A festival of amateur ocean sports and volleyball events celebrating the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku.
A gala celebrating Hawaii's legendary watermen and waterwoman to benefit ODKF scholarships and grants programs.
A celebration of ODKF scholars. Tickets required.
Surfing Moms will host its first formal Mother’s Day Open House on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the day before Mother’s Day, across Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island at beaches where the organization has long held its Surf Swap gatherings. Building on years of peer-led surf sessions that allow mothers to share childcare and access the ocean, the event will welcome families and the broader community for a day of connection, ocean time, and celebration. The open house will feature local professional surfers who are mothers, ocean safety guidance from lifeguards, wellness and community activities, and opportunities for mothers and keiki to engage with Hawaiʻi’s surf culture. Support from the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation will help fund ocean safety education, community programming, and event resources, ensuring the event is accessible, safe, and rooted in Duke’s legacy of mentorship, aloha, and respect for the each other and the ocean.
Athletes with intellectual disabilities will participate in the four traditional swimming competitions at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex at the University of Hawaii at State Summer Games to be held in June 2026. Since 1968, swimming has been one of the primary sports offered by Special Olympics Hawaii. Athletes train for 3 months and participate in regional competitions prior to Summer Games, and coaches receive training and certification each February.
The Walter J Macfarlane memorial regatta is the longest running 6-man canoe regatta and is also the only surfing regatta on the OHCRA regatta schedule.
Long distance women’s canoe race in memory of Dad Center a trailblazer of women’s cone racing.
The North Shore 5k/10k Swim is a long-distance open water swim event held on the North Shore of O'ahu. It provides the community an opportunity to swim either a 3-mile or 6-mile distance as a capstone event to the North Shore Swim Series. It also provides a great training ground for the Waikiki Roughwater Swim. The grant will be used to help cover the expenses associated with putting on the event (water safety and timing).
Nā Kama Kai will host the 10th Annual Nā Kama Kai Keiki Surf Kontest at Mākaha over Thanksgiving weekend, November 27–29, 2026, celebrating a decade of empowering keiki through surfing, Hawaiian culture, and ocean stewardship. This free, community-based event is open exclusively to keiki ages 18 and under who reside in the Waiʻanae (96792) community, ensuring direct benefit to local families. More than 150 keiki are expected to participate in a supportive, inclusive surf competition designed to encourage all skill levels. Participants may choose to compete on surfboards or bodyboards, and the event features seven age divisions, including a unique Kōkua Division where parents are allowed in the water to assist their keiki. This family-centered format strengthens ʻohana bonds while promoting confidence, water safety, and a lifelong connection to the ocean. All participants receive free meals, refreshments, and gift bags, with trophies awarded to finalists and surfboards or bodyboards presented to top finishers. Certified water safety is provided throughout the event by professional lifeguards and jet ski rescue operators. Founded in Hawaiian values and inspired by the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, Nā Kama Kai’s Keiki Surf Kontest is more than a competition—it is a celebration of community, culture, and kuleana to the kai. The event reflects Nā Kama Kai’s mission to connect Hawaiʻi’s youth to the ocean while nurturing respect, responsibility, and aloha for the natural environment.
The opening of the Hui Wa'a Hawaiian canoe sprints season in Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu, hosted by the Manu O Ke Kai Canoe Club, continues a tradition rooted in ancient Polynesian voyaging and the modern resurgence of competitive paddling, with this particular regatta being proudly hosted by the club since 2008. Bringing together keiki, adults, and kūpuna, the event honors Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage while strengthening community bonds through teamwork, ocean stewardship, and athletic excellence. The requested grant will help fund essential needs—including safety equipment, race operations, canoe and paddle maintenance, volunteer support, and community outreach—ensuring the opening regatta remains safe, vibrant, and accessible for all participants and spectators.
The Triple Crown Ocean Swim Series will be hosted by Kona Aquatics again in 2026 for it's 5th consecutive year. The Triple Crown consists of 3 races: Anaeho'omalu Splash, Hapuna Rough Water and Kamakahonu Swim. All 3 ocean swims are 1 mile in length and any participant who swims all 3 races will complete the Triple Crown, Big Island Ocean Swim Series. The events are open to swimmers of all ages and water safety is provided during the race.
Kanaka Ikaika Racing hosts a series of outrigger canoe paddling events throughout the year that celebrate Hawaiian culture, teamwork, and community, with a special focus on youth and developing paddlers. Rooted in a long tradition of water safety, athletic excellence, and cultural perpetuation, these races provide meaningful opportunities for keiki, teens, and adults to build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong connection to the ocean. Support from the ODKF grant will be used to help offset race operations and safety costs, including equipment, permits, insurance, and volunteer support, ensuring these events remain accessible, well-organized, and sustainable for our paddling community year after year.
18th Annual Hubb's KeikiFest is a free and not for profit event that is dedicated to providing the young children of Hawai’i an outlet to experience the fun family atmosphere associated with the sport of Bodyboarding. This event is focused on generating ocean awareness and a competitive spirit within the youth of tomorrow. We strive to instill the fun and exciting experiences of Bodyboarding and the ocean environment with kids and their families through this free event. We offer free entry, beverages, lunch, snacks, giveaways, instruction and autographs from Hawai’i’s best professional bodyboarders and prizes for all boys and girls that enter, ranging from 15 years of age and under. Our event is purposely located in Waimanalo; an area known for its easily accessible beaches, strong Hawaiian heritage, and under-served youth, as we feel this great community is an area that has really embraced our efforts.
Hoemana, an outrigger canoe club established in 2021, is one of 15 canoe clubs in the Moku of Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (MOHOCRA). It is seeking a grant from the ODKF to help in meeting the costs to host its annual Long-Distance Race on May 2, 2026. The event name of its long-distance race is the Kai Kukini. Hoemana received ODKF grants for this event in 2023, 2024, and 2025. All of these racing events were highly successful.
The Hawaiian Invitational Water Polo Tournament is an annual water polo tournament that hosts teams of all ages from around the world. Hawaii Water Polo hosts this tournament each year to provide a competitive venue for water polo players to experience during the summer. The next tournament will be from July 27 to August 1, 2026, here on the island of Oahu. We are extremely grateful to ODKF for their continuous support in our efforts to provide opportunities to Hawaii's water polo players.
The Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) is excited to announce a significant expansion of its inaugural Surfing State Championship. Building on the recent sanctioning of the sport, the HHSAA has received notification that all five leagues will have both boys and girls surfing teams beginning this Spring 2026. In addition, at least three of the five member leagues will recognize all three disciplines of surfing: short board, longboard, and bodyboarding. The two-day state tournament will take place on May 1st and 2nd at Ho’okipa, Maui, with Kahului Harbor designated as the backup location. The championship will crown individual boys and girls state champions in all three disciplines.
Spearfishing/Freediving Safety for Hawaiʻi Youth: FreediveSafe has been hosting safety awareness events since August 2020 to help combat the rise in freediving and spearfishing-related fatalities across the islands. These events bring together youth and parents to share essential freediving safety knowledge, demonstrate proper safe diving practices, and build a culture of awareness and responsibility in the water. By creating accessible opportunities for young divers to learn from skilled mentors, we aim to strengthen community safety, honor our relationship with the ocean, and ensure that the next generation of watermen and waterwomen can dive with confidence, respect, and key safety skills needed to prevent tragedy.
The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii ODKF Ocean Sports & Fitness Day perpetuates the legacy and spirit of Duke Kahanamoku. In its 20th year, the event engages 125 BGCH keiki ages 9 – 17 in a variety of “Duke’s Sports,” while also teaching youth about water safety in a controlled environment. A grant from the ODKF will be used to purchase long sleeve lycra rash guards and will support bus and ground transportation to the event, fees for lifeguards, BGCH personnel costs, equipment rentals and supply fees, and breakfast for event volunteers, staff, and BGCH members.
This event is sold out as of 9/1/25. Email justine@dukefoundation.org to join the waitlist.
We are planning a spearfishing safety workshop and rescue techniques, safety literature distribution, spearfishing talk story with Justin Lee, community lunch, keiki games, and gear giveaways. Planned in partnership with Mike Lima and the Lima Ohana who lost their 15-year-old son to a spearfishing accident at Yokohama Bay on May 12, 2020.
Women's Paddling Race
Paddling Race
Public lei draping ceremony honoring the 135th birthday of Duke Kahanamoku
The ʻEat Ponoʻ North Shore 5k & 10K Swim is Hawaii's first and only endurance swim race from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay. Only one week after the North Shore Challenge 2.3-mile Swim, come trained and ready to participate in the final open water swim event of the summer along the fabled North Shore of Oʻahu. The 10K swim will start at Waimea Bay at 7am with swimmers going North to the turnaround at Sunset Beach! The 5K swim will start at Sunset Beach at 8:30am with swimmers following the coastline to Waimea Bay. Letʻs GOOO! Note: this event is made possible, in part, by the support of the "Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation" please visit their website at: http://www.dukefoundation.org/ and support this awesome organization.
A conference to strategize about drowning prevention in Hawaii.
A gala celebrating Hawaii's legendary watermen and waterwoman to benefit ODKF scholarships and grants programs.
A festival of amateur ocean sports and volleyball events celebrating the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku.
A celebration of ODKF scholars. Tickets required.
ODKF is co-sponsoring this talk about an experienced paddler who shipwrecked off the coast of Kona and survived for hours at sea before a miraculous rescue. It will highlight water safety. Original news story: https://bigislandnow.com/2023/12/15/snorkeling-company-rescues-paddling-coach-who-got-separated-from-canoe-in-rough-kona-waters/ RSVP by September 25 to info@hosthawaii.org
The story of the legendary championship surfer who helped revolutionize the sport in the 1960s in Hawaii, while becoming the ultimate renaissance man as a world-class sailor, skier, and entrepreneur in launching the famous “Chart House” restaurant brand.
Duke’s OceanFest and Head High Wines are proud to announce the “Head High Foil Challenge.”. A new sport quickly gaining in popularity, hydrofoiling is a captivating blend of physics and surfing. Come watch the best foilers’ in the Islands surf and fly over the waves at the iconic Queen’s beach. Limited to Six Teams of 5 foil riders per team. Contact info@dukesoceanfest.com for more information.
During this special pro-style surf competition, sponsored teams of amateur surfers are matched with the sport’s legends in a one-of-a-kind surf meet.
The 132nd anniversary of Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday is honored with a special morning ceremony, featuring the decorating of his statue with beautiful fresh flower lei.
Fun for the whole family! The only Dog/Pet Surfing Competition in Hawai’i, with over 20 surfing animals joining their humans in the waves at Baby Queens on paddleboards and surfboards. All surfing animals and ages are welcome to compete. Past participants have included a pig, cat and duck surfurs, as well as dogs of all sizes, chihuahuas to Mastiffs!
Competitors and fans are treated to a festive opening ceremony, featuring Hawaiian music, traditional hula and the always-popular decorating of Duke Kahanamoku’s statue with fresh flower lei.
Amateur longboard surf meet in memory of legendary waterman who have recently passed: Greg Noll, Joe Quigg, Ben Aipa, and Derek Ho.
Adaptive surfers from throughout the islands showcase a variety of surfing styles. These surfers are mentors to all people with disabilities as they create an sea of possibilities through the healing power of the ocean.
Competing teams will be decked out in themed costumes, perform a skit on the beach, and then paddle out together to collectively catch some waves. Teams can apply to compete in Red Bull Party Wave at redbull.com/partywave. Part of Duke's OceanFest 2022
Kids' bodyboarding competition. Free lunch and lots of prize giveaways.
Surfrider Spirit Sessions creates and delivers holistic, ocean-based experiential education and mentoring programs and activities that connect, enhance, and fill in the gaps within existing nonprofit programs serving at-risk and adjudicated youth by teaching ocean awareness, environmental sensitivity and Hawaiian culture to youth.
The 25th Annual George Perry Keiki Race sponsored by Lanikai Canoe Club.
The Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association 2022 racing events. Scheduled races are displayed independently.
Tickets include: Access to the Science Adventure Center, the Parley for the Oceans AIR Station, and the Hawaiian Hall, including the exhibit titled "Two Hawaiian Olympic Champions. The First and the Latest" honoring Hawaii’s surfing legends Duke Kahanamoku and Carissa Moore side by side. Pupus provided by Duke's Waikiki.The program emceed by Living808's Tannya Joaquin will include the short film Ambassadors of Aloha, directed by Zak Noyle, which highlights the new Duke and Carissa mural by Kamea Hadar, and a live music performance by Makua Rothman. All present scholars will be celebrated on stage, with a live white envelope reveal of the 2022 Duke Award winner.
See the new documentary about the life and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku! Surfing legend. Olympic superstar. Hawaiian Icon. American hero. Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. WATERMAN explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing, following the sport’s first-time inclusion in this year’s Summer Olympics – a fitting tribute to his work promoting the sport around the globe. Director Isaac Halisima expertly uses a 1957 episode of “This Is Your Life” as the documentary’s through line. In the episode, Duke is reunited with surprise guests who then reflect on major milestones in his storied life. These segments are then crystallized with a plethora of archive footage from newsreels, radio interviews, and photos from the turn of the century, coupled with interviews from Duke’s descendants, cultural experts, the surf world’s biggest stars. Capped with voice narration by Jason Momoa that delivers the gravitas, WATERMAN is just as thrilling as any hero’s journey story that Hollywood has unspooled. What is also refreshing is historical context. As Duke’s many historic feats are chronicled in the film, it is couched with the very real barriers and prejudices he faced as a non-white sports icon who was held back by the same colonial and capitalist power-brokers who changed the course of Hawai’i’s history. Duke could have been a Hawaiian Jim Thorpe and entered professional sports, but was forced to retain his amateur status to compete in five Olympics, which were spread out even more because of the First World War. For all the highs and lows of Duke’s life, it is his innate altruism and the embodiment of the Aloha spirit as a waterman that influenced future generations, from turning surfing into a major sports industry to the standardization of lifeguard safety and rescue practices, his contribution to the world is incomparable. WATERMAN celebrates his triumphs and philosophy of inclusion, challenging us all to embrace diversity and incorporate Aloha into our own lives. -Anderson Le FOR OʻAHU SCREENING: In partnership with the Hawaii International Film Festival, Bishop Museum is proud to present the HIFF41 Opening Night film and world premiere of WATERMAN, in conjunction with the unveiling of Bishop Museum’s “Hawaiian Olympians” display, and KAIMANA – An Immersive Mist-Media Film Installation created by Taiji Terasaki. “Hawaiian Olympians” is a new Bishop Museum installation located in the Gulab and Indru Watumull Atrium in historic Hawaiian Hall. This display juxtaposes Duke Paoa Kahanamoku and Carissa Moore, celebrating two individuals living 100 years apart yet sharing the same story – one of respect and aloha for Hawai‘i and the world. We hope that this display will inspire the next generation to strive for excellence, honor those that have come before us, and leave a legacy that will last long past us. Program: 4:30 p.m.: Gates open 5:30 p.m.: Pre-show Entertainment 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Hawaiian Hall and Hawaiian Olympians display open 7:00 p.m.: WATERMAN screening begins 1. EVENT RULES: All attendees, 12 years and older, must be fully vaccinated and submit their vaccination cards and IDs prior to event. People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 when more than two weeks has passed since receiving the second dose in a two-dose series, or more than two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine. A completed government-issued vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date last dose administered) in original, photocopied, or digital form; or other similar vaccination documentation from a healthcare provider are acceptable proof of vaccination. Temperature checks will be taken upon arrival, anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be asked to leave Face masks must be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors Patrons must physically distance 6ʻ at all times, with the exception of being in pod seating This is a rain or shine event No refunds under any conditions No re-entry No smoking or vaping No coolers, outside food, drinks (including any containers with water), or umbrellas allowed Empty water bottles are allowed and can be filled at one of the Museum’s water refill stations Any bags, purses, knapsacks, or backpacks are subject to search Any outside alcoholic beverage will be confiscated Blankets, towels, strollers for children and lawn chairs are allowed Patrons must stay within their seats or “pods” during the entire event Any patron not abiding by any of the above rules are subject to ejection &/or arrest
Fun kids' bodyboard contest. Divisions include 12 and Under, 12-15, Girls' 16 and Under, and Tandem. Free lunch and lots of free prize giveaways.