ALOHA!
The Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue is a bronze tribute to Hawaii’s most famous surfer and Olympic swimmer, located at Kuhio Beach in the heart of Waikiki. It’s a quick stop along the sidewalk of the main road of Kalakaua Avenue, making it a perfect photo opportunity.
An iconic landmark of Waikiki, Duke Kahanamoku is welcoming you to Hawaii with open arms!
It can be a quick stop, and below I have a short walking route for you near Kuhio Beach that starts at the Duke Kahanamoku statue!
📌 Save this post for later! Save on Pinterest! 👈📌
There are partner websites included on this page.
WAIKIKI IDEAS > STATUES WALKING MAP
>> ATLANTIS SUBMARINE | GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR | HAWAIIAN LUAU
Quick tips for Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Beach: Kuhio Beach
Location: Along the sidewalk on Kalakaua Avenue between Kaiulani Ave and Ulunui Ave (map)
Activities nearby: Free hula show, banyan tree, Waikiki trolley, beginner surf lessons, Na Lei Aloha Luau, ABC Stores
Food across the street: Asato’s Waikiki (Hawaiian-style sherbert), Furusato Sushi
Hotels nearby: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa (across the street), ESPACIO the Jewel of Waikiki (2 minute walk), Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach (5 minute walk), Moana Surfrider (3 minute walk beachfront hotel)
More: Hotels near Kuhio Beach
👆 Explore the walking map!
Waikiki walking route
Start with a walk to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue to receive that classic Hawaii welcome! From there, continue along the sidewalk to other nearby surfer statues and stop at the Waikiki Wall.
Stop 1: Duke Kahanamoku statue
👆 Aloha, Duke! Duke Kahanamoku is known as the “Father of International Surfing,” being credited for popularizing surfing in Southern California, and introducing it to the eastern US, Europe, and Australia. He is known as Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha!
While Duke Kahanamoku popularized surfing in California, Prince Kuhio is one of the people credited with first introducing it to California. You will pass a statue dedicated to Prince Kuhio on your way to the next stop.
Stop 2: Makua and Kila statue
👆 The Makua and Kila statue is a 7 minute walk from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. It’s a straight walk on the sidewalk along Kalakaua Avenue towards Queens Beach with ocean views!
Stop 3: Waikiki Wall
👆 The Waikiki Wall is also a 7 minute walk from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, right next to stop #2. This is a walkway that juts out into the ocean which makes for amazing views! This is a good sunset spot too.
Stop 4: Surfer on a wave statue
👆 The surfer on a wave statue is a 9 minute walk from the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, a couple minutes beyond stop #3. There’s a banyan tree here too! Queens Beach is right here, and you can continue walking further along the sidewalk if you want more ocean views!
Walking near Kuhio Beach
WAIKIKI ITINERARY IDEAS > Atlantis submarine | Glass bottom boat tour | Hawaiian luau
There are partner websites included on this blog.
WHERE TO STAY > Beachfront hotels | Near Fort DeRussy Beach | Near Kuhio Beach | Near Queens Beach | Vacation rentals
OAHU ITINERARY IDEAS > Hanauma Bay | Diamond Head | Pearl Harbor
>> Oahu hikes | Oahu mountains | Waikiki luau
>> Best Oahu tours
> Atlantis submarine from Hilton pier | Oahu grand circle island tour
HAWAII PACKING LIST > What to wear snorkeling | Hiking shoes