The father of surfing was a Hawaiian by the name of Duke Kahanamoku. Born in 1890, he was a five-time Olympic medal winner in swimming and a business man. Kahanamoku was a big promoter of surfing and is today a beloved figure in Hawaii.
A bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku can be found in Kuhio Beach Park next to the Waikiki Beach. The Kahanamoku Beach is also named after him.
