Duke Kahanamoku Lei Draping Ceremony

The 2019 Duke’s Oceanfest in Waikiki began with the sunrise lei draping of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. This year marks the 129th Birthday of Duke Paoa Kahanomoku.

Hawaiian music was provided by Ha’alilio Heyer, Joe Pekelo Recca, Jack McKeague, and Hughland Achong. Hula was performed by Ka Pa Hula Manu and Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Hula Hiwa. Speakers included Jackie Reed of TS Restaurants, Cara Short of AccessSurf, Sonny Tanabe, President Emeritus of Hawaii Olympians & Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame, Noble Anton Smith of Shriners Hospital for Children Honolulu, Noble David Lusk of Shriners Hospitals, Ka’imo Muhlestein family representative of Duke Kahanamoku.