Latest news with #DukeKahanamoku
Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business Insider
I've been to Hawaii several times. Here are the best things I did for free on my recent trip.
I learned the living art of hula for free. The Royal Hawaiian Center is a luxury shopping destination that offers complimentary Hawaiian cultural experiences, like hula lessons, every day of the week. The classes are first-come, first-served, so I arrived a bit early. Even 15 minutes before my lesson started, there was already a crowd of students eager to learn how to hula. I learned about the significance behind the hand formations of this storytelling art as I swayed my hips in the cool ocean breeze. If you're lucky, your lesson will be taught by renowned Hula dancer Puakeala Mann, who shares with students the history of hula while teaching them basic hand gestures and footwork. I went on a stunning waterfall hike. I fondly remember hiking to Manoa Falls with my family as a child. I was eager to set out on the moderate trail again and was delighted that it was free to visit. I went on a leisurely stroll through the lush jungle full of fragrant flowers and dense tropical vegetation, which brought me to a 150-foot cascade. Nearby is the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, which features 6,000 tropical and subtropical plants and is also free to visit. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the arboretum does Beaches are free here, but visiting them still feels like a luxury. All beaches in Hawaii are public and free. No trip to Oahu is complete without spending a few hours in the sunshine at Waikiki Beach. I spent a day strolling down the iconic boardwalk, where you can snap a photo in front of the bronze Duke Kahanamoku Statue for a meaningful free keepsake. Kahanamoku was an Olympian surfer known for spreading the spirit of Aloha globally, and I loved checking out the larger-than-life statue of him on the boardwalk near Kuhio Beach. It's easy to spend a whole day here without spending tons of cash. You can go down to the beach to watch surfers catch waves or take a dip in the crystalline waters. Right nearby, you can also visit the astonishing Diamond Head crater for $5. The entry fee is well worth it, in my opinion. I also visited less-crowded beaches that were just as beautiful, such as Queens Beach and Kaimana Beach. Hiking the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail brought me to one of the most gorgeous views I've ever seen. The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a free, moderate, 2-mile round-trip hike. It offers stunning views of the southeastern coastline, including Koko Head, Koko Crater, and the trail's namesake — the historic Makapuu Lighthouse, built in 1909. During the whale season from November to May, the trail is one of the best places to see humpback whales. Although I didn't see any on my recent trip, I have treasured childhood memories of watching the whales here during past visits. I learned how to make a fresh flower lei for free. The Royal Hawaiian Center also offers free classes on how to make your own flower lei. Classes are held on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up fast, so it's best to arrive at least 30 minutes early. As I learned how to delicately thread local orchids into a lei, the guide taught us about the cultural significance of lei. We also learned the meaning and pronunciation of some Hawaiian words. I left with a stronger understanding of Hawaiian culture and a gorgeous keepsake that I kept refrigerated so I could wear it for a few days.
Time Out
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A '70s-inspired rooftop bar and live music venue has landed in Freshie
We're frothing over the news that Freshie has a brand-new rooftop bar and live music venue called Bombies, created to champion Australia's best musicians and international big-name stars. And the location is a beauty, too. The '70s-inspired spot is located on top of Harbord Hotel – Northern Beaches locals know that space has been underutilised for yonks, so we're stoked to see it finally being put to good use. With views of the ocean (the same beach where legend Duke Kahanamoku surfed for the first time in Australian history in 1914), state-of-the-art staging and a retro, coastal vibe spearheaded by architects Alexander & Co that looks straight outta Puberty Blues, Bombies evokes the laid-back energy of a beach house party. Expect a packed line-up with DJs sessions, live bands, film screenings, comedy shows and more. Jeremy Bull, principal designer at Alexander & Co, says, 'Bombies is the level one rejuvenation of Harbord Hotel, transforming the old caretaker's flat into a sun-soaked band room and bar in the heart of this surfer's motherland.' The signature cocktails feature fun, summer-coded drinks like the Pico De Mango (Grey Goose vodka, mango liqueur, Lillet Blanc, habanero and lime) and the Plashdown (tequila, triple sec, watermelon, hibiscus and sage). Pair your drinks with spicy prawn tacos matched with pickled cabbage, charred corn, jalapeño and green goddess dressing; tostadas topped with seared tuna, avo, tomato salsa, pickled cucumber and chipotle mayo; and the Bombies sambo, featuring chicken schnitty, pancetta, avo, egg, mayo, gem lettuce and tomato potato chips. Speaking of Bombies, Glenn Piper, CEO of Epochal Hotels, says: 'It's like stepping into a friend's beach house where the night unfolds effortlessly – live music, cold drinks and an electric energy that just clicks. Whether it's post-surf beers, sunset sessions or a late-night dance floor moment, Bombies is where the best nights just happen.' Plus, a lush new recording studio for local artists to jam and make music is in the pipeline – it's set to open towards the end of the year – as well as boutique accommodation. How good's that? These are the best rooftop bars in Sydney.
Fox Sports
03-06-2025
- Business
- Fox Sports
Indianapolis to host US Olympic swimming trials again in 2028 after last year's record run
Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The 2028 U.S. Olympic swimming trials will return to Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium after drawing record-breaking crowds last year in the first event held inside a football stadium. USA Swimming officials made the announcement Tuesday in Indianapolis where this year's national championships are being held this week. Dates for the event have not yet been announced. Organizers intend to build three temporary pools on top of the NFL's Colts' home field — a 50-meter competition pool and two warm-up pools. The Indiana Convention Center, which is connected to the stadium, will host USA Swimming's Toyota Aqua Zone. Last year, more than 285,000 fans attended the nine-day trials. That was a 60% increase over previous events. Single session records also were shattered as television ratings increased 20% from the previous team trials in 2021. Organizers estimated the event helped generate $132 million in revenue for the city. The 2024 trials also won the annual Fan Engagement Award and were a finalist for Sports Business Journal's event of the year. Indianapolis has a long and storied history with the Olympic swimming trials. The 2028 trials will mark the eighth time the city has hosted the event since 1924 when Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Kahanamoku were the stars. Other familiar names who qualified for the U.S. Olympic teams include Amanda Beard, Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Katie Ledecky, Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles and could again feature the brother-sister duo of Alex and Aaron Shackell, who swam for nearby Carmel High School. ___ AP sports: in this topic
San Francisco Chronicle
03-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Indianapolis to host US Olympic swimming trials again in 2028 after last year's record run
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The 2028 U.S. Olympic swimming trials will return to Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium after drawing record-breaking crowds last year in the first event held inside a football stadium. USA Swimming officials made the announcement Tuesday in Indianapolis where this year's national championships are being held this week. Dates for the event have not yet been announced. Organizers intend to build three temporary pools on top of the NFL's Colts' home field — a 50-meter competition pool and two warm-up pools. The Indiana Convention Center, which is connected to the stadium, will host USA Swimming's Toyota Aqua Zone. Last year, more than 285,000 fans attended the nine-day trials. That was a 60% increase over previous events. Single session records also were shattered as television ratings increased 20% from the previous team trials in 2021. Organizers estimated the event helped generate $132 million in revenue for the city. The 2024 trials also won the annual Fan Engagement Award and were a finalist for Sports Business Journal's event of the year. Indianapolis has a long and storied history with the Olympic swimming trials. The 2028 trials will mark the eighth time the city has hosted the event since 1924 when Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Kahanamoku were the stars. Other familiar names who qualified for the U.S. Olympic teams include Amanda Beard, Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Katie Ledecky, Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres. ___
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indianapolis to host US Olympic swimming trials again in 2028 after last year's record run
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The 2028 U.S. Olympic swimming trials will return to Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium after drawing record-breaking crowds last year in the first event held inside a football stadium. USA Swimming officials made the announcement Tuesday in Indianapolis where this year's national championships are being held this week. Dates for the event have not yet been announced. Advertisement Organizers intend to build three temporary pools on top of the NFL's Colts' home field — a 50-meter competition pool and two warm-up pools. The Indiana Convention Center, which is connected to the stadium, will host USA Swimming's Toyota Aqua Zone. Last year, more than 285,000 fans attended the nine-day trials. That was a 60% increase over previous events. Single session records also were shattered as television ratings increased 20% from the previous team trials in 2021. Organizers estimated the event helped generate $132 million in revenue for the city. The 2024 trials also won the annual Fan Engagement Award and were a finalist for Sports Business Journal's event of the year. Indianapolis has a long and storied history with the Olympic swimming trials. The 2028 trials will mark the eighth time the city has hosted the event since 1924 when Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Kahanamoku were the stars. Advertisement Other familiar names who qualified for the U.S. Olympic teams include Amanda Beard, Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Katie Ledecky, Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps, Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles and could again feature the brother-sister duo of Alex and Aaron Shackell, who swam for nearby Carmel High School. ___ AP sports: The Associated Press
