Legendary Hawaiian waterman Clyde Aikau, the younger brother of world-renowned waterman Eddie Aikau, has died at age 75.
Legendary Hawaiian waterman Clyde Aikau, the younger brother of world-renowned waterman Eddie Aikau, has died at age 75.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Eleni Aikau, son Haʻa Aikau, sister Myra Aikau, and nieces and nephews.
He passed away peacefully at his Waimanalo home Saturday evening, his family confirmed Monday.
According to the Aikau family, Clyde and Eddie were the closest of brothers, sharing a passion and commitment to family, Hawaiian culture, and the ocean. They both served as North Shore lifeguards; voyaged on Hokuleʻa (separate voyages); rode giant winter waves at Waimea Bay; and were famous for their impromptu slack key guitar sessions that they shared with family and friends around the Islands and the world.
After Eddie’s death in 1978, Clyde followed through with his lifetime commitment to perpetuate Eddie’s legacy and contributions to big wave riding and Hawaiian culture.
In 1986, Clyde won the inaugural Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, in tribute to his brother. He continued to surf in the event every year it was held up until 2016, when he was 66 years old, forging an unrivaled big wave legacy all his own.
During his storied life, Clyde ran a Waikiki Beachboy service for many years. He also served as a liaison between the Department of Education and houseless families and children in Hawaii to ensure they had access to school supplies, transportation, and ultimately education.
Clyde was a lifelong education advocate, having attended the University of Hawaii where he pursued a degree in sociology.
In recent years, Clyde rallied with his family’s support through a series of heart issues and ultimately pancreatic cancer. While that road was a difficult one, he never allowed it to get in the way of his eternal optimism and zest for life. He continued on with his family duties, supported his wife’s dog boarding and training business, and ensured the success of his brother’s event.
The Aikau family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the community of Hawaiʻi, and their extended friends and family abroad, for the heartfelt wishes they have received at this time.
