I had a specific song in mind for today’s blog post, but I unfortunately lost it amid interruptions. Therefore, I will proceed with my writing before my thoughts on the topic evaporate into oblivion.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for discovering a rare item, which I consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

By nature, I enjoy conducting research and delving into subjects that capture my interest, particularly those I am passionate about.

I been blogging Duke Kahanamoku, and I have discovered an abundance of ideas. It feels as though the Universe has unexpectedly provided me with the insight and means to uncover and develop these concepts.

I would like to begin by referencing last month when I discovered a listing on eBay that featured Nadine Kahanamoku’s travel documents to Australia, which shed light on Duke’s statue. The collection included a Qantas boarding pass, a Harvey World Travel itinerary, a passenger ticket along with a baggage tag, Bank of America travelers’ cheques, and a travel brochure.

I was immediately intrigued by the listing, although the price was quite high, leading me to presume that someone else would likely purchase it. Authentic listings, rather than reproductions, tend to command a premium, and this was no exception.

I continued to monitor the listing, and when it remained available, I decided to take action. I emailed the seller, inquiring if she would accept an offer of $70, and left it at that.

The following day, she sold it to me for the price I asked for.

Upon receiving the items, I realized that while they might appear ordinary to someone not involved in collecting, for enthusiasts like myself, a closer examination reveals hidden details that are often overlooked. Utilizing a magnifier, I discovered Nadine’s handwritten signature on her Bank of America travelers’ cheques, which is also embedded in her vinyl passport holder.

I was equally excited to find a typed sticker affixed to her travel brochure, displaying her and Duke’s address—an impressive detail. Furthermore, her boarding pass indicated that she received special care from Qantas airlines, noting “SPECIAL SERVICE…WCHR VIP WIFE OF DUKE KAHANAMOKU” in capital letters, which raises my curiosity about whether she was seated in First Class and they treated her so wonderfully.

Among the most remarkable aspects of my purchase are the photographs of Duke’s statue, captured by Nadine herself—truly a unique find.

In a book titled Memories of Duke, which I own in two copies (one signed by the author), the same images found in Nadine’s travel documents appear on pages 44 and 45. In one photograph, Nadine is featured smiling, with a caption stating, “Nadine Kahanamoku enjoys the dedication ceremonies for Duke’s statue on Freshwater. With Nadine is Digger’s Club’s Malcolm “Mackie” Campbell, who worked for decades to see the statue become a reality.” To that, I extend my gratitude to Mackie.

Another poignant aspect is that this was Nadine’s last journey, as she was aging and frail. I read that her friends would visit her at home, where they would share English tea, as her outings became increasingly limited, often confined to the Outrigger Canoe Club.

I must also convey the emotions I experienced upon receiving these items. As I held Nadine’s passport case, I was struck by a profound sense of connection, realizing, “Wow, I truly own a piece of history linked to Duke.” Once, the owner of this passport lived, sharing a life filled with love alongside Duke, and I feel deeply grateful to become a part of their legacy.

I awarded the seller a five-star rating and inquired about how she came by this item.

Her response revealed that her friend had acquired it during a trip to Hawaii, being present at the time of Nadine Kahanamoku’s passing.

I replied, noting, “Oh, your friend was part of that ‘once-in-a-lifetime estate sale.’”

The seller’s response provided the final piece of the puzzle that concluded my blog

A once-in-a-lifetime estate serves as a compelling topic for my next blog, offering a unique opportunity for exploration. Although I have some reservations about my capacity to effectively convey this subject due to limited reference materials, I remain optimistic that my creativity will enable me to navigate various scenarios, resulting in an engaging and insightful write-up.

What do you think of my story?