Ocean Mile Swim kicks off 2026 Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest opens this weekend with its annual one-mile ocean swim in Waikiki, a fun community tradition — though bad weather could push it back.
- The Ocean Mile Swim launches from the beach at Duke's Waikiki, turns toward Diamond Head, and finishes near the Outrigger Waikiki.
- Now in its 24th year, the event is open to all ages and raises money to help student athletes pay for their education.
- Check-in starts at 6:30 a.m. Saturday with live music, and past turnouts have reached about 500 swimmers.
- A storm is heading toward the islands, so organizers may delay the swim to the following Saturday if the ocean isn't safe.
Outlook: If the weather holds, the swim runs Saturday; if not, it likely moves to the next weekend with registration reopening.