Duke: A Great Hawaiian
Author: Sandra Kimberley Hall

Publisher: Bess Press Hardcover Price: US$12.95

During his lifetime, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968), a full-blooded Hawaiian, was known worldwide simply as 'The Duke.' His name was synonymous with Hawai'i.

He is remembered today for his Olympic medals, and as the Father of Modern Surfing.

In 2002 the US Postal Service described him as "the greatest aquatic athlete the world has ever seen." (Since then of course Michael Phelps has come along!).

The thousands who place lei on his most handsome statue in Waikiki honor him as Hawai'i's legendary Ambassador of Aloha for his strength of character, and the Hawaiian ideals of humility, and dignity he exemplified.

In this appropriate tribute filled with photographs, his story and Hawaii's are intertwined.

Everywhere you go in Hawaii, and especially here in Waikiki, you come across the Duke's name . He is rated by many locals as the greatest Hawaiian ever so in the end when I came across this attractive small hardback book in Borders last night after dinner at Petite Garlic I just had to buy it.

Having now read it I can understand the adulation the man and his memory provoke. Olympic gold medals and world records at a time before swimming coaches had been invented, and he travelled widely across mainland US and to Australia and New Zealand. In NZ he related closely to his Maori kin which he regarded as a highlight of his tour. Feted and honoured everywhere he remained a humble man throught his life. He died in 1968.

We salute you Duke. You are an inspiration.