We will miss you greatly Clyde.

Front page: Zak Noyle photography 

(Monday, May 5, 2025) The official word from the family:

LEGENDARY HAWAIIAN WATERMAN CLYDE AIKAU PASSES AWAY AT 75 HONOLULU

— Legendary Hawaiian waterman Clyde Aikau, the younger brother of world-renowned waterman Eddie Aikau, passed away peacefully at his Waimanalo home on Saturday evening. Clyde, 75, is survived by his wife Eleni Aikau, son Ha’a Aikau, sister Myra Aikau, nieces and nephews.

Clyde was the youngest of six children born to Solomon ‘Pops’ and Henrietta Aikau in Kahului, Maui, on October 24, 1949. His siblings, from oldest to youngest were Fred, Myra, Eddie, Gerald and Solomon III. The family moved from Maui to O’ahu in 1959.

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 Hokule’a (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 the loss of his brother Eddie 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 to the age of 66 (2016), 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 Hawai’i, and their extended friends and family abroad, for the heartfelt wishes they have received at this time.

Details regarding upcoming services for Clyde will be announced when confirmed.

Aloha.

Aikau Family Media Contact, Jodi Young (808) 258-8533 Email: jodi@surfinghawaii.org

Clyde won the contest in 1986 and kept competing in it until 2016. “It’s just a privilege to ride one more time…” Clyde at 66 before the 2016 Eddie Big Wave Invitational.

More on the story to come about Clyde’s powerful life and legacy to come…Special Thanks so Jodi Wilmott.

We send our deepest condolences to Ha’a (son), Elena (wife) Sister Myra and brother Sol… and all the Aikau Ohana.