Duke’s Day 2026 Brings the Spirit of Aloha Back to Freshwater Beach

Duke Kahanamoku

A Three-Day Celebration of Surfing, Culture and Community

Duke’s Day returns to Freshwater Beach from 8 to 10 January 2026, transforming Sydney’s iconic shoreline into a vibrant celebration of surf heritage, Hawaiian culture and ocean stewardship. Proudly supported by Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines, the annual festival honours legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, the man who introduced modern surfing to Australia at Freshwater more than a century ago.

Set at the recognised birthplace of Australian surfing, Duke’s Day has become a must-attend summer event for surfers, families and cultural travellers seeking an authentic connection between Australia and Hawai‘i.

Honouring Duke Kahanamoku’s Enduring Legacy

Duke Kahanamoku’s historic surf demonstration at Freshwater in 1914–1915 changed Australia’s coastal culture forever. Duke’s Day continues to honour this moment by celebrating values that defined his life, including Aloha, respect for the ocean and the power of community.

The festival brings together ocean lovers of all ages to reflect on Duke’s influence, not only as a champion surfer and Olympic swimmer, but also as a global ambassador for unity and cultural exchange.

Special Guest from Hawai‘i: Tom Pōhaku Stone

Tom Pōhaku Stone

A major highlight of Duke’s Day 2026 is the presence of Tom Pōhaku Stone, a renowned Hawaiian cultural practitioner, educator, master craftsman and former professional surfer. Flying to Australia with the support of Hawaiian Airlines, Stone will share traditional knowledge centred on papa he‘enalu, the sacred wooden surfboards of Hawai‘i.

Throughout the weekend, audiences can experience talk story sessions, carving demonstrations and cultural insights that reveal surfing as a spiritual practice deeply connected to Native Hawaiian identity and the ocean.

Live Hawaiian Music and Cultural Performances

Adding to the festival atmosphere, the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders will perform live hula and traditional Hawaiian music across the weekend. These performances create a powerful cultural bridge between Hawai‘i and Australia, reinforcing the shared heritage of ocean peoples.

Cultural ceremonies, storytelling and performances offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian traditions on Australian shores.

Festival Highlights Across the Weekend

Duke’s Day 2026 features a rich and engaging program designed to inspire and educate. Highlights include sunrise photography honouring Duke, surfing events at Freshwater, Hawaiian cultural ceremonies, live hula and music, surf culture and carving demonstrations, and the presentation of a hand-carved wooden board to the Cecil Healy family.

Statue of Duke Kahanamoku

The full event schedule showcases three days of meaningful experiences that celebrate the past while inspiring future generations of ocean custodians.

Aloha Party Opening Night

Festivities begin on Thursday 8 January with the Aloha Party at Freshwater Brewery. This relaxed opening night features live music, hula performances and moments dedicated to Duke’s legacy. Free tickets are available online, making it an ideal way to ease into the long weekend of celebration.

A Summer Event with Global Significance

With its deep cultural roots and beachfront setting, Duke’s Day stands out as one of Australia’s most meaningful surf and cultural festivals. For travellers seeking summer events with history, heart and global connections, Duke’s Day 2026 offers a powerful reminder of surfing’s origins and the enduring spirit of Aloha.

Web contact details
https://www.dukesday.com/
www.gohawaii.com/au
www.hawaiianairlines.com/au

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