"The Eddie" Hawaii 2016

When we first visited the Big Island in 2011, we noticed a bumper sticker that said "Eddie Would Go" and found it so intriguing we had to find out more.  What we found was not just the story of one amazing man -- but a deeply moving story about Hawaiian heritage and culture. (We are writing this mostly for folks back on the mainland who may know nothing about this event, person or cultural history.) 

As one of the most respected names in surfing, "Eddie" (Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on Oahu, saving many lives. He also was the first lifeguard to work the North Short where, during his watch, not a single life was lost.

Hokule'a

"Eddie" became involved in perpetuating his Hawaiian heritage. In 1976, the Polynesian Voyaging Society sailed the Hokule'a on a successful 30-day, 2500 mile journey following the ancient route of the Polynesian migration, using celestial navigation, between the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands. In 1978, a second voyage of the traditional sailing canoe was planned. At 31 years of age, Aikau was selected for this voyage as a crew member.

We held our collective breath -- watching these 60 foot waves!

The Hokule'a left the Hawaiian Islands on March 16, 1978. The double-hulled voyaging canoe developed a leak in one of the hulls and later capsized in stormy weather about twelve miles south of the island of Molokai. In an attempt to get to land to save his crew and the Hokule'a, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Hours later a commercial airplane spotted the Hokule'a and the rest of the crew was soon rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Aikau was missing at sea. Despite great search efforts "Eddie" was never seen again.

Held at Waimea Bay, "The Eddie" sponsored by Quicksilver, has not happened in many years because the conditions have to be perfect -- HUGE waves -- and the worldwide competition is by invitation only. For SEVEN years the waves have not been good enough to be called "The Eddie" but just last week we were blessed with stunning waves, rides and wipe outs.

CLICK LINK TO SEE LIVE SHOTS (hold your breath!) Quick Silver In Memory Eddie Aikau

CLICK LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY AND "HOKULE'A" :  Hokule'a Voyage

(The info here has been edited from a variety of sources including Wikipedia, Eddie Aikau Foundation, and other articles.)