Duke Kahanamoku

A Native Hawaiian swimming legend and surfing pioneer, Duke Kahanamoku rises from the shores of a vanishing kingdom to Olympic glory and global influence, championing his culture as Hawaii faces the tides of change.

Born

1890

Died

1968

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Acted for 11 decades — 12 credits.

Remembered for

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Biography

Duke Kahanamoku is a film about the life of Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku, a renowned Hawaiian competition swimmer, lifeguard, and key figure in popularizing the sport of surfing. Born three years before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kahanamoku became a world record holder in the 100-meter freestyle and a five-time Olympic medalist, earning medals in 1912, 1920, and 1924. The film highlights his contributions to swimming and surfing, as well as his journey from a Native Hawaiian to a United States citizen who witnessed Hawaii's transition to statehood.

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