Lost At SeaIn 1976, he was involved with knowing his Hawaiian Heritage. Eddie joined the the Polynesian Voyaging Society and he (alongside other crew) sailed on a successful 30-day, 2500 mile long journey following how the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands. He would go do it again in 1978. However, during the voyage the canoe suffered a leak in the hull (bottom) of the canoe and eventually capsized in stormy weather. To save his crew and get help, Eddie paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. A commercial airplane would later see the crew and the Coast Guard eventually saved them, but Eddie was missing at sea. Aikau’s disappearance would be the largest air-sea search in Hawaiian history.
"Eddie Would Go"In Hawaii, there’s a local saying stating, “Eddie would go”. It’s a phrase that local grew up with, seen bumper stickers, on t-shirts, social media, etc. The meaning behind this phrase describes Eddie’s bravery, selflessness, and courage. During his job as a lifeguard, Eddie saved over 500 people on the North Shore. At Waimea Bay, no one died while he was on duty. He took on impossible situations and was able to save people.
“Eddie Would Go” can also describe the courage, excitement to take on waves that other surfers would shy away on. In Hawaii magazine “Knowing the story, “Eddie would go” is about more than just paddling into waves so big most people wouldn’t. It’s a phrase, when reflecting on Aikau’s selflessness, that permeates life in those moments when you’re called to take a risk to do what you feel in your soul is right.” It resides in someone’s heart that in order to do something that you feel is right, you have to take a risk. |
AboutEdward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978, aged 32) was born on the island of Maui. He moved to O’ahu in 1959 and became the first lifeguard hired by the City and County of Honolulu. He was assigned to work on the North Shore covering the beaches between Sunset and Hale’iwa. He was most notable for rescuing surfers and his championship wins in surfing.
Legacy of the Phrase“Eddie Would Go” can also describe the courage, excitement to take on waves that other surfers would shy away on. In Hawaii magazine “Knowing the story, “Eddie would go” is about more than just paddling into waves so big most people wouldn’t. It’s a phrase, when reflecting on Aikau’s selflessness, that permeates life in those moments when you’re called to take a risk to do what you feel in your soul is right.” It resides in someone’s heart that in order to do something that you feel is right, you have to take a risk.
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