Eddie Aikau: Hawaiian Hero

A biography of the legendary Hawaiian waterman.  As a fearless young man, Eddie Aikau surfed some of the largest waves ever ridden at Waimea Bay.  He became one of the first lifeguards on the North Shore, where he saved hundreds of lives and was known for his courage and commitment to helping others.  Most people would be satisfied to earn such renown as a big-wave rider and lifeguard.  But as a proud Hawaiian with a restless spirit, Aikau kept searching for ways to rediscover his heritage and culture.  Then, he saw Hokuleʻa and instantly knew that his fate was tied to the double-hulled voyaging canoe. Eddie Aikau disappeared at sea almost 4 decades ago, but his spirit of self-discovery continues to inspire Hawaiians, the international surfing community, and all those seeking to reconnect to their culture. His memory lives on in the Hōkūleʻa’s Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyages and in the “Eddie,” the unique big-wave contest that honors his courage and sacrifice. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stuart Holmes Coleman is the award-winning author of Eddie Would Go and Fierce Heart.  In his role as the Hawaiʻi Regional Manager of the Surfrider Foundation, he works with volunteers all over the state to protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s coastlines.  Stuart also enjoys working as a freelance writer and public speaker, writing for numerous magazines and giving talks about what he calls the Quadruple Bottom Line of Planet, People, Prosperity and Culture.  Stuart is available for signings, presentations and keynote talks.

REVIEWS:

The New Eddie Aikau Book Catches Monster 50-Foot Swell —Honolulu Magazine review of Eddie Aikau: Hawaiian Hero