Those fortunate enough to reside in Hawai‘i, or visit the islands in the coming weeks, will be able to view two local KGMB9 television presentations that focus on the life of big-wave rider and Waimea Bay lifeguard Eddie Aikau. On
Those fortunate enough to reside in Hawai‘i, or visit the islands in the coming weeks, will be able to view two local KGMB9 television presentations that focus on the life of big-wave rider and Waimea Bay lifeguard Eddie Aikau.
On Saturday, April 16, at 5 p.m., will be the first of two airings of a 30-minute highlight show of the 20th anniversary Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Staged at Waimea Bay on December 15, 2004, the event was held in epic 20-35 foot surf and was won by Kaua‘i’s Bruce Irons.
A one-hour documentary on Aikau’s life with never-before-seen footage, Aikau’s music, family interviews, photos, surfing footage, and commentary will air on Tuesday, April 19th, at 9 p.m. Produced by KGMB9’s own Phil Arnone, and narrated by KCCN radio’s Billy V., ‘Eddie Aikau – Hawaiian Hero’ will air a second time on Saturday, April 30th, at 9 p.m.
Born in Kahului, Maui on May 4, 1946, Aikau was the third of six children. After the Aikau family moved to O‘ahu, Aikau became one of Hawaii’s most respected big-wave riders, most notably at Waimea Bay, where he was also the appointed life-guard. Aikau saved countless lives on O‘ahu’s treacherous North Shore, but sadly lost his own during the ill-fated 1978 voyage of the Hokule’a double-hull canoe. His life is celebrated each winter at Waimea Bay in the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and his life story is now presented in Arnone’s ‘Eddie Aikau – Hawaiian Hero’.
