Hawaii Blog » eddie aikau

Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau – The Bay Calls the Day

Eagle Strayhorn — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:07:57 +0000

Originally published on the Hawaii Blog

Of all the surf competitions that take place on the North Shore of Oahu, the Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is possibly the most prestigious. Taking place between set dates each year, invitations are sent to 28 big-wave riders, participating in 2 rounds of competition where swells must reach a minimum of 20 foot face heights in order for the contest to take place. These strict requirements, known as “the bay calls the day,” make it somewhat difficult for the event to happen yearly, as ocean conditions are difficult to predict and participants must be ready at all times. Only eight times since 1985 has the Eddie Aikau Memorial seen surfers take to the waves to prove a winner, the most recent coming in 2009 with waves reaching 30 to 50 feet and Greg Long of California being crowned the champion.

Eddie Aikau

An important element that has not been lost of contest organizers, participants, and all involved is the legacy and importance of Eddie Aikau. Eddie was born in Kahului, Maui and learned to surf on the shorebreak at Kahului Harbor. Following a move to Oahu in 1959, Eddie, now 16, started working at the Dole Pineapple Cannery, the paycheck allowing him to buy his first surfboard. He was named by the City and County of Honolulu as the first lifeguard on the North Shore, garnering the task of covering all of the beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa. Not a single life was lost during his service of Waimea Bay, often braving waves in excess of 30 feet and becoming famous for surfing the huge waves that others dared not to attempt.

In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society sought volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500 mile journey that would follow the ancient route of Polynesian migration between Hawaii and the Tahitian Islands. At 31, Eddie joined the voyage as a crew member and set sail on a double-hulled canoe. Shortly into the journey, the canoe developed a leak and capsized about twelve miles south of Molokai. In an attempt to get help, Eddie paddled towards the island of Lanai on his surfboard. The U.S. Coast Guard was able to rescue the entire crew, though Eddie Aikau was never seen again. The ensuing search for him was the largest air-sea search in Hawaii history.

25th Anniversary of the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Opening Ceremony

Eddie has remained an icon in Hawaii, and soon after world-wide, prompting bumper stickers, t-shirts, hats, and a wide variety of novelty items with the phrase “Eddie Would Go.” The phrase, inspired by Eddie’s fearless mind-set when it came to pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to, or even could, originated during the first Eddie contest. Conditions were extremely dangerous and the waves were huge; contest organizers were having difficulty deciding whether to put it on or post-pone, when Mark Foo, a famed surfer in his own right, looked at the conditions and remarked “Eddie would go.” The phrase stuck and the Eddie went on.

This years Eddie Aikau is scheduled to take place at Waimea Bay between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011. When conditions are right, swells are huge, and the bay is ready, surfers will once again honor Eddie and his impact on the sport.

Surf’s Up Hawaii

Eagle Strayhorn — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:13:06 +0000

Originally published on the Hawaii Blog

Surf fans again have reason to head north. The big waves are here for 2010. Though they aren’t expected to stay long, the first round of waves have hit the north facing shores of Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. With faces expected to reach between 25 and 35 feet from Tuesday November 2^nd through Thursday November 4^th, surfers in paradise will no doubt be out in full force.

Catching Waves at Waimea Bay

It is best advised to leave the surfing and swimming to the seasoned and expert surfers during high surf advisories, though we do recommend visiting Oahu’s Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay along the North Shore to witness these massive waves. In December, The Quicksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau will hit Waimea Bay. 28 surfers are invited each December with the hope of competing in this classic event. The event requires face heights of 30 feet in order

With the big waves, comes the high surf warning and deadly currents. The advisory is in effect for the western shores of Oahu as well as Ni’ihau and Molokai, and the Big Island’s north shores. The National Weather Service in Honolulu will continue to closely monitor the surf conditions and make changes accordingly and as they deem appropriate for the waters.

Sunset Beach Shore Break

Be sure to join us on one of our Circle Island Tours exploring the island of Oahu, for your chance to see the North Shore and these impressive waves.

Waimea Valley – North Shore Oahu

Eagle Strayhorn — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:08:10 +0000

Originally published on the Hawaii Blog

When you hear the word “Waimea” the first things that come to mind might be, world class big wave surfing, cliff jumping, or maybe just scenes of an endless white sandy beach. From this north shore beach you might not even notice the lush rainforest that fills the valley behind the beach.

North Shore's Waimea Beach

Take the time to learn about and explore the valley on your own, or let us share the beauty of this valley with you on any of our following north shore tours:

Waimea Valley - "Valley of the Priests"

Oahu’s north shore is full of hidden gems rich in Hawaiian culture, history, legends, flora, and fauna, but none seem to compare to Waimea Valley. Historically, Waimea was known as the “Valley of the Priests.” With a history dating back more than 700 years ago, archeologists have uncovered over 78 sites of interest including religious areas and shrines on the valley floor. Although few sites still remain, the Hale o Lono Heiau, (Hawaiian temple), can still be seen today. Dedicated to the god Lono, or god of harvest, this temple dates between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D.

Waimea's jumping rock

Waimea valley is also home to a 150-acre arboretum and botanical garden area which is filled with over 5,000 species of tropical plants. Of these plants there are 437 species of the known 1,200 Hawaiian plants, making it one of the most extensive collections of native plants anywhere. Take the time to explore the back of the valley where you will find a 45 foot high waterfall. Modern day conservation efforts are aimed at reclaiming the valley and transforming it into a more native environment filled with Hawaiian cultural activities, games, and agriculture.