KAINOA: Hawaiian Superman

MEET THE BEACH BOYS
KAINOA: Hawaiian Superman
Written by Conor Lyden

Kainoa J. Dominguez, often confused for Maui (the Polynesian demigod familiarized to the mainstream audience for his featured in the Disney movie ʻMoanaʻ), is another Hawaiian Superman who can move weights heavier than the islands that the demigod himself pulled from the ocean. With his strong mind, body, and heart, Kainoa is the perfect candidate for a role model and leads our afternoon crew at Waikiki Beach Services with ease. He goes above and beyond wherever he can because he truly believes that everyone has the potential to do more for themselves and this world.

Every morning Kainoa wakes up before the sun rises, presumably so he can pull it over the horizon with his fishhook. Then, when the sun dawns over the rest of us in comfort, Kainoa is still working, pushing and pulling weights at his gym of choice. With his drive and power, Kainoa’s only competition is the man he was yesterday. The path of self improvement never ends and Kainoa continues forward without hesitation. He prints shirts promoting the messages he lives by. “Prove Yourself Right”.

Not only does Kainoa inspire others to improve themselves, but he also teaches us that there is more to be done for our shared world. Apart from the standard duties that are expected of him when he begins his shift on the beach, Kainoa shares with us his own initiative: Cleaning the Beach. Thousands of travelers come through the beautiful Waikiki Beach every day, and you know it by the amount of waste left behind after everyone leaves. When there is no one to protect our beaches and oceans, Kainoa graciously accepts the responsibility. Kainoa will clean the beach of everything that is left behind that threatens the health and beauty of our world, down to the tiny rubber bands that wrap around cocktail umbrellas. Unironically, another message that he promotes and prints is “Protect This House”.

At our Royal Hawaiian location, Kainoa can be found at our Waikiki Beach Services activities desk. Kainoa is easily approachable with a friendly smile. He will often be the warm greeter who checks in our Surf Lessons or Outrigger Canoe. If you’re lucky he will paddle with you as part of your outrigger canoe crew, in which case you can experience firsthand the strength and aloha spirit of this Hawaiian Superman. 

Listen to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man

Learn more about Maui