HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hundreds gathered in Waikiki on the morning of June 26 to honor the life of Clyde Aikau, a legendary Waikiki beachboy and big wave surfer.
A celebration of life and paddle at was held at Kuhio Beach’s hula mound, where hundreds visited to send Aikau off on one last ride.
Aikau’s oved ones honored his legacy by giving touching speeches and stories, demonstrating how much the late surfer to those around him.
“He perpetuated the roots and culture of big wave riding, he was like a dad to not just big wave riders but to Waikiki beach and all sides of the island,” said Ezra Rodrigues, a professional surfer. “He was internationally known and it’s just chicken skin to see how many people in our surf industry gather up here at the gathering place here in Waikiki, and we’re gonna give him his last ride.”
The legend died back in May at the age of 75, following what his family described as “a long hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.”