Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku
He carried surfing from Waikīkī to the world.
Born in Honolulu in 1890. Five Olympic medals. Hawaiʻi’s Ambassador of Aloha.
Who he was
In brief
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born on 24 August 1890 at Haleʻākala in Honolulu, in what was then the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
He won five Olympic medals, three gold and two silver, across Stockholm 1912, Antwerp 1920 and Paris 1924. Surfing is heʻe nalu, Native Hawaiian and centuries older than him; he carried it from Waikīkī to the world.
Elected Sheriff of the City and County of Honolulu in 1934, he served thirteen consecutive terms until the office was abolished in 1961. He is Hawaiʻi’s Ambassador of Aloha. He died in Honolulu on 22 January 1968.
Three doors
Where his name lives now
This page is the hub. The work happens at three places, each with its own address.