You might remember the yo-yo craze of the 1950s—kids rushing to grab the latest models and daring each other to master every spin, loop and flip.
Amid the frenzy, young Richard Lee of Honolulu discovered a passion that would shape his life. He spent countless hours practicing at the Ben Franklin store in Kaimuki and in local parks, refining his tricks under the watchful eyes of friends and competitors. However, Lee’s family didn’t always understand his obsession with the toy. That lack of support only strengthened his resolve, driving him to mastering the yo-yo.
By 1951, Richard’s commitment paid off: He claimed his first national championship at the Duncan Yo-Yo Tournament, followed by consecutive victories in 1952 and 1953. Audiences were captivated by his precision and flair, particularly his Flying Trapeze trick, which became the hallmark of his performances.
Long before it became popular, the yo-yo traveled from the Philippines, where it was called a “come-come” and used for hunting and skillful play. By the time it reached Honolulu, it had evolved into a test of dexterity and style—a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. For him, mastery wasn’t just about applause or awards; it became a way to give back. He discovered fulfillment in teaching, guiding players as they learned the tricks and discipline that shaped his own journey.
After his championship years, Richard turned to mentoring the next generation. In the 1980s and 1990s, he performed at community events, including family nights at Nehelani, alongside the students he trained. They demonstrated tricks like Walk the Dog and Rock the Baby, encouraging attendees to try them. Weekends became informal classrooms, where children learned everything from basic spins to advanced flips. Through patience and precision, Lee’s lessons went far beyond the yo-yo, helping kids build confidence, resilience and pride.
Richard can still be found demonstrating tricks, mentoring young enthusiasts and keeping the yo-yo alive on weekends at Ala Moana and Kāhala Mall. Known affectionately as “Yo-Yo Man” and “Big Daddy,” his legacy extends beyond trophies—it lives in the hands of every child who learns to loop, flip and spin. Richard Lee’s influence continues to spread across the islands, one yo-yo at a time.
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