Duke Kahanamoku documentary 'Waterman' opens in Hawaii theaters

"He's the reason I knew Duke's story. I had to know Duke's story, knowing my uncle," Halasima told KITV.

Like others who treasure a connection to the Kahanamoku legacy, Halasima maintains his, through his uncle.

"Every time I come to Hawaii, I go to the statue and I tap the foot where his signature is and say ‘Hi’ to my uncle. And then I can enjoy Hawaii. But I always gotta say hi to my uncle before I can," he said.

Halasima's uncle suggested the documentary before he died: a film that would show Duke's contributions as surfer, lifeguard, swimmer, and icon.

Halasima says what surprised him most was that the legends held true.

“It's people who care about duke telling stories about duke and we see how the stories line up," Halasima said.

Following its opening weekend, the film is scheduled to play at consolidated theaters in Hawaii through May 9th and at Regal Theaters on neighbor islands.