Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation (ODKF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to financially support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. ODKF provides support to Hawaii students, teams, events, and programs that sustain the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku. As of 2024, the Foundation has awarded 866 grants and 1151 scholarships totaling over $3.7 million in community investment. We focus on impacts made through the sports Duke played and loved: Swimming, Surfing, Canoe Paddling, Kayaking, Diving, Water Polo, Sailing, and Volleyball. We recognize that water safety is foundational to water sports and support greater access to drowning prevention and water sports development.

The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation began in 1986 when the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation merged with the Outrigger Foundation, which had been founded by members of the Outrigger Canoe Club. The Outrigger Canoe Club - where Duke was a longtime member - still plays an important role by hosting ODKF board meetings and special events. While the ODKF charter specifies that two-thirds of board members also belong to the Outrigger Canoe Club, ODKF scholarships and grants are awarded across the state, without consideration of membership.