Duke Paoa Kahanamoku A lifetime of highlights
| Honoring the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku |
Advertiser Staff
1890 Born Aug. 24 in downtown Honolulu, to Duke and Julia Kahanamoku.
1891 Family moves to Kalia area of Waikiki.
1911 Breaks three world records in freestyle swimming in his first races in Honolulu Harbor.
1912 Stockholm Olympics: Wins gold medal and sets world record in 100-meter freestyle swim. Also wins silver medal in 4x200 meter freestyle relay.
1913 Introduces surfing to U.S. eastern seaboard.
1914-1915 Introduces surfing to Australia.
1915-1932 Helps popularize swimming and surfing in California.
1917 Off Waikiki Beach, rides a huge wave on his 16-foot surfboard for more than a mile.
1918 Swims in exhibition races throughout the Mainland to raise money for Liberty Bonds in support of U.S. war effort.
1920 Antwerp Olympics: Wins gold medals in 100-meter freestyle and 4x200 meter freestyle relay. Member of U.S. water polo team that places fourth.
1922-1930 Appears in 30 movies while living in Los Angeles.
1924 Paris Olympics: Wins silver medal in 100-meter freestyle.
1925 On June 14, rescues eight people from drowning after a boat accident near Corona Del Mar, Calif.
1932 L.A. Olympics: Wins bronze medal as member of U.S. water polo team.
1934 Elected sheriff of City and County of Honolulu. Re-elected 12 times, serving until 1960.
1940 Marries Nadine Alexander on Aug. 2.
1960 Officially appointed Hawai'i's Ambassador of Aloha.
1966 Becomes first person inducted in both the Swimming Hall of Fame (1965) and Surfing Hall of Fame.
1968 Dies January 22 at age 77. Ashes scattered off Waikiki in "beach boy" funeral ceremony witnessed by thousands.
1984 Inducted into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Source: Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Ho'olaule'a Executive Committee