Eddie Aikau (history, shore, great)

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by hawaiian by heart

Please Jonah k and Jung, both of you guys are older generation locals, who were taught Eddie Aikau philosophy and were exposed to the last bit of old hawaii like myself. You guys more so because you stayed on island. Its you guys that need to be speaking up and talk about the spirit of Eddie Aikau and other older generation legands and teaching it by talkstory. I have the most respect for both of you and your experience, knowledge of history which in my opinion far exceeds mine in alot of areas.

Please share your wisdom, don't leave it up to your younger brothers all the time.

If folks refrain from attacking each other over petty stuff, I might feel more inclined to share my memories about Eddie.

Unlike some of the other members of the Aikau ʻohana, Eddie wasn't exactly the most physically imposing person or the most talkative. And, I donʻt think he was sophisticated enough to have a "philosophy" -- he simply loved his 'ohana, the ocean, and surfing. He didn't know that much about the Hawaiian language or culture, had a haole wife, and was trying to get in touch with his roots by getting involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Hōkūleʻa.

[838454]

I think its sort of sad this thread has lost the spirit of a remarkable life, a big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and all around waterman. Ultimately he gave his life doing what he loved and trying to help others. We all should be so stoic to end that way.

[hawaiian by heart]

Originally Posted by Jonah K

If folks refrain from attacking each other over petty stuff, I might feel more inclined to share my memories about Eddie.

Unlike some of the other members of the Aikau ʻohana, Eddie wasn't exactly the most physically imposing person or the most talkative. And, I donʻt think he was sophisticated enough to have a "philosophy" -- he simply loved his 'ohana, the ocean, and surfing. He didn't know that much about the Hawaiian language or culture, had a haole wife, and was trying to get in touch with his roots by getting involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Hōkūleʻa.

But his philosophy was the way he lived his life, he without education or sophistication lived the positive virtues of the Hawai'ian culture. Without effort it was part of him spiritually. He on a daily bases practiced sacrifice of ones self to save others as a lifeguard with aloha and without pay. He was looked upon as a community leader, one with elders wisdom

Pg 1/2

[Jungjohann]

HBH,

PLEASE, just leave it alone.

[hawaiian by heart]

Pg 2/2

and he made the ultimate sacrifice like the Koa to save others lives. This is part of the island uhane(spirit). Love for culture, aina, ohana and community without effort, much like a man who breaths and walks without thinking. This is the ideal place of spiritualality.

[hawaiian by heart]

Originally Posted by Jungjohann

HBH,

PLEASE, just leave it alone.

I will respect you and wont proceed, but i don't understand why these things have to be kapu or ridiculed on here jung by alot of people?

[Mikala43]

Please stay on topic, or this thread will be closed.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by hawaiian by heart

But his philosophy was the way he lived his life, he without education or sophistication lived the positive virtues of the Hawai'ian culture. Without effort it was part of him spiritually. He on a daily bases practiced sacrifice of ones self to save others as a lifeguard with aloha and without pay. He was looked upon as a community leader, one with elders wisdom

and he made the ultimate sacrifice like the Koa to save others lives. This is part of the island uhane(spirit). Love for culture, aina, ohana and community without effort, much like a man who breaths and walks without thinking. This is the ideal place of spiritualality.

"Elder's wisdom?" Eddie was just 31 and still trying to "find himself" when he was lost trying to save the crew of the Hōkūleʻa. My oldest brother and Eddie were both born in 1946 and they hung out together when they were growing up. In the 36 years since his tragic disappearance, Eddie's been "lionized" in various articles, books, and movies. However, some folks remember that Eddie was simply a good friend and human being. Nothing more, nothing less. And, he probably would've been somewhat embarrassed over all of the fuss being made about him, considering that he failed in his attempt to rescue his fellow Hōkūleʻa crew members.

I no longer feel inclined to share any more thoughts and insights about Eddie Aikau in this particular thread.

[838454]

Jonah, Mahalo for your input

[WaikikiBoy]

I admittedly only knew some of the more basic details about Eddie Aikau. But because of this thread and an an interest in Hawaii, her history and people, I decided to watch "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau" this evening.

I found it very interesting and compelling with a lot of great old film footage of Eddie, the Hōkūleʻa, and many others who were involved with Eddie and the North Shore surfing scene.

It is on Netflix and well worth watching, if anyone else is interested.