Last of Duke Kahanamoku's Beach Boys at Waikiki

Starting in the 1920s surfers mesmerized the crowds at Waikiki with their skills. Soon, these "beach boys" were giving lessons to visiting mainlanders. The most famous beach boy, Duke Kahanamoku, was medal winning Olympic swimmer. Back home, he mentored a crew of Beach Boys, who helped to spread the word about surfing. We talked to one of his last Beach Boys --- Rabbit Kekai. Hes 85, but hes at the beach every day by 9:00 AM, still doing what he loves, teaching people to surf and how to have fun in the water.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Travel
• autos
• road trips
• great drives
• Hawaii
• Oahu
• Waikiki
• Duke Kahanamoku
• beach boys
• surfers
• surfing
• Rabbit Kekai

[SURFSTYLEY4]

I've met Rabbit a few times, Nicest guy in the world!

[mrpitv]

@SURFSTYLEY4 I agree. It was a real pleasure meeting him and watching him work. A real treasure.

[aware4autism]

I met Rabbit a few times and he is a great guy, as all the beach boys are. Back in the early 90's I worked at the rental stand for the Outrigger for a couple years. Boy do I miss those guys. Kimo, Alex, Tommy, Frances, and the many others. I learned more about life on that beach than in the 20 since. You could never meet nicer people.

[theSupertonesurf]

Rabbit = aloha