The Big Kahuna

Duke Kahanamoku is an important person in Hawaiian history. Duke was also an icon for his

time. While representing Hawaiians and spreading a little piece of Hawaiian culture around the world, he

had many people looking up to him. Duke was a pro-surfer that many people crowded the beach and came

to watch him surf and aspired to be. Duke brought Hawaiian culture around the world and represented

Hawaiians in the Olympics.

Duke Kahanamoku represented Hawaiians in the Olympics by swimming and breaking records at

a super young age. When Duke was at the Olympics, Duke represented Hawaiians in general because

Hawai’i was not a state yet. He was also one of the only brown people swimming in the olympics

in the Olympics. Duke raised money to go to the United States and compete in the Olympic trials. While

Duke was there he broke records and earned himself a spot for the 1912 U.S Olympic team. In the 1920

Olympics at Antwerp, Duke was the first swimmer to secure the win of the 100m freestyle swim twice in

a row. When Duke competed in the Olympics he won a total of 5 medals, 3 gold, 2 silver. Duke was a

legendary swimmer for his time who also popularized surfing.

Duke Kahanamoku brought surfing around the world. When Duke was not competing in the

Olympics he traveled the world and did swimming exhibitions. It was during that time when he started

popularizing the sport of surfing. Duke brought surfing to the 30 mainland cities, Australia, Atlantic coast,

and New Zealand. While he was surfing, groups of people flocked to watch him on the beach. Duke also

did surfing exhibitions on the California seaside. While he was at these events he performed many stunts

on wooden boards. Every time the Duke will surf a crowd a crowd will gather and start to watch him. He

brought a little piece of Hawaiian culture around the world and was an icon for many people.

Duke Kahanamoku was an icon for his time. He was an actor in various different movies when he

needed to make money. He met and inspired many people around the world to take interest in Hawaiian

culture while he was traveling for swimming and surfing exhibitions. He was also one of the only brown

people in the pool in the Olympics and broke records at age 21. He also represented Hawaiians every

single time he surfed and swam in the Olympics. Most people loved him and was one of the most
prominent Hawaiians.

Overall, Duke spread Hawaiian culture all around the world which makes him one of the most

important Hawaiian heroes. While representing Hawaiian people in the Olympics and winning 5 medals

and combating racism, he was one of the best for his time. Duke inspired many people to surf and swim

by watching him in the Olympics and his many exhibitions he hosted around the world. He also inspired

many people to start to take interest in Hawaiian culture.

Sources:

https://amview.japan.usembassy.gov/en/how-duke-kahanamoku-popularized-surfing/
https://www.dukeswaikiki.com/duke/

https://biography.yourdictionary.com/duke-kahanamoku

https://support.surfline.com/hc/en-us/signin?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.surfline.com
%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F360029359271-Why-can-t-I-block-ads-

https://olympics.com/en/news/the-legend-of-duke-kahanamoku-the-father-of-modern-surfing-and-double-
olympic-ch