Duke Kahanamoku
celebration set

The three-day event will mark
the birthday of one of
Hawaii's greatest sportsmen

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Star-Bulletin staff

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku's 113th birthday will be marked by a three-day event in Waikiki featuring athletic competitions, a beach boy celebration and Brunch on the Beach with an exhibit showcasing Kahanamoku's Olympic medals.

The water sports competitions during the Hoolaulea Aug. 22-24 include a surf water polo contest featuring teams on surfboards at Kuhio Beach, an ocean mile swim and a waterman challenge pitting Honolulu lifeguards against Los Angeles lifeguards.

The Duke Kahanamoku statue will be draped with flower leis on Aug. 23, and Brunch on the Beach will be dedicated to Kahanamoku on Aug. 24, the anniversary of the birth of the man who is considered Hawaii's greatest athlete and who introduced surfing to the rest of the world.

This is the second annual Hoolaulea dedicated to Kahanamoku. The first was held last year in conjunction with the issuance of a U.S. postal stamp featuring his likeness.

Proceeds will help fund scholarships provided by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, whose mission is to support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate his spirit and legacy.

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Hoolaulea schedule

Aug. 22

>> Old-timers Beach Boy Celebration (3 to 5 p.m.): Traditionally known as the Ho'ohanohano Na Kanaka O Ke Kai, Kahanamoku's friends will gather in Waikiki at Duke's Canoe Club to share stories.

Aug. 23

>> Lei making and dressing at Kahanamoku's statue (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

>> Duke biographers Sandra Hall and Grady Timmons will conduct walking tours focused on his life and achievements.

>> Surfboard Water Polo at Kapahulu groin (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Water polo -- Hawaiian style -- in the waters of Waikiki near the entrance to Kapiolani Park.

>> Lei draping of Duke's statue (5 to 7 p.m.): Duke is adorned with fresh flower leis, accompanied by Hawaiian music and hula performances.

Aug. 24

>> Brunch on the Beach (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Celebration on Kalakaua Avenue is dedicated to Kahanamoku. An exhibit featuring his Olympic medals and memorabilia will be on display near his statue.

>> Duke's Ocean Mile Swim (9 to 9:30 a.m.): Swimmers compete in the waters where Kahanamoku honed his skills.

>> Waterman Challenge (9 to 11 a.m.): Six teams of watermen including Honolulu and Los Angeles County lifeguards will compete in swimming, paddle-boarding and canoe racing off Waikiki.