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David Dean O'Keefe

 

O’Keefe’s Inn and the historic O’Keefe’s Kanteen reflect the style, camaraderie, and hospitality of Captain O’Keefe, and his time in Yap’s History. David Dean O’Keefe, one of the Pacific's legendary figures, departed Savannah, Georgia and eventually arrived in Yap in 1872 and soon established his elegantly furnished home on the little island of Tarang in the main harbor, the remains of which can still be seen today.

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A Colorful Past

He opened O’Keefe’s Kanteen, a small store and bar for local residents at its present location circa 1874. This Irish-American adventurer accepted copra for the transport of Yapese stone money from Palau and this enabled him to obtain power in the islands and wealth in the Hong Kong market for over 30 years. Captain O’Keefe disappeared at sea in May 1901 on a return trip from Hong Kong.

Guests may purchase this book at the front desk or read a copy in the library. A best seller (1951) “His Majesty O’Keefe”, written by Lawrence Klingman and Gerald Green, documents his life and the impact he had on Yap Island. The book was later made into a motion picture starring Burt Lancaster.

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