Eddie Aikau

Eddie Aikau (1946-1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer, and crew member on the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Born in Kahului, Hawaii, Aikau became famous for his skills in surfing the big Hawaiian surf and saving over 500 lives as the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on Oahu. He won the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship and his bravery and dedication to saving lives earned him widespread recognition. Aikau's legacy is honored through the annual Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a prestigious surfing competition. He was also a descendant of Hewahewa, the kahuna nui of King Kamehameha I. Aikau's contribution to Hawaiian water sports and his courageous acts continue to inspire surfers and lifeguards worldwide.