Eddie Aikau was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer who became famous for his courage, skill, and generosity. He saved hundreds of lives, surfed giant waves, and participated in a historic voyage to honor his ancestors. But his life was cut short by a mysterious disappearance at sea. What was Eddie Aikau’s cause of death? And why is he still remembered as a legend today?
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A Lifesaver on the North Shore
Eddie Aikau was born on May 5, 1946, in Kahului, Maui. He was the second child of Solomon and Henrietta Aikau, who had five children in total. Eddie learned how to surf on the shorebreak of Kahului Harbor and moved to Oahu with his family in 1959. He dropped out of school at 16 and worked at a pineapple cannery to buy his first surfboard.
In 1968, Eddie became the first lifeguard hired by the City & County of Honolulu to work on the North Shore, the most dangerous and challenging surfing area in the world. He was assigned to cover all the beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa, including the infamous Waimea Bay, where waves can reach up to 30 feet high or more.
Eddie was a fearless and dedicated lifeguard who risked his life to save others. He had a remarkable swimming ability and a strong sense of duty. He never lost a single person under his watch and rescued over 500 people in his career. He was named Lifeguard of the Year in 1971 and earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the community.
A Champion of Big Wave Surfing
Eddie was not only a lifesaver, but also a passionate and talented surfer. He loved to challenge himself and ride the biggest waves he could find. He was one of the pioneers of big wave surfing in Hawaii and the world. He competed in several prestigious surfing events, such as the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational, the Smirnoff Pro-Am, and the World Surfing Championships. He won the Duke in 1977, beating some of the best surfers of his time.
Eddie was also a humble and generous person who shared his love of surfing and Hawaii with others. He welcomed visitors and newcomers to the North Shore and taught them how to surf and respect the ocean. He was a leader and a peacemaker who helped to maintain harmony and camaraderie among the surfers, especially during the tense and crowded winter season.
Eddie was also a proud Hawaiian who cherished his culture and heritage. He was a descendant of Hewahewa, the high priest of King Kamehameha I and II. He learned about the history and traditions of his ancestors and participated in cultural events and ceremonies. He was especially interested in the ancient art of voyaging, which involved navigating the Pacific Ocean using only the stars, the wind, and the waves.
A Crew Member on the Hokule’a
In 1978, Eddie had the opportunity to join the Polynesian Voyaging Society, a group of scholars, sailors, and adventurers who wanted to re-enact the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between Hawaii and Tahiti. They built a replica of a traditional double-hulled canoe, called the Hokule’a, and planned to sail it across 2,500 miles of open ocean without any modern instruments or maps.
Eddie was eager to be part of this historic and cultural journey. He volunteered as a crew member and a surfer, hoping to catch some waves along the way. He also saw it as a way to honor his ancestors and their voyaging skills. He was one of the 16 people who boarded the Hokule’a on March 16, 1978, and set sail from Oahu.
However, the voyage turned out to be a disaster. The Hokule’a encountered rough weather and strong currents, and developed a leak in one of its hulls. It eventually capsized about 12 miles south of Molokai, leaving the crew stranded in the middle of the sea. The radio was broken and there was no sign of help.
Eddie decided to take action. He grabbed his surfboard and paddled toward the island of Lanai, hoping to reach the shore and get help. He told his fellow crew members to stay calm and wait for him. He assured them that he would come back with a rescue boat. He then disappeared into the horizon.
A Legend Lost at Sea
The rest of the crew were eventually rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, who had been alerted by a passing plane. They had been in the water for about 20 hours. They were relieved to be alive, but also worried about Eddie. They hoped that he had made it to Lanai and was on his way back.
But Eddie never returned. His body was never found. He was presumed to have drowned or been attacked by sharks. He was 31 years old.
Eddie’s disappearance shocked and saddened the surfing and Hawaiian communities. He was mourned as a hero and a friend. He was also celebrated as a legend and an inspiration. His courage, skill, and generosity became the epitome of the aloha spirit. His motto, “Eddie would go”, became a symbol of bravery and commitment.
Eddie’s legacy lives on in many ways. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a prestigious surfing contest held at Waimea Bay, is named in his honor. The event only takes place when the waves are over 20 feet high, and attracts the best big wave surfers in the world. The Eddie Aikau Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by his family, promotes education, cultural awareness, and environmental protection. The Hokule’a, which was repaired and restored, continues to sail across the Pacific and beyond, spreading the message of voyaging and cultural revival.
Eddie Aikau’s cause of death may never be known for sure, but his life and spirit will always be remembered. He was a Hawaiian hero who gave his all for his people and his passion. He was a surfer who went where others wouldn’t dare. He was Eddie Aikau, and Eddie would go.
