Our island is extraordinary. Not only does it bring an incredibly diverse and beautiful landscape of mountains, beaches, and the sea, but an incredible spirit of the people, and some of the most remarkable individuals the world has ever known. From ancient warrior kings to Grammy-winning superstars, the Hawaiian islands have given the world an amazing gift: its people.
Let’s dive into some of the famous faces and inspiring figures to ever call Hawaiʻi home.
Famous Hawaiians to Celebrate Our Heritage
Royalty & Historical Icons
Long before Hawaiʻi became a state, it was a sovereign nation shaped by powerful leaders. None loomed larger than King Kamehameha I, known as Kamehameha the Great. Born around 1758 on the Big Island, he accomplished what no ruler before him had managed. He was able to unify all of the Hawaiian islands under a single kingdom.
He was a brilliant military strategist and statesman, forging a legacy of strength and unity that Hawaiians still celebrate every June with a state holiday in his honor.
Equally beloved by Hawaiians is Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaiʻi’s last reigning monarch. She was an intelligent and compassionate leader, fighting tirelessly for the rights of her people in the face of increasing pressure from international interests. But, and maybe surprisingly, she is also remembered for her music. She composed Aloha ʻOe, one of the most recognizable Hawaiian songs in history that still moves listeners to this day.
Ocean & Nature Legends
Hawaiʻi’s had a deep relationship with the sea, and no one embodies that more than Duke Kahanamoku. Born in Honolulu in 1890, Duke was a natural in the water from childhood. He went on to win multiple Olympic gold medals in swimming, showing an impressive display of speed and grace. But his greatest contribution? Duke introduced surfing, which at the time was a centuries-old Hawaiian tradition, to the wider world. Traveling to Australia, California, and around the globe, Duke shared his love of riding waves and transformed surfing into a global phenomenon.
Bethany Hamilton is another Hawaiian who carried something powerful beyond the islands. When she was just 13-years-old, she lost her arm in a shark attack in Kauaʻi. Amazingly, she returned to competitive surfing within a month. Her courage and determination not only inspired a book and a film, but also millions of people worldwide.
Entertainers & Pop Culture
Few artists have captured the world’s attention like Bruno Mars. He was born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu in 1985 and grew up surrounded by music. His musical start came from performing in his family’s band at a very young age. He went on to become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with hits that blend pop, R&B, funk, and soul into something entirely his own. But you likely already know this!
And then there is Jason Momoa. Raised in Hawaiʻi and now one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Momoa was born in Honolulu. You’ve likely seen him in Game of Thrones and the Aquaman franchise, but Momoa has been open about how his connection to the water, to Hawaiian culture, and to indigenous communities has helped shape him.
Trailblazers & Leaders
A man and leader who needs no introduction is Former President Barack Obama. Born in Honolulu in 1961, he became the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office. His diverse and multicultural Hawaiian upbringing is widely credited with shaping his worldview, his empathy, and his gift for bringing people together across divides.
An equally inspiring individual is Senator Daniel Inouye, a Japanese American from Honolulu who served heroically in World War II with the renowned 442nd Infantry Regiment. He lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. He later became the first Japanese American elected to Congress, and went on to serve as a U.S. Senator from Hawaiʻi for over 50 years.
Celebrating All Hawaiians
What unites all of these remarkable people is the spirit of these islands. It’s a connection to the land, to the community, and above all, to the ocean. Duke Kahanamoku took legendary strokes in the same water that carried Bethany Hamilton back to her board inviting the same people who inspired Barack Obama’s empathy and worldview to enjoy.
At the Maui Ocean Center, we invite you to experience our incredible exhibits, exploring our Living Reef, Open Ocean, and Turtle Lagoon. In the spirit of celebrating all Hawaiians, famous and not, enjoy our Hawaiians and the Sea to dive deep into the culture and traditions of the first Hawaiians who started it all.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
