[Surf Legends] The 5 Most Famous Hawaiian Surfers

Hawaii’s valuable currents, like those at Pipeline on the island of Oahu and Jaws on the island of Maui, have helped many surf champions train over the years. Here are the most well-known Hawaiian surfers from all over the world, with some being more well-known than others.

Table of Contents

Duke Kahanamoku

Duke Kahanamoku is a well-known and loved figure in modern Hawaiian history. Many people think of him as the man who started professional surfing. When Kahanamoku was born, Hawaii was still its own kingdom. He grew up during the time when Hawaii was taken over by the U.S. He is a strong example of Hawaiian culture and attitude.

After an amazing Olympic swimming career in which he represented the U.S. around the world, Kahanamoku went on a world tour. During this time, he was able to teach people in places like Australia and California how to surf, which is a sport that started in Hawaii. Today, people can see a nine-foot bronze statue of him on Waikiki beach, where locals honor him all the time by putting a lot of fresh leis on his outstretched arms.

The 5 Most Famous Hawaiian Surfers — A picture taken by someone else of Duke Kahanamoku on his surfboard | © Haa900 / WikiCommons

Eddie Aikau

Eddie Aikau’s time on the water got off to a good start. He was the first lifeguard to protect beaches on the North Shore of Oahu, which is known for its big waves that can reach 20 feet high. Aikau became a local hero when he saved more than 500 people. Aikau was also very proud of his Hawaiian heritage, which helped him gain even more support in the community.

In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society asked him to join the crew of the Hklea for its second trip. The canoe capsized near the island of Molokai, which was a shame. As was his way, Aikau paddled out to the island of Lanai to ask for help, but he was never seen again. The beloved “big wave surfer” from Hawaii was lost at sea when he was only 31.

Today, his bravery is remembered in surf competitions and through charities that help keep Hawaiian culture alive and help it grow. Beach and surf gear that says “Eddie Would Go” is a tribute to his memory and the fact that he was not afraid to ride even the biggest waves.

The 5 Most Famous Surfers from Hawaii — Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Surf Contest | © Anthony Quintano / Flickr

Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton has shown that she can’t be stopped. She is likely one of the most inspiring people in the public eye. She was born in Kauai to a family of surfers, and she began competing at the age of eight. One of nature’s most dangerous predators attacked Hamilton, which was a bad thing. In 2003, when Hamilton was 13 years old, she was surfing with her best friend when a tiger shark attacked her. She lost almost all of her left arm, which made it hard for her to keep playing the sport. Even so, this wasn’t enough to stop her. A month after the attack, she came back as if nothing had happened.

Hamilton kept being a big deal in the surf world. In 2014, she won the Pipeline Women’s Pro. She is now a mom, but she still competes in the water. She has become a role model not just for women or surfers, but for everyone. Hamilton not only competes, but he also gives talks and writes books.

Andy Irons

Andy was from Kauai, and the people who knew him said he had a lot of heart. Even though he and Kelly Slater were rivals in public, they had a lot of respect for each other. During his long and successful career as a surfer, he won three world titles and more than 20 international titles.

But he struggled with drug abuse and what might have been bipolar disorder. This sad story came to an end when he died in 2010, which shocked the community. Andy’s story, which is told in the movie Andy Irons: Kissed by God, reminds us that we are all just people.

Laird Hamilton

Professional surfers have strong opinions about tow-in surfing. Some say it takes away from the sport, while others say it makes it even better. No one can argue that Laird Hamilton changed a sport that had been played the same way since it began in Hawaii.

Hamilton was from the island of Oahu, and he gave the surf community a lot of new ideas. He helped come up with and start SUP boarding, hydrofoil, and tow-in surfing, which changed the game and saved time for surfers who were brave enough to ride big waves.

Topic: [Surf Legends] The 5 Most Famous Hawaiian Surfers

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