Eddie Aikau Death
Eddie passed away on March 17, 1978 at the age of 31 in Kahului, Maui, Hawaiian. Eddie's cause of death was being lost at sea.
When did Eddie Aikau die?
March 17, 1978How did Eddie Aikau die? What was the cause of death?
Being lost at seaHow old was Eddie Aikau when died?
31Where did Eddie Aikau die? What was the location of death?
Kahului, Maui, Hawaiian
Eddie Aikau Birthday and Date of Death
Eddie Aikau was born on May 4, 1946 and died on March 17, 1978. Eddie was 31 years old at the time of death.
Birthday: May 4, 1946
Date of Death: March 17, 1978
Age at Death: 31
Eddie Aikau - Biography
Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 4, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was a well-known Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau's full name mean feeding parent, an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent, in the Hawaiian language. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.
In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile (4,000 km) journey to follow the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. At 31 years of age, Aikau joined the voyage as a crew member. The double-hulled voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa left the Hawaiian islands on March 16, 1978. It developed a leak in one of its hulls and later capsized about twelve miles (19 km) south of the island of Molokaʻi. In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lānaʻi on his surfboard.
Although the rest of the crew were later rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Cape Corwin, Aikau's body was never found. He removed his life jacket since it was hindering his paddling of the surfboard. The ensuing search for Aikau was the largest air-sea search in Hawaiian history. Among the crew members was Mau Piailug, the navigator.
