he won gold in both events. Kahanamoku got his last Olympic medal in 1924, with a silver in the 100-meter freestyle event. In 1932, at age 42, he was an alternate on the U.S. Olympic water polo team.

Pictured: Duke (left) and his brother Samuel (right) both won medals in swimming at the 1924 Olympics.

Kahanamoku traveled around the world for swimming competitions. During these trips, he spent time at the beach showing off his amazing surfing skills. He thrilled crowds who had never seen the sport before. 

His wave-riding skills became legendary. Surfers still talk about one epic moment at Waikiki Beach in 1917. Kahanamoku caught what is said to have been a 30-foot wave and rode it for more than a mile.

Kahanamoku’s fame as a swimmer and surfer helped him get some minor roles in Hollywood movies. He appeared in about 30 movies over the years.

Back in Hawaii, he was appointed as the sheriff of Honolulu in 1934. He was reelected 13 times and held the position until 1960.

Pictured: Kahanamoku sits in his office as the Honolulu County Sheriff in 1959.

Kahanamoku helped introduce the world to the wonders of the Hawaiian Islands. He was often called the “Ambassador of Aloha.” (Aloha is a Hawaiian word with many meanings, including “love” and “welcome.”) Beginning in the 1930s, he greeted celebrities and world leaders who were eager to meet the famous Hawaiian. He also taught visitors about Hawaiian customs, including surfing and hula dancing. 

Pictured: In 1935, Kahanamoku shows legendary pilot Amelia Earhart the Hawaiian way of peeling a pineapple.

Before his death in 1968, Kahanamoku became the first person inducted into both the swimming and surfing halls of fame. And in 1984, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. 

Few athletes have influenced two sports the way Kahanamoku did. But he is remembered for more than his athletic skills. He helped the world realize all the beauty and rich culture that Hawaii has to offer. 

Pictured: This statue on Waikiki Beach honors Kahanamoku.