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Duke Kahanamoku Statue Honolulu

4.6
·5k reviews·Honolulu, United States

A 9-foot bronze statue on Waikiki Beach honoring Duke Kahanamoku, the Olympic champion and father of modern surfing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
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Visão geral

Duke Kahanamoku Statue Honolulu

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 9-foot bronze statue on Waikiki Beach honoring Duke Kahanamoku, the Olympic champion and father of modern surfing.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"An iconic statue you shouldn't miss when visiting the world-famous beach. A great photo spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Ops

Capture the iconic statue, especially at sunset. Go early or late to avoid crowds.

🌺 Respect Tributes

Leis are left as memorials. Please do not move or pose with them.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 4,686 reviews

Type

Cultural landmark

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

A 9-foot bronze monument honoring the father of modern surfing and Olympic swimming champion.

Kuhio Beach Hula Mound

Kuhio Beach Hula Mound

Near the statue

Experience free, authentic Hawaiian cultural performances every Saturday evening.

Waikiki Beach Walkway

Waikiki Beach Walkway

Along Waikiki Beach

Stroll this vibrant path, perfect for sunset views and people-watching.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visits

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is a place of honor. Remember that leis left as tributes are meant to show respect to Hawaiian culture and Duke's legacy. Please refrain from moving or posing with them for photos. TikTok

Beat the Crowds

This iconic statue on Waikiki Beach is a popular spot. For the best photos without crowds, aim for very early mornings or late at night. Sunset is beautiful but always busy. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday evenings
Why
Free cultural shows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Idk this seems super disrespectful to take flowers left in memorial of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku to pose for photos with them. From my understanding, they’re tributes to show respect to the culture and the surfer. #hawaii #traveltok #fypシ #stoneybaloneyteam #xyzbca
@carefreelive
50K likes • 834.4K views

📸 Photo Ops

Capture the iconic statue, especially at sunset. Go early or late to avoid crowds. Reddit

🌺 Respect Tributes

Leis are left as memorials. Please do not move or pose with them. TikTok

📍Every Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Kühio Beach Hula Mound, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki💃🌺 An incredible cultural experience and above all for FREE #hawaii #honolulu #consigli #viaggio
@sara_limentani
28.2K likes • 331.2K views
The legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki. 😍🌺 💡The Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue is a bronzed monument located on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. It honors legendary surfer and Olympic swimming champion Duke Kahanamoku, who is considered the father of modern surfing. The statue stands 9 feet tall and was sculpted by artist Jan Gordon Fisher. Are you planning to visit Kauai in 2023? T...
hawaii.travelers
2.5K likes • 46.4K views

🏄 Beginner Surfing

Canoes surf break near the statue is great for beginners. Rent boards nearby. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Waikiki

The statue is a central point; hotels nearby offer easy access to shops and dining. Reddit

The Father of Modern Surfing On Kuhio Beach, a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes you to Waikiki with open arms. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world's greatest watermen, a master of swimming, surfing and outrigger canoe paddling. Have you been here? 🎥 @happy_misae ✍️ GoHawaii.com . . #hawaiisbest #OahuHawaii #lanikai #Hawaiitag #bigisland #kauai #hawaiistagram #BigIsland...
hawaiis.best
4K likes • 49.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Ops

Capture the iconic statue, especially at sunset. Go early or late to avoid crowds. Reddit

🌺 Respect Tributes

Leis are left as memorials. Please do not move or pose with them. TikTok

🏄 Beginner Surfing

Canoes surf break near the statue is great for beginners. Rent boards nearby. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Waikiki

The statue is a central point; hotels nearby offer easy access to shops and dining. Reddit

🎶 Free Hula Shows

Catch a free cultural performance near the statue on Saturday evenings. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Duke Kahanamoku Statue as an iconic and essential stop in Waikiki, perfect for photos and paying respects to a Hawaiian legend. While the area is often crowded, many find the beauty of the beach and the cultural significance of the statue make it a worthwhile experience. Some note the importance of respecting memorial tributes left at the site.

"Before hitting the surf, pay homage to the legendary Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Native Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, lifeguard and surfer.

Leis are regularly hung from arms extended, bidding welcome to the myriads of Waikiki beach goers.

Check out the nearby banyan tree, a natural tropical monument."

Christopher Chung

"Very iconic statue along the Waikiki Beach walkway. It's very nice at sunset but it is always crowded just like the beach. Taking a photo without people in it is rare unless you go late at night or very early in the morning. It's definitely a nice stop as you walk around the area."

Melissa Previte

"If you’re in Waikiki, you MUST have a picture next to the Duke’s statue… even tho its a very crowded beach, you can get anice picture and pay your respects to Duke’s statue.. and when you’re leaving… leave your orchid lace as a Thanks for the wonderful trip you had.
Get to go early and if possible, see the sun rises, the water in Waikiki it’s turquoise blue and warm.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful island!"

Marcelo

What People Like

Iconic photo opportunity
Tribute to a legend
Beautiful beach location

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is located on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki, Honolulu. It's easily accessible by public bus, ride-sharing services, or a pleasant walk if you're staying in the Waikiki area. Many visitors find hotels near the statue for convenient access to the beach and local attractions. Reddit

Parking in Waikiki can be challenging and expensive. While there are public parking lots and hotel garages nearby, it's often more convenient to use ride-sharing services or public transport, especially if you plan to spend time on the beach. Reddit

Absolutely! If you're staying in Waikiki, the statue is a central landmark and easily reachable on foot. It's a great way to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Waikiki Beach. Reddit

Waikiki is very walkable, and you can also utilize Biki bicycles for short distances. Ride-sharing services and local buses are also readily available for exploring further afield. Reddit

Yes, the statue is a prominent landmark on Kuhio Beach, a well-known section of Waikiki Beach. It's hard to miss as you stroll along the beach or the main Kalakaua Avenue. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing and taking photos with the Duke Kahanamoku Statue is completely free. It's an open public space on Waikiki Beach. Instagram

The statue and the surrounding beach area are accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours or early evening is recommended. Reddit

There are no fees to visit or take photos with the Duke Kahanamoku Statue itself. Any costs would be related to parking or transportation to the area. Instagram

While there are no strict rules against touching, it's generally advised to be respectful of monuments. The statue is a tribute, and visitors are encouraged to admire it without causing damage. Instagram

For photography, early morning or late evening offers fewer crowds and beautiful lighting. Saturday evenings are popular for the free hula shows nearby. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late evenings provide the best light and the fewest crowds for capturing memorable photos of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Sunset is beautiful but very crowded. Reddit

The area directly in front of the statue offers classic shots. You can also capture it with the ocean and Waikiki Beach as a backdrop. Instagram

Be mindful of other visitors and respect any leis or tributes left at the statue. Avoid moving or posing with memorial items. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in public beach areas and near populated tourist spots. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone in Waikiki. Instagram

Any camera, from a smartphone to a professional DSLR, can capture great shots. The key is good lighting and composition. Consider a wide-angle lens to include the beach. Instagram

🎫 🏄 Surfing & Water Activities

The Canoes surf break, located just behind the Duke Kahanamoku Statue across from the Hyatt, is ideal for beginners. You can rent boards and take lessons from surf shops nearby. Reddit

Yes, there are several surf shops along Waikiki Beach, including those within walking distance of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, where you can rent surfboards. Reddit

Kuhio Beach, where the statue is located, generally has calmer waters and smaller waves, making it suitable for swimming and beginner surfing. Reddit

Many surf schools operate on Waikiki Beach, offering lessons for all skill levels. You can often find instructors near the statue or book in advance. Reddit

Besides surfing, you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and even take outrigger canoe rides, which Duke Kahanamoku himself excelled at. Instagram

🎫 🌺 Culture & Etiquette

The statue honors Duke Kahanamoku, a Native Hawaiian Olympic swimming champion, lifeguard, and the father of modern international surfing. He was a global ambassador of aloha. Instagram+1

Leis are often left as tributes to Duke Kahanamoku. It's considered disrespectful to move or pose with these memorial offerings. TikTok

Yes, every Saturday at 6:30 PM, the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound near the statue hosts free hula performances, offering a wonderful cultural experience. TikTok

Duke Kahanamoku embodied the spirit of aloha, which signifies love, peace, compassion, and a welcoming spirit. He spread this spirit globally through his athletic achievements and personality. Instagram

Be mindful of local customs, such as respecting memorial tributes, learning a few Hawaiian phrases, and appreciating the natural environment. TikTok

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