3 surfer statues in Waikiki Hawaii you need to see!

ALOHA!

The most iconic statue in Waikiki is the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. This is the statue of the surfer named Duke standing in front of a surfboard.

While you definitely do need to see that surfer statue in Waikiki, there are more surfer statues that you can see in Waikiki! Well, 2 more.

And with 3 surfer statues to see, that means that you can go “surfer statue hopping” in Waikiki! 😁

That is, with the surfer statues as your excuse, you can go for a walk through Waikiki to get a little bit of an intro to the area! It’s also an easy way to take in Hawaii’s surfing spirit!

It’s actually not that long of a walk. You can be done in 10 minutes. 😅

But, you can also stop for banyan trees, a classic very-Waikiki ABC Store, and of course, ocean views!

So take your time, stop and enjoy the views along the way, take some pictures, and enjoy this little surfer statue tour! 😁

If you’re staying in the Kuhio Beach area, this can be the first thing you do upon arrival to Waikiki!

 

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Now, here’s where to go to see a surfer statue in Waikiki!

All three statues are right along the main street of Kalakaua Avenue.

This is basically a walk from Kuhio Beach to Queens Beach… following the sidewalk along these beaches.

 

 

The Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue is the most iconic statue in Waikiki, and it’s located on the sidewalk side of Kuhio Beach. It’s the one you must see! It’s right along the sidewalk.

According to the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue, Duke was raised in Waikiki, and he developed into an Olympic champion and the world’s fastest swimming. Between 1912 and 1922, he won 3 gold medals, 2 silver, and a bronze in 4 Olympics. He is known as the Father of International Surfing, being credited for introducing surfing to the east coast of the US, as well as Europe and Australia.

 

Next, you’ll walk in the direction of Diamond Head. This is walking with the ocean on your right side. You’ll soon pass a banyan tree. It’s fun to stop and look around (and walk around!) this tree. Keep walking toward Diamond Head.

On your way to the next surfer statue, you’ll come across the Prince Kuhio statue. Prince Kuhio is one of the 3 Hawaiian princes that is given credit for first introducing surfing to California. Duke Kahanamoku is said to have popularized surfing in Southern California after that!

 

 

 

You’ll still be along the sidewalk of Kuhio Beach when you see the next surfer statue.

This is a cute one, as it’s one of a surfer with a Hawaiian monk seal! The statue is called Makua and Kila. According to the statue plaque, it’s based on a children’s story honoring Hawaiian values of love and respect for ohana (family) and the ocean.

Makua is the name of a little boy and Kila is the Hawaiian monk seal. It’s based on a children’s story.

 

Waikiki Historic Trail

 

As you are doing even this short walk from Kuhio Beach to Queens Beach, you will notice informational signboards that are shaped like a surfboard. There’s one near the Makua and Kila statue.

Well, you may not have initially realized that they are in the shape of a surfboard, but now you know!

The path you’re walking is actually a part of the Waikiki Historic Trail. There are these informational surfboards all over Waikiki, and you can make it a much longer walk to learn more about the history of Waikiki by looking for these info surfboards.

If you see one when you’re walking around, stop to read and learn things!

 

 

 

As you continue walking, Kuhio Beach turns into Queens Beach. The divide is the Waikiki Wall. (This is also a good sunset spot! You can also see the Friday night fireworks from here, although it’s a bit of a distant view.)

Right around here, you’ll see the statue of a surfer on a wave. There’s a banyan tree nearby too.

Just beyond this surfer statue, you’ll also see a sign for Kapiolani Park. You can keep walking on this quieter side of Waikiki! For food with ocean views, head for the Barefoot Beach Cafe (reviews).

 

 

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