Eddie Aikau was born the third of six children in a close-knit family on Maui on May 5, 1946. It was Eddie's dad who first introduced him and his siblings to the sport of surfing. They used homemade boards to tackle the waves off of Waikiki, and it became a favorite pastime. Eddie learned to trust the water, and began to take on greater challenges.
Eddie left school at 16 to work in a Dole pineapple factory so he could surf during his lunch hours. He used his earnings to buy a professional surfboard and soon dedicated himself to the sport. Later, he convinced the city to hire him as its first lifeguard. Fearless, he became known for his ability to save lives in high risk and dangerous surf conditions. According to legend, no swimmer ever died on his watch.
In 1968, Eddie Aikauentered a surfing competition dominated by the world's most renowned surfers. With quiet confidence, Eddie out-performed everyone and became a surfing sensation. Eddie went on to compete in many big-wave competitions around the world.
A quiet and introspective man, Eddie also became fascinated with his Hawaiian heritage. He joined the Polynesian society as a way to highlight Hawaii’s unique culture. In March 1978 he volunteered to be part of a crew that hoped to recreate the migration route of Polynesians between Hawaii and Tahiti. Unfortunately, on the second day out the replica boat developed a leak after being subjected to strong, gale force winds. Determined to save his friends, Eddie insisted on using his board to paddle off for help, but was never seen again. Ironically, his crew mates were rescued just hours after he left.
Eddie Aikau's Career Highlights
Eddie Aikau left behind a strong list of accomplishments. In 1971 he was named Lifeguard of the Year, and in 1977 won the Duke Classic surfing competition. In addition, he competed around the world in many big-wave surfing competitions, usually placing no less than third. In his honor, The Eddie Quiksilver Big-Wave competition is held annually if swells are greater than 20’.
