Duke Paoa Kanahanamoku. He was Hawaii’s Olympic swimming champion and the father of International Surfing. In 1917, he caught a 35-foot wave and rode it to shore, a distance of a mile and a quarter. That is the longest ride recorded in the history. He was the winner of three Olympic gold medals and 2 silver medals. He was also the sheriff of Honolulu for 26 years. In 1961, Duke Kahanamoku was appointed the official greeter and was recognized as the ambassador of Aloha for the rest of his life. I may not be Duke but I like to say I am the Ambassador of Hawaii as you enjoy this audio tour.
Waikiki is known for some of the best summer waves in the world. The swells vary in height from 2 to 8 feet and on rare occasions, have reached as high as 35 feet. A ride can easily extend a hundred yards or so. Just by standing right on the beautiful sandy beach and watching the ocean, you will know why Waikiki has been worldly-recognized as a place to vacation since the early 1900.