We had almost nothing.” Eddie still became an accomplished surfer and lifeguard despite the lack of money (Coleman, 35). All we had when we were kids was rice, sugar, and cream. While Eddie was in childhood, his family did not have a lot of money. Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother said, “We come from a real poor family. The story of Eddie Aikau encourages people to help others because of his resilience to obstacles. Through Eddie’s dedication as a life-saver and obligation to help people, individuals learn to help others, and become committed to aiding other individuals. Individuals become inspired to benefit others, and grasp the idea that even if they can't save anyone, they can be a dedicated assister, helping in any way that they can. Eddie’s obligation to save others teaches people to be helpful in their own lives. Eddie was so committed to saving others, and he never gave up, even if it meant the loss of his own life. It takes a great deal of bravery and commitment to risk one's self for others, yet Eddie did it without hesitation. To save the crew and the voyager, Aikau paddled to Lanai on his surfboard (“Biography”). Eddie sacrificed his life to save the passengers aboard the boat Hokule'a. On March 17, 1978, Eddie Aikau made his final and most courageous escape. Although these individuals may not be as skillful as Eddie, they can be just as obligated to help someone. This commitment shown by Eddie inspires people to support others in need. In addition to the astounding number of saved lives, Eddie Aikau’s consistent success reveals he never missed the chance to make a rescue, which indicates extreme commitment. Aikau risked his life hundreds of times, exhibiting immaculate courage and flawless dedication. He successfully carried out 500 rescues without a single person losing their life (“Eddie Aikau’s 73rd Birthday”). Eddie was a very effective lifeguard at Waimea Bay. In 1978, Eddie made the ultimate sacrifice, and gave his life to save the crew of the voyaging boat Hokule’a (“Eddie Aikau”). Eddie Aikau's story inspires people to help others because of his dedication as a lifesaver, his resilience against challenges, and his courage throughout his life.īecause he was a dedicated lifesaver, Eddie Aikau inspires people to help others. There Eddie saved hundreds of lives, becoming the Honolulu City and County “Lifeguard of the Year” in 1971 (“About Eddie Aikau”). With determination shared by only the most profound athletes, Eddie surfed with a deep passion (“About Eddie Aikau”). His adeptness as a big-wave surfer and his love for the ocean gave him the motivation to become the first lifeguard of Waimea Bay, one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii (“Eddie Aikau”).

Born on the island of Maui in 1946, Eddie Aikau was a humble, quiet man who quickly earned a reputation for courage. Regarded as one of the greatest Hawaiian surfers of all time, Eddie Aikau was one of the few gifted surfers who rode 'mountains,' the vast winter waves of Waimea Bay. One admirable individual’s story exhibits this true heroism significantly. Joseph Campbell once said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.' The sacrifice of one’s life for the greater good exemplifies true heroism. Memorial Plate of Eddie Aikau on Hokule'a Waka moana

Eddie aikau 2020