Kuhio Beach - general information

Waikīkī Beach is noted for its views of the Diamond Head tuff cone, its usually warm and cloud-free climate and its surf break.

The Waikīkī skyline is now dotted with an abundance of both high-rises and resort hotels. The beach is actually fairly short, with half of it marked off for surfers. For some distance into the ocean the water is quite shallow, although there are numerous rocks on the bottom. As with most ocean beaches the waves can have some force, particularly on windy days. The surf at Waikīkī is known for its long rolling break, making it ideal for long boarding, tandem surfing and beginners.

Kuhio Beach Park is located at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue at Honolulu, Hawaii. The zip code is 96815. This place is truly a blessing as far as natural beauty is concerned. It can be the best place for the tourists to sip some sun rays. Kuhio Beach Park is a part of Waikiki Beach, located between the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Kapahulu Groin, which was built in 1951 as part of the Waikiki Beach Improvement Project. It is an extension of a storm drain that runs under Kapahulu Avenue. The project also included building a low wall on the Diamond Head side of the groin and importing sand to create the beaches on both sides.

Kuhio lies on the eastern part of Waikiki. Duke Kahanamoku, a former athlete finds this pace as an amazing one and was spotted often some time back. The hula mounds are worth looking out for

With an offshore retaining wall, this is a calmer section of beach that's great for families and beginner surfers. Along Kalakaua Avenue are four stones known as the Ancient Pohaku (Wizard Stones) which are believed to hold spiritual healing powers. There is also a statue of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku located here, often adorned with leis and a popular photo spot

To the west of the beach park are two of Waikiki’s famous surf sites, Queen’s and Canoes. Three popular landmarks are located in Kuhio Beach Park: the Prince Kuhio Statue, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Stones of Kapaemahu. The Prince Kuhio Statue was created by sculptor Sean Browne and was dedicated in 2002. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue was created by sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer and dedicated on 1990, the hundredth anniversary of Duke’s birth. He is considered the “Father of Modern Surfing,” a great Hawaiian watermen, Olympic swimmer, surfer and canoeist. The Stones of Kapaemahu represent four legendary men: Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni and Kinohi, who came to Hawaii from a faraway land. In Hawaii they were famous for their great wisdom and healing powers.

Prior to 1951, the east end of the park was fronted by a shallow reef and was called "Stonewall" for the vertical seawall that supported Kalakaua Avenue. The Waikiki Beach Improvement Project, completed in July 1951, changed the area dramatically when James W. Glover, Ltd., constructed a large pedestrian groin into the ocean. Officially known as the Kapahulu Groin, the pier is an extension of a storm drain that runs under Kapahulu Avenue. The project also included constructing the low retaining wall on the Diamond Head side of the groin and importing sand to create the beaches on both sides.

Kuhio Beach Park was named for Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, the youngest son of Kekaulike Kinoiki II and High Chief David Kahalepouli Pi’ikoi. Born on March 26, 1871, at Hoai, Kualu, in the Koloa district on Kaua’i, his mother died soon after his birth. He and his two older brothers were adopted by Kapiolani, his mother’s sister. Kapi’olani and her husband Kalakaua had no children, so when Kalakaua became king in 1874, he gave each of the boys the title of prince.

In 1893, a revolution deposed Queen Lili’uokalani, Kalakaua’s sister and successor. In 1895, Prince Kuhio and other Royalists joined Robert Wilcox in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Republic of Hawai’i and restore the queen to her throne. Prince Kuhio served one year in jail as a political prisoner. He was released on October 8, 1896, the same day as Queen Lili’uokalani and other Royalists who had also been arrested.

In 1902, Prince Kuhio was elected Hawai’i’s second delegate to Congress and served until his death in 1922. He is best remembered for his efforts to help the Hawaiian people, and in 1921 he was successful in establishing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, a measure that opened public lands in Hawai’i for homesteading by native Hawaiians.

Kuhio Beach Park was the site of Prince Kuhio’s home, Pualeilani, or "flower from the wreath of heaven," where he lived with his wife Princess Elizabeth Kahanu. On July 22, 1918, he removed the high board fence around his home and opened this section of beach to the public. When he died of heart disease at Pualeilani on January 7, 1922, the property was given to the city. It was officially dedicated as Kuhio Beach Park in 1940.

Waikiki’s two famous surf sites, Queen’s and Canoes, are off the west end of the park. Queen’s was named for Queen Lili’uokalani, who had a beach home and a pier inshore of the site, and Canoes was named for the outrigger canoes that are still used to surf its waves today. Waikiki’s beach boys also teach visitors how to surf at Canoes, one of the best beginner’s spots in Hawai’i.

Kuhio Beach Park is the site of three well-known landmarks, the Stones of Kapaemahu, the Duke Kahanamoku Statute, and the Prince Kuhio Statue. The stones represent four legendary men, Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni, and Kinohi, who came to Hawai’i from a distant land. They were famous throughout the islands for their powers of healing and for their great wisdom. The Duke Kahanamoku statue, created by sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer, was dedicated on August 24, 1990, the 100th anniversary of the Duke’s birth. One of the greatest sports heroes in Hawai’i, Kahanamoku is recognized internationally as the father of modern surfing. The statue of Prince Kuhio, created by sculptor Sean Browne, was dedicated on January 12, 2002.