United States
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Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau
Kahului, Maui, United States
Archival Overview
Hawaiian big wave surfer and the first Waimea Bay lifeguard, saved over 500 people and sacrificed his life attempting to rescue the crew of the Hokule'a.
Biographical Record
Edward Ryon Makuahanai 'Eddie' Aikau (1946–1978) was a legendary Native Hawaiian big wave surfer and lifeguard whose selfless heroism gave rise to the iconic cultural phrase: 'Eddie Would Go'. Appointed Waimea Bay's first lifeguard on Oahu's North Shore, Aikau saved over 500 swimmers and surfers from deadly 30-foot surf without ever losing a single life on his watch.
In 1977, he won the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. In 1978, while crew on the voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa when it capsized in stormy seas, Aikau paddled his surfboard into the raging Molokai Channel to seek rescue for his companions and was lost at sea.
Key Life Milestones
Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Champion
Won the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship in giant 25-foot waves at Sunset Beach, Oahu.
Selfless Sacrifice to Save Hokule'a Crew
Paddled his surfboard into treacherous seas in the Kaiwi Channel to find rescue after the Polynesian voyaging canoe capsized.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialOahu, Hawaii, United States