I am finally back from my hiatus in blogging about Duke Kahanamoku. My absence was not due to a lack of topics to discuss, but rather a desire to focus on more contemporary developments regarding him. I am thrilled to share some exciting news, though I will highlight only one of several noteworthy updates.
Before diving in, I must mention two items I eagerly anticipate owning. Currently, only one is on its way to me, as I have pre-ordered it.
Would you like to know what it is?
It’s a book titled Capturing Kahanamoku, which is set to be released on October 21, 2025. I am elated that it is already en route to me!
However, for now, I would like to discuss the newly erected plaque honoring Duke Kahanamoku and three surfers who courageously rescued the crew of the Thelma back in 1925. This plaque was unveiled in Newport Beach around September 19, 2025.
The headline reads: “From Surf Legend to Local Hero: Newport Beach Unveils Plaque Honoring Duke Kahanamoku’s 1925 Rescue.”
I find this development incredibly exciting. You may wonder how this came to fruition.
Several years ago, Scott Holt, a Newport Beach native, and his wife Susan were vacationing in Maui. During their trip, Scott had just finished reading Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku by David Davis, a biography of the illustrious Olympic gold medalist swimmer, Hawaiian icon, and the individual credited with introducing surfing to the world.
The book recounts the pivotal event of June 14, 1925, when Duke was residing in Newport Beach. He and fellow surfers Gerard Vultee, Owen Hale, and Bill Herwig witnessed a fishing vessel capsize in turbulent surf while attempting to leave the harbor. Utilizing his surfboard, Kahanamoku heroically made multiple trips from shore to the overturned boat, rescuing eight men, while his friends saved four additional fishermen. Tragically, five others lost their lives in the surf.
Coincidentally, a 2022 documentary based on the Waterman book was screening in a Maui theater, and the couple attended the film.
“Scott Holt was struck by the realization that Newport Beach was missing a significant opportunity to commemorate one of the earliest surfboard rescues right in our own backyard,” Holt remarked.
Motivated by this insight, Holt began reaching out to the city, the Newport Beach Historical Society, and his friends. His quest to honor Duke culminated in a three-year journey that resulted in the unveiling of the plaque on September 19, honoring Duke and his friends for their heroic rescue of twelve lives that day at Vista Point, overlooking the entrance to Newport Harbor.
The ceremony featured Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton, Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Councilmembers Robyn Grant and Michelle Barto, and former Mayor Nancy Gardner, who participated in the unveiling.
An additional anecdote worth sharing comes from former Newport Beach Mayor Nancy Gardner, who recounted a childhood memory of her father, Judge Gardner, when he was twelve years old and working at the bathhouse in Pirate’s Cove.
“His job was to hand out bathing suits,” Gardner recalled. “One day, a man came in with a surfboard. This was thrilling because nobody had surfboards at that time; they typically body surfed. They watched as he paddled out, stood up, and gracefully rode the wave until it died. It was a revelation. That man was Duke Kahanamoku. He visited several times, and on one occasion, he said, ‘I’m going to leave my board here, and I want you to keep an eye on it.’ Her father laughed and replied, ‘It’s 12 feet of mahogany.’ Most people couldn’t lift it.”
This anecdote highlights the importance of Duke’s original surfboard, emphasizing its remarkable size and weight, as well as his considerable strength.
It is noteworthy that Duke championed the use of mahogany wood, which is thick, heavy, and highly resistant to rot.
If you are interested in learning about some of the survivors featured in “This Is Your Life, Duke Kahanamoku,” the episode originally aired on February 20, 1957. I found the show to be quite heartwarming, as it highlighted how Duke’s heroic efforts positively impacted numerous lives. One memorable segment involved the three survivors speaking to him individually. When it was Fred Hawk’s turn to express his gratitude, there was a poignant moment when Duke wiped a portion of his left cheek, which I interpreted as tears of joy for having been part of such a significant show.
Additionally, the image I used for this blog has been saved for about three months. I have just now realized its significance, particularly in relation to a new plaque that has recently been installed. I believe this image played an important role in my blog narrative
Learning about the plaque dedicated to Duke and the three surfers fills me with pride, as it ensures that their heroic efforts will be recognized and remembered. Furthermore, Duke’s innovative use of his surfboard to rescue survivors has left a lasting legacy, as the practice of using surfboards for lifesaving purposes was implemented almost immediately. This tradition continues to thrive today, demonstrating the enduring impact of their actions.
While I am uncertain how many other bloggers consistently write about Duke as I do, I take pride in the knowledge I have gained and continue to acquire about him.
Once I receive my book entitled Capturing Kahanamoku, I look forward to discussing it. For now, I will shift my focus to other topics related to him.