I have been contemplating my topic for today regarding Duke Kahanamoku. I believe I will never run out of subjects, as my collection of ephemera has amassed more quickly than anticipated.
I began blogging about Duke in February or March of 2025, and to my surprise, items began to arrive at a rapid pace, contrary to my initial expectations. Even my friend Ryan noted that everything I sought about Duke came to me unexpectedly fast, a sentiment with which I completely agree.
Additionally, I have experienced what I refer to as synchronicity, leading me to believe that the spirit of Duke has been present around me. I have sought validation of his presence, which he has generously provided on numerous occasions.
However, tonight’s topic diverges from that theme, and I will begin with something different.
Approximately two weeks ago, I wrote a blog titled “For the Love of Poi,” featuring an image of Duke with his finger to his mouth, signifying his fondness for poi. In that post, I described how the gesture evokes nostalgic memories among his friends from their youth. They would affectionately say to him, “Duke Lua tonight,” prompting him to respond by placing a finger to his lips, as if savoring the taste of poi.
Various accounts suggest Duke had a profound love for poi, and his friends often teased him about it. During his childhood, his family cultivated plentiful taro on their land in Kalia to fulfill their dietary needs.
I initially thought I had exhausted the topic of poi, but I was mistaken and was uncertain about what to write for today’s blog. However, inspiration struck after I finished washing my dishes and entered my art room. My thoughts turned to Duke’s trading card, which I decided to explore in my binder. Upon finding it, I took a photograph.
As I sat in my chair, I noticed a box on the floor to my right, reminding me of the hundreds of vintage postcards I needed to sort through for anything related to Hawaii.
The first card I encountered depicted a man holding a pounding stone next to a dog, which I initially assumed was a dinner preparation, but I was mistaken. The second postcard featured a woman in a white muʻumuʻu dress holding a guitar.
Upon closer examination, I realized it appeared to be a vintage Hawaiian postcard, so I took it.
When I flipped the card over, the first word I saw was “Poi,” and I was taken aback.
The card explained that poi, a staple food of early Hawaiians, is made by cooking the tuberous roots of the taro plant and then pounding them into a mash. Even today, poi is produced in modern factories in Hawaii and remains a popular, nutritious food, always featured on the menu at Hawaiian luaus.
Am I simply attuned to signs related to Duke, with the universe manifesting them unexpectedly?
Or is this a sign that I should seek out and enjoy some poi? I intend to explore both possibilities in my blog and look forward to tasting poi soon.
I firmly believe in mysticism and a higher power due to the myriad experiences I have encountered throughout my life, which have shaped my understanding of these phenomena.
As I reflect on the connections I have made regarding Duke, I find myself enriched with vivid stories that I plan to share in future blogs.
Interestingly, this blog began with a focus on poi, yet it has evolved into a broader discussion encompassing the many facets of Duke Kahanamoku’s life.
