Mahalo! We are SOLD OUT!

We’re excited about launching the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame to honor Hawaii’s legendary kane and wahine o ke kai,” said Tim Guard, ODKF president.  We’re also proud to announce that our organization’s inspiration, Duke Kahanamoku, will be among the first inductees into the hall of fame.  Mahalo to Primo for partnering with ODKF to bring this worthy idea to fruition.”

We’re thrilled to be a part of this effort to celebrate the legendary men and women who have paved the way for Hawaii’s ocean-sports athletes,” said Kyle Wortham, senior brand manager at Primo Beer.  “One of our company goals is to help preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture and environment, so we’re very pleased to partner with ODKF."

The nine honorees will be the first inductees into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame, which will be housed at The Grand Waikikian™ resort near the beautiful Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.This display will enshrine all inductees and serve as a Who’s Who of the Hawaii waterman community for both residents and visitors. “Mahalo to Hilton for providing this display area to showcase Hawaii’s waterman tradition. This location fits perfectly given this area is where the Kahanamoku ohana lived and raised their family,” Guard said.

"The creation of a waterman hall of fame is long overdue," said Ralph Goto, ODKF board member, a member of the committee that selected the nine inductees, and administrator of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division for the City and County of Honolulu,Hawaii has a rich history of producing some of the world’s best athletes in water sports and that tradition continues on today.We’re excited about paying tribute to the deserving watermen and waterwomen of Hawaii with this inaugural class of nine honorees, all of who have been at the forefront in helping to establish the Hawaiian Islands as the center of the water-sports universe.

Selection criteria used to determine the inaugural honorees included:

• Keiki o ka aina / Keiki o ke kai
• Sustained outstanding contribution to the sport
• International, national and local accomplishment and recognition

The inaugural class of inductees is very special,” Guard said.  “They are all accomplished athletes in several areas, not just a single discipline.  They also set an excellent standard for future inductees."