Eddie Aikau (May 4, 1946-March 17, 1978)

There are surf stars and there are surf stars. Some become great. A few become heroes. Most fade into obscurity. Every now and then, a surfer comes along who transcends the desires, dreams and expectations of others. And his very life becomes a myth. Eddie Aikau is one. Perhaps because he embodies the twin themes — the stoke and the tragedy — of Hawaiians, the people who gave surfing to the world and took so little in return. click for more…