Who Is Eddie Aikau? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 4, 1946, Eddie Aikau was a renowned Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard whose legacy continues to inspire many. Unfortunately, Eddie passed away in 1978, but his impact on surfing culture and the Hawaiian spirit endures, celebrated by the surfing community and beyond. Known for his fearless approach to big wave surfing and dedication to ocean safety, Aikau became a symbol of bravery and respect for the ocean. His life story serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage and environmental stewardship.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1946 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Birth Place | Kahului, Territory of Hawaii, United States |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 17 March, 1978 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Eddie Aikau's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Eddie Aikau's exact physical measurements may not be readily documented, he was known for maintaining a strong and athletic build typical of elite surfers. Standing at an estimated height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighing around 175 pounds (79 kg), Eddie had a physique that enabled him to navigate the challenging surf conditions of Hawaii.
Since its inception in 1985, the tournament has only been held 11 times due to a precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 ft, which translates to a wave face height of over 30 ft.
The first Eddie was held at Sunset Beach in 1985; in 1987, Eddie Aikau's younger brother Clyde Aikau won the Eddie after it moved to Waimea Bay ); the most recent tournament was in December 2024, when waves in the bay reached the minimum of 20 to 30 ft high. The contest invites only 28 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition.
The event does not allow the use of jet skis to tow surfers into the waves.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Eddie Aikau was married to his high school sweetheart, Mahealani Aikau. They shared a deep bond based on love and mutual respect. Mahealani stood by Eddie throughout his surfing career and was well-known in the Hawaiian community. After Eddie's tragic disappearance, Mahealani continued to honor his legacy, ensuring that their love story and his contributions to surf culture lived on.
Net Worth and Salary
Eddie Aikau's net worth at the time of his passing is difficult to assess accurately, primarily due to the nature of his career as a lifeguard and amateur surfer. However, his legacy has been translated into a multi-million dollar industry surrounding surfing, surfboards, and merchandise associated with his name. His commitment to the sport and Hawaiian culture has continued to generate financial support through events like the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, further solidifying his impact on the surfing community.
Career, Business and Investments
Eddie Aikau was not just a surfer but also an influential lifeguard at Waimea Bay, where he saved countless lives by rescuing swimmers caught in perilous situations. His surfing career took off when he became the first lifeguard to surf the big waves at Waimea Bay, a feat that cemented his legacy in the surfing world.
Apart from surfing, Aikau was also an advocate for Hawaiian culture and heritage, participating in ventures that celebrated and promoted traditional Hawaiian values and practices. His life's work continues in the form of educational grants and programs that aim to promote ocean safety and awareness.
In Aikau's honor, the surfwear company Quiksilver sponsored “The Eddie” until 2016. The event was cancelled for 2017, but the Aikau family brought it back with largely local sponsors for 2018–19 as the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay.
Social Network
Eddie Aikau's legacy is maintained through various social networks, pages, and communities dedicated to his memory. The official Facebook page and Instagram accounts present updates about events, tributes, and ongoing initiatives in his name. These platforms serve as vital links for fans and admirers to come together and remember Eddie’s contributions to surfing and Hawaiian culture.
Eddie's story was humorously (and respectfully) told by comedian Kurt Braunohler in a second-season episode of Drunk History that was dedicated to Hawaiian history, which aired on August 12, 2014.
Education
Eddie Aikau attended Kahuku High School, where he developed his love for surfing and the ocean. His passion for water sports, combined with the lessons learned from his local culture, shaped his worldview and dedication to help others through lifeguarding. Though he did not pursue higher education, his life experiences and teachings have become a form of education for many, fostering a connection with the ocean and the importance of respecting it.
Born in Kahului, Maui, Aikau was the second child of Solomon and Henrietta Aikau. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau's full name means feeding parent, an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent, in the Hawaiian language. He was a descendant of Hewahewa, the kahuna nui (high priest) of King Kamehameha I and his successor Kamehameha II.
Aikau first learned how to surf on the shorebreak of Kahului Harbor. He moved to Oahu with his family in 1959, and at the age of 16 left school and started working at the Dole pineapple cannery; the paycheck allowed Aikau to buy his first surfboard.
In 1968, he became the first lifeguard hired by the City & County of Honolulu to work on the North Shore. The City & County of Honolulu gave Aikau the task of covering all of the beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa.
Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay, as he braved waves that often reached 30 ft high or more, and saved the lives of more than 500 swimmers. In 1971, Aikau was named Lifeguard of the Year. In 1977 Aikau won the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.
