About Our Logo

The Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame logo exemplifies the spirit of Hawaiian sportsmanship as encompassed in the statue of the paddler surrounded by a lei of maile leaves. The canoe paddler symbolizes: the origin of the Islands, the means in which the first people got to Hawaii, the livelihood of those people (fishing) and what eventually evolved into competitive sports from ancient Hawaiian canoe racing. the paddler denotes the strength, courage, skill commitment, determination, stamina and dedication that are integral parts of the successful athlete.

The logo was created and donated to the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame by internationally renown Hawaii artist and illustrator Oliver C. Kinney.

Kinney graduated for the Kamehameha Schools and studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He then went to work for some of New York’s best art studios before returning to practice in Honolulu.

Owner of Oliver Kinney Graphic Design, he is currently able to give his attention to what he enjoys most: advertising illustration and design, and creating art with specific parameters in mind.