Hawaiian Royalty - The Surfing Duke Kahanamoku

 Duke Kahanamoku, (August 24, 1890 - January 22, 1968) the famed Hawaiian surfer who later became Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaiian folk hero and five-time Olympic swim medalist.  You cannot walk on the main boulevards of Waikiki in Honolulu and not see images of Duke Kahanamoku.  Fresh leis are placed on his large bronze statue daily.  It is a pilgrimage for surfing enthusiasts young and old.

I have even witnessed a multitude of prayers taking place at its site.  Sure, his name is also on several restaurants throughout Hawaii.  But I yearned to know more about him.  

I love the water, I love surfing (granted I do not participate in the sport), I LOVE watching it!  Whenever I visit Oahu, I drive along the North Shore to Pipeline (stopping at as many shrimp trucks as I possibly can along the way).  Pipeline, is the locale where true enthusiasts surf.  The true desitination point. The waves are phenomenal, upwards of 40 feet  and many surfing competitions are held there.  It's the equivalent of the American Super Bowl or Wimbelton!  And boy oh boy is it worth going to!!! Did I mention just how hot those surf boys are?????

Duke was also a very good friend and surfing companion to Doris Duke, who built a manse (now a museum) on Oahu, known as Shangri-la.

Sidebar:

While living in Newport Beach, California on June 14, 1925, Kahanamoku rescued eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in heavy surf while attempting to enter the city's harbor. 29 fishermen went into the water and 17 perished. Using his surfboard, he was able to make quick trips back and forth to shore to increase the number of sailors rescued. Two other surfers saved four more fishermen. Newport's police chief at the time called Duke's efforts "the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen."

The Duke with Amelia Earhardt in Honolulu

Duke passed away at the age of 77 from a massive heart attack.  Leaving a legacy carried on my lovers of the sport.

Long live the Duke!

Polynesian tattoos... A tribal artform

I so love the graphics, the artistry of these tattoos, I thought I would share this previously published post with you again.  Get inked!

On a recent trip to Hawaii, I fell in love with Polynesian tattoos.  Several times, I stopped the wearer to discuss their point of origin, and their meanings.  The response was always a 'spiritual' one.  Most referenced their connection to the earth, family, the sea.  And of course, heritage.

Many would not not allow me to photograph them, out of respect for the gods.  I understood.  However I returned home still aching to see more of them.  I am thrilled to have found several on Maori's Polynesian Tattoo site.  They are a true art and 'arm form'.  Though you will find they adorn calves anc backs as well.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do...

The Rock’s large tattoo above is a traditional Samoan tattoo, done by an artist in Hawaii. It incorporates traditional tribal patterns and symbols representing Johnson’s life history, his family and their spirit guides. This extensive half sleeve wraps all the way around the upper arm, over the shoulder and onto the chest. It was at a later stage that he had the tattoo design

extended forward, adding a warrior visage over his heart.

Traditionally, Samoan tattooing is done by an artist attended by several assistants who handle the tools, hold the person down and stretch the skin

taut. The tools were a bone-tipped rake and a striking stick. The rake would be dipped in ink, placed over the skin then struck with the other tool to puncture the skin.

Johnson has never said whether his tattoo was done using these traditional tools, but he spoke in a Playboy interview of the three sessions and sixty hours it took to execute the freestyle tattoo. No stencils or prior skin markings were used, the artist created this image totally freehand.

 Samoan Polynesian Half Sleeve

Niuean/Maori Shoulder Tattoo

Rotuman Shoulder Tattoo

Polynesian Shoulder Tattoo

Above Images courtesy of 

www.maoripolynesiantattoo.com