David Kahanamoku: Hawaiian Waterman and Surfing Ambassador

A Brother in the Wake of Duke

David Kahanamoku was born in Honolulu in 1899, part of the legendary Kahanamoku family that helped preserve and share Hawaiian culture during a time of great change. While his older brother Duke became a household name as an Olympic swimmer and surfing ambassador, David played a quieter but equally important role in the story of surfing — as a talented surfer, paddler, and Hawaiian beachboy whose spirit of aloha helped carry surfing beyond Hawai‘i’s shores.

The Beachboys of Waikīkī

In the early 20th century, Waikīkī was more than a tourist destination — it was the heart of Hawaiian surf culture. David was one of the original Waikīkī beachboys, alongside his brothers and friends like Rabbit Kekai, Steamboat Mokuahi, and Panama Dave. These men weren’t just instructors or entertainers — they were guardians of Hawaiian ocean knowledge, passing on traditions in the face of colonial change. David’s deep connection to the sea, his smooth style on a koa board, and his gentle demeanor embodied the values of the beachboy era.

A True Hawaiian Waterman

David wasn’t just a surfer — he was a gifted canoe paddler and swimmer, often competing in long-distance races and exhibitions. His strength in the water and natural ease with tourists made him a perfect ambassador of Hawaiian hospitality. With his brothers, David helped show the world that surfing wasn’t just a sport — it was a way of life, grounded in respect for the ocean and rooted in the traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

While Duke stood on podiums and broke records, David remained closer to home, deeply embedded in daily life at Waikīkī. He helped teach surfing, guided canoe rides, and worked at local resorts. Yet his presence was profound — many who learned to surf in Waikīkī during the 1920s and ’30s remember David’s patience, skill, and warmth. He may not have sought fame, but he left a lasting impression on thousands of visitors who got their first taste of Hawaiian surf through him.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

David Kahanamoku passed away in 1966, but his legacy — like the sets rolling into Waikīkī — continues. He stands as a reminder that Hawaiian surf history is made not only by the famous, but by the humble kumu, uncles, and unsung heroes who carried forward the spirit of aloha. As we honor Duke, we must also honor David — the quiet wave in the background that made the ride smoother for everyone who followed.