Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii · August 13 to 24, 2027
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
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Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
When is Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest 2027?
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest 2027 is expected to run August 13 to 24, 2027. The dates follow the usual pattern and are not announced yet.
2027August 13 to 24, 2027Expected
How the dates are set: Held each August over about 10 days, timed to end near Duke Kahanamoku's August 24 birthday; the foundation announces the dates.
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest schedule
- Opening day, 2026: The lei draping procession leaves the Outrigger Waikiki hotel at 4:45 p.m. and arrives at Duke's statue at 5 p.m.
- August 14 to 24, 2026: The 2026 festival ran for about 10 days, ending on Duke's birthday.
Source: hiprivatetours.com
Getting to Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
- Most events take place along Waikiki Beach, centered on Kuhio Beach and extending to Queen's Beach toward Kapiolani Park.
Source: hiprivatetours.com
Tickets and cost
Spectating is free.
Source: hiprivatetours.com
History of Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
Duke Kahanamoku was born on August 24, 1890, in Honolulu, and won Olympic swimming medals at the 1912, 1920 and 1924 Games. The festival is organized by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, and proceeds support scholarships and grants for Hawaii athletes.
Source: hiprivatetours.com
Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest: questions people ask
When is Duke's OceanFest in 2026?
The 2026 edition ran August 14 through August 24.
Is Duke's OceanFest free?
Yes. Spectating is free.
Where is Duke's OceanFest held?
Most events are on Waikiki Beach, centered on Kuhio Beach and extending to Queen's Beach.
What events are at Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest?
Events include surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, surfboard water polo, beach volleyball, a canoe regatta and a dog surfing competition.
Sources: hiprivatetours.com, tracyallenhawaii.com
About Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
A free August festival of surfing, swimming, canoe racing and dog surfing on Waikiki Beach.
Duke's OceanFest honors Duke Kahanamoku, the Father of Modern Surfing, on the beach where he grew up. Events include tandem and longboard surfing, a mile swim, outrigger canoe racing, surfboard water polo, beach volleyball and a dog surfing contest. Most of the action is on the stretch of Waikiki Beach centered on Kuhio Beach. Watching from the sand is free.
Know before you go
- Spectating is free.
- The festival is timed to finish around Duke's birthday on August 24.
- Waikiki is about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
Planning the trip
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