History
Eddie Aikau Legacy: The Legendary Hawaiian Waterman Who Defined Courage
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Apr
Apr
Eddie Aikau remains one of Hawaii’s most iconic figures, a big-wave surfer and lifeguard whose legacy embodies the spirit of aloha and fearless determination.
Born on May 4, 1946, in Kahului, Maui, Eddie grew up with the ocean as his playground, mastering the waves of Kahului Harbor before moving to Oahu with his family in 1959. By 1968, he became the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, a notorious North Shore break known for its towering swells. Over his career, Eddie saved over 500 lives, braving waves often exceeding 30 feet with nothing but a surfboard and fins—no jet skis, no boats, just pure grit.
Aikau’s surfing prowess was equally legendary.
In 1977, he won the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship, cementing his status as a big-wave pioneer. But his story took a heroic turn in 1978 when he joined the crew of the Hokule‘a, a Polynesian voyaging canoe retracing ancient migration routes. When the canoe capsized in a storm between Molokai and Lanai, Eddie paddled off on his surfboard to seek help for his stranded crewmates. Tragically, he was never seen again, but his selfless act sparked the largest air-sea search in Hawaiian history and immortalized his name.
Today, Eddie’s legacy lives on through “The Eddie,” a rare big-wave contest at Waimea Bay that only runs when conditions hit a minimum of 20 feet (Hawaiian scale).
The phrase “Eddie Would Go” echoes across the islands, a testament to his courage and a call to face challenges head-on. Whether you’re a surfer chasing swells or a visitor soaking in Hawaii’s culture, Eddie Aikau’s story is a powerful reminder of the ocean’s might and the human spirit’s resilience.
Learn more about Eddie at his official foundation
