Ep 9. Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (Sam George)

On the second season of ESPN's critically acclaimed documentary series "30 for 30", the ninth episode titled "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau" explores the fascinating life and legacy of renowned Hawaiian waterman Eddie Aikau.

Directed by acclaimed surf filmmaker Sam George, the episode dives into the life story of Eddie Aikau, a true legend of the surfing world. Born in 1946 on the island of Maui, Aikau grew up in a household that instilled the values of Hawaiian culture, including respect for the ocean, nature, and the land. As a young man, Aikau was a lifeguard at some of the most treacherous surf breaks on the North Shore of Oahu, where he developed his incredible skills as a waterman.

The documentary paints a picture of Aikau as someone who truly embodied the spirit of aloha, a Hawaiian word that encompasses a multitude of meanings, including love, compassion, and kindness. Despite experiencing some of the darkest moments of Hawaiian history, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the suppression of Hawaiian language and culture, Aikau remained deeply connected to his Hawaiian roots, using his surfing talent to share his culture with the world.

The episode includes interviews with some of the biggest names in the surfing world, who recount Aikau's many accomplishments both in and out of the water. Perhaps most famously, Aikau was a part of the first-ever crew to sail a traditional Polynesian canoe from Hawaii to Tahiti, and was later recruited to be the navigator on a similar voyage from Hawaii to the Cook Islands. Along the way, he saved countless lives as a lifeguard in the treacherous waters of the North Shore, earning him a reputation as one of the most skilled surfers and watermen in the world.

Tragically, Aikau's life was cut short when he vanished at sea in 1978 during an ill-fated journey to find help for his crewmates on a capsized boat. Despite massive search and rescue efforts, Aikau was never found, leaving a hole in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. However, his legacy lives on, both through his accomplishments as a surfer and through the countless lives he touched during his short time on this earth.

Through beautiful archival footage and moving personal anecdotes, "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau" paints a vivid and compelling portrait of a true Hawaiian hero. Whether you're a fan of surfing or simply interested in Hawaiian culture, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning about the life and legacy of one of the most beloved figures in the surfing world.