Weeklong Duke's OceanFest on Waikiki Beach Starts on Sunday

This Sunday marks the beginning of the week long celebration of surfing in Waikiki on the island of O'ahu.

Each year the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku is celebrated at Duke's OceanFest on Waikiki Beach. The week long festival, held this year from August 17-24, 2008, features a variety of exciting water sports competitions, including men's, women's and keiki (children) surf contests, one mile swim, stand-up surf contest, Hawaii Paddleboard Championship, and other events that pay tribute to the local waterman.

The festivities culminate with the always-popular Waikiki Lei Parade and decorating of Duke's Statue on August 24, the 118th anniversary of his birthday.

Duke's OceanFest is also a major fundraiser for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation's (ODKF) college scholarship and athletic grants program.

Find out more about the festival and about O'ahu's Special Surf Culture including where you can get lessons in Waikiki and around the island, where you can view great surfing memorabilia and even where you can buy your own board.

_{Photo of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikiki Beach courtesy of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF)}