Clyde Aikau, one of the most iconic figures in the world of Hawaiian big-wave surfing, has passed away at the age of 75. The Aikau family confirmed his death in a statement, revealing that Clyde peacefully passed away at his home in Waimanalo, Oahu, this past Saturday.
Aikau was the younger brother of Eddie Aikau, another revered figure in Hawaiian surfing and lifeguarding, who tragically disappeared in 1978 during a daring rescue mission at sea. The brothers shared a deep bond, both on and off the waves, and their contributions to Hawaiian surf culture have left an indelible mark on the sport.
In a heartfelt tribute on social media, Clyde’s son, Ha’a Aikau, expressed his sorrow and admiration, writing, “I know you’re having fun on your new adventure like you said and I promise to represent! It’s bye for now and I’ll see you again one day!”
A Life of Waves and Legacy
Born in 1949 in Kahului, Maui, Clyde Aikau was the youngest of six children in the Aikau family. The family moved to Oahu in 1959, where Clyde’s immersion in the ocean began. Under the mentorship of his older brother Eddie, Clyde became a prominent figure in the surf community at a young age.
The Aikau family described their relationship as “inseparable,” noting that both brothers served as lifeguards on the North Shore, sailed on the legendary Hōkūleʻa voyaging canoe, and shared their love for Hawaiian culture through music, often holding impromptu slack key guitar sessions with family and friends.
At just 15 years old, Clyde paddled out at Waikiki and quickly earned his place in Hawaii’s surfing ranks, winning the state’s junior surfing title in the same year. His accomplishments continued to mount throughout his career, most notably in 1973 when he became the first Native Hawaiian to win the Duke Kahanamoku Classic at Waimea Bay. He later went on to compete in and win several prestigious surf contests, cementing his place as one of the sport’s greats.
After Eddie’s death in 1978, Clyde carried his brother’s legacy forward with humility and grace. In 1986, he was honored with the first-ever Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Award, a tribute to the impact both brothers had on the surfing community.
Beyond the Surfboard
While Clyde’s accomplishments in surfing were widely celebrated, his influence extended beyond the waves. In addition to his competitive success, Clyde served as a lifeguard on the North Shore, helping to save countless lives. He also earned a degree in sociology and became an advocate for the unhoused, supporting various initiatives aimed at helping families in need. His commitment to Hawaiian culture and the surf community led him to establish a surf academy dedicated to passing on his knowledge of the ocean and Hawaiian traditions to future generations.
Despite recent struggles with heart disease and cancer, Clyde remained a pillar of strength for his family, including his wife, Eleni, and his son, Ha’a. His passing marks the loss of a true “waterman,” a title that reflects his multifaceted role in Hawaii’s surfing culture and his lifelong connection to the ocean.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Clyde Aikau’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the surfing world and beyond. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described him as “a fierce competitor who always carried himself with humility” and praised his contributions to preserving Hawaii’s deep connection to the ocean.
Surfer Today paid tribute to Clyde’s legacy, calling him “a true icon” whose influence on the global surfing community cannot be overstated. “Clyde’s loss leaves a gaping hole in the global surfing community. His contributions to surfing—especially his role in preserving Waimea Bay as an iconic location in the sport’s history—will never be forgotten.”
Other surf outlets, including The Inertia and Surfline, also expressed their condolences. Surfline stated, “Hawai‘i has lost one of its greatest watermen,” acknowledging that Clyde’s legacy would continue to inspire surfers everywhere.
Though Clyde Aikau may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on in the waves at Waimea Bay, in the music of slack key guitar, and in the hearts of all who continue to ride with the same courage and aloha he embodied throughout his life.