Duke’s Oceanfest: Oahu’s Big Week on the Water
Are you going to be on Oahu in August? Then check out Duke’s Oceanfest!
After 9 years of living on Oahu, I got to experience a lot of the festivals around the island. This is one of the MOST fun, especially if you love watersports and want to learn about Hawaiian traditions!
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I love to find local festivals when I travel. It gives me a look at local fun, games, and culture, and especially the local food. If you’ll be travelling to beautiful Oahu in August all of that’s in store for you right here.
Like many events in Waikiki, Oceanfest may just blend into the general high energy atmosphere of the area. But if you know what to look for, you’re in for a great time!
Below I’ll let you in on all the details of the festival, plus a little history and some tips, so you can have as much fun as humanly possible. Here’s what you’ll find:
What Oceanfest is all about
Duke’s Oceanfest is an annual series of watersports and community events in Waikīkī. The celebration honors Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, 1890 – 1968, a Hawaiian icon and ambassador.
He’s known for his surfing achievements and for spreading Hawaiian culture and aloha. Duke and his legacy are revered all over the state of Hawaii, and this is an event with a lot of cultural significance to the locals.
Activities
The festival has an impressive selection of activities for fans of watersports and Hawaiian traditions. Surf competitions are the main draw, with amateur and professional surfers. Keep a lookout for dog surfing, too- so much fun!
Stand-up paddleboard races and ocean swims are also on the schedule. Beach volleyball and surfing demonstrations add variety and a lot of fun.
And a few events highlight outrigger canoe paddling, which has a special place in Hawaiian culture. The canoe events will take over their small part of the beach an ocean, so so you’re aware.
Out of the water, there are opportunities to learn about Duke’s remarkable life through exhibits and talks. Plus, there is a lei-draping ceremony at Duke’s statue on Kalākaua Avenue.
🌸 Fact: Since the time of ancient Hawaiian civilizations, the lei has been a powerful symbols of respect, honour, and friendship.
You can also look forward to music from local performers and an awards presentation for athletes and community members who are felt to personify Duke’s spirit.
It’s a great addition to the Oahu calendar of festivals.
Food and Local Flavor
Of course, food vendors will set up near the main event areas. They serve up local favourites like poke bowls, plate lunches, and fresh juice. Some booths offer incredible snacks and pastries with island flavours.
Also look for popular items like spam musubi and shave ice (NOT shaved ice). Restaurants in the area take part, too, by serving specials during the festival. It’s a great time to discover your favourite Hawaiian dishes.
History of the Celebration
Duke’s Oceanfest began in 2002 to recognize Duke Kahanamoku’s contributions to surfing and his role as an ambassador for Hawaiʻi.
He was well known for sharing the sport with the world and for representing the spirit of the islands; the aloha.
Each year, with a hiatus during COVID times, the festival’s combination of surfing competitions, paddling events, and community gatherings bring locals and visitors together.
In the years since that first festival, it’s grown into one of Waikīkī’s signature events. Proceeds often support scholarships and youth sports programs on the island.
Time and Location
Duke’s Oceanfest typically coincides with Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday on August 24. In 2025, it is expected to take place in late August.
Most events will be held along Waikīkī Beach, near the statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Kalākaua Avenue. The stretch of sand and surf in front of the statue is the primary venue, with some activities extending to nearby spots along the shoreline.
Look for beach volleyball further north by Fort DeRussy Beach Park, on the other side of the Outrigger Reef Beach Hotel. On your way past, stop at the Monkeypod in the hotel. It’s my favourite (especially for the mai tais!).
As your time in Oahu approaches, keep an eye on this space for updates. Exact dates and schedules for 2025 will be released closer to spring or early summer.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive Early: Mornings are less crowded, and early sessions of surfing or paddling can be fun to watch before the midday heat.
- Check the Schedule: Events run throughout the week, and competition times can change if wave or weather conditions shift.
- Bring Sun Protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended, especially if you plan to stand on the beach for an extended time. A day pack or big beachbag is great for this kind of stuff.
- Stay Connected: Follow local news and the festival’s official channels for updates on weather, schedule changes, and any safety protocols.
If you’ll be visiting Oahu, I encourage you to spend some time at Duke’s Oceanfest! And if you haven’t set the dates for your trip yet, why not plan for August. You’ll be glad you did – seriously.
Duke’s Oceanfest is a chance to see top watersports athletes, learn about Hawaiian culture, and enjoy the shoreline of Waikīkī in a unique way.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this D to Oahu, Duke’s Oceanfest is the perfect mix of action in the water and fun on the sand. It’s a tribute to a legend and a time to appreciate the ocean that Duke loved so much.
Happy travels!
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