The installation honors the two Native Hawaiian Olympic Gold Medalists, together – Duke being the first such winner, in 1912, and Carissa as the most recent, in 2021. Bishop Museum are stewards of irreplaceable cultural treasures including a replica of one of Duke Kahanamoku’s most famous surfboards made in the 1930’s, as well as his numerous awards and accolades, including his Olympic gold medals. The Two Hawaiian Olympic Champions installation features this replica of Duke’s surfboard along with one of his Olympic gold medals, side-by-side Carissa Moore’s Olympic gold medal (forthcoming), and the surfboard that helped her win it.

Bishop Museum’s hope is that the display will inspire the next generation to strive for excellence, honor those that have come before us, and leave a legacy that will last long past us.