Waikiki Beach Story

Waikīkī Beach boasts a rich and vibrant history, once serving as a retreat for Hawaiian royalty during the 1700s and 1800s. These royals indulged in the exhilarating sport of surfing, gliding across the waves on massive 18-foot wooden longboards. The beach’s legacy as a destination for leisure and adventure was further cemented in 1901 with the opening of the Moana Hotel, now known as The Moana Surfrider Hotel. Later, in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel welcomed guests as another iconic landmark. Both hotels quickly became renowned for catering to the rich and famous, placing the Hawaiian Islands squarely on the global tourism map.

The Waikiki Beach Boys

The intertwined history of Waikiki Beach, surfing, and outrigger canoe surfing is incomplete without acknowledging the Waikiki Beach Boys. The “glory days” of the Beach Boys unfolded during the 1920s and 1930s along Waikiki’s famous stretch of sand. This era saw an influx of tourists, including numerous wealthy celebrities, eager to experience the allure of Hawaii. The Beach Boys greeted visitors with open arms, teaching them the arts of surfing and canoeing, and providing entertainment infused with the spirit of aloha. This spirit of unconditional giving and the belief that “the ocean is life” are at the heart of every true Waikiki Beach Boy. Their welcoming persona and ocean-centered lifestyle left an indelible impression on all who visited the islands.

Duke Kahanamoku: The King of Waikiki Beach

Among the Waikiki Beach Boys, Duke Kahanamoku stands out as the most famous. Born in 1890 and raised in Waikiki, Duke earned titles such as “The King of Waikiki Beach” and “The Father of Surfing.” He was a true waterman—accomplished surfer, canoe paddler, and a record-breaking Olympic swimmer. Duke was also one of the founders of the Beach Boy Club, Hui Nalu, and went on to become Hawaii’s official “Ambassador of Aloha.” His remarkable life included an Olympic swimming career, appearances in 28 Hollywood movies, and service as the Sheriff of Honolulu. Yet, no matter where his journey took him, Duke always returned to the ocean, remaining the most iconic figure to embody the true spirit of aloha.

The Legacy Continues

Today, the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku endures through the current Waikiki Beach Boys, who continue to offer memorable experiences that originated on these shores centuries ago. Even before the founding of Godspeed Adventures, there were deep personal and professional connections with the Beach Boys—many have been cherished friends for decades and have been featured in our film documentaries dating back to the 1990s. Together, Godspeed Adventures and the Waikiki Beach Boys remain dedicated to sharing the waves and the spirit of aloha with all who visit Waikiki Beach. 

The most famous Waikiki Beach Boy was Duke Kahanamoku, “The King of Waikiki Beach” and “The Father of Surfing” was born in 1890 and raised in Waikiki. Duke was a true waterman, surfer, canoe paddler, record breaking swimmer, and one of the founders of the Beach Boy Club; Hui Nalu. Duke later became Hawaii’s unofficial “Ambassador of Aloha”. Throughout Duke’s life he had an Olympic swimming career, was in 28 Hollywood movies, and worked various odd jobs, but always returned to the ocean. In his later years, Duke became an iconic figure that will forever embody the true spirit of Aloha.