“DUKE” starring Moses Goods
Award-winning actor, writer and storyteller Moses Goods brings to life one of the most important and beloved figures in Hawaiian history in his acclaimed one-person show, “Duke.” Through this poignant and powerful play, Goods portrays the remarkable life of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku — Hawaiʻi’s first Olympic gold medalist, the father of modern surfing, and an enduring symbol of aloha, humility and the resilience of the Hawaiian people.

Duke Kahanamoku’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Honolulu in 1890, he shattered world swimming records, won five Olympic medals across three Games, rode a wave off Waikīkī more than a mile atop a wooden surfboard, saved eight lives from a capsized yacht in southern California, appeared in more than two dozen Hollywood films, and served twelve terms as Sheriff of the City and County of Honolulu. He carried the spirit of aloha to every corner of the world — and brought the world to Hawaiʻi.

But beyond the accolades and fame, Duke experienced something equally profound: Hawaiʻi’s passage from an independent Kingdom through the difficult decades of territorial rule and into statehood. Known for his kindness and love of community, Duke became far more than a champion; he became a role model and an ongoing source of inspiration for all.

*”In Hawaiʻi we greet friends, loved ones and strangers with Aloha, which means with love… Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha. You’ll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed. Aloha to you.” — Duke Paoa Kahanamoku*