The public is invited to the paddle out to celebrate the life of Clyde Aikau. Photo: Instagram//GoFundme//Aikau Ohana
The public is invited to a paddle out at Waikiki for legendary waterman Clyde Aikau, who died on May 3, 2025.
Aikau, who was 75 years old when he passed away, was the brother of Eddie Aikau, the famed Hawaiian for whom the big wave surfing event at Waimea Bay is named for. According to a release from the Aikau family in the days following his death, Clyde died peacefully at home surrounded in Waimanolo. He was survived by his wife Eleni, his son Ha’a, his sister Myra, and his nieces and nephews.
When his brother Eddie died in 1978, Clyde made sure to continue on the legacy that Eddie had built for the Aikau name.
“Clyde followed through with his lifetime commitment to perpetuate Eddie’s legacy and contributions to big wave riding and Hawaiian culture,” the family continued. “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 to the age of 66 (2016), forging an unrivaled big wave legacy all his own.”
Clyde’s paddle out, called “The Last Ride with Uncle Clyde Aikau,” is planned for Thursday, June 26, at 7:45 a.m. According to the family, everyone is welcome to meet at the Hula mound by the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki before paddling out. “Loose flowers preferred,” a release from the organizers reads. “For lei, you MUST remove the string before throwing flowers to the ocean.”
