Events and Info
The Eddie Big Wave Surfing Invitational 2023-2024
Aikau family announces competitors for next ‘Eddie’ big wave surf contest.
According to HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - “Planning is underway for the next edition of The Eddie 2023-2024 Big Wave Invitational Surf Contest, the Aikau family and Eddie Aikau Foundation announced Thursday.
The well-esteemed and highly anticipated surf contest is held in memory of legendary surfer Eddie Aikau.
The official holding period for this year is December 14, 2023 through March 12, 2024”
Honolulu Marathon 2023
“Hawaii News Now is celebrating the 51st Anniversary of the Honolulu Marathon with a special edition of Sunrise. Weʻll be tracking runners throughout the entire course, profiling competitors who have run in every race, and revealing the economic impact of this massive event. Join us for live coverage from the starting line to the finishing celebration. The 51st Honolulu Marathon LIVE, Sunday, December 10 beginning at 6am only on Hawaii News Now.”
The Most Visited Site On Oahu
Pearl Harbor Memorial Park is a place of historical significance and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served in the armed forces. There are several reasons why everyone should visit this memorial park.
To remember and honor the fallen: Pearl Harbor Memorial Park is a tribute to the 2,403 soldiers, sailors, Marines, and civilians who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, which is built over the remains of the USS Arizona battleship.
To learn about the events of December 7, 1941: Pearl Harbor Memorial Park is an educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the events that led up to the attack on Pearl Harbor and its aftermath. Visitors can see exhibits and watch films that recount the events of that day and the impact they had on the country and the world.
To gain a deeper understanding of American history: The events of December 7, 1941, marked a turning point in American history and had a profound impact on the country's involvement in World War II. By visiting Pearl Harbor Memorial Park, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of this important chapter in American history.
To pay tribute to the veterans: The memorial park is also a tribute to the men and women who served in the armed forces, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Visitors can learn about their service and the sacrifices they made to defend their country.
To experience a sense of patriotism: Pearl Harbor Memorial Park is a place that evokes a strong sense of patriotism and national pride. Visitors can feel a deep connection to their country and the sacrifices made to defend it
“The Eddie”
Big Wave Invitational
When is the Eddie Big Wave held?
DEC. 14th - MARCH 23rd. 2023
Venue
Waimea Bay, Oahu
The biggest surfing event in the world returns for the 2022-23 Season. Our last event saw over 1.2 million streaming views from fans from over 200 countries around the world.
Just as in year’s past, the contest will run if surf heights consistently reach 20-feet between December 14, 2022 through March 23, 2023.
What is the Eddie Big Wave Invitational?
The Eddie is the premier Event in the sport of Surfing – The Super Bowl of Surfing. The Eddie Big Wave Invitational celebrates the current lineage of big wave surfers, as well as the ones that came before. The legend of Eddie Aikau is an important part of Hawaiian Culture. Eddie Aikau was a championship athlete, a waterman, and a family man who truly cared for others. Eddie was not just the 1st lifeguard at Waimea Bay; he was the 1st lifeguard for the entire North Shore, and saved over 500 people throughout his career. Eddie would brave the waves that often reached 30 feet or more, when no one else would go out. It’s important to keep his legacy alive and inspire the next generation to live like Eddie did.
The 34th annual Eddie Big Wave Invitational is aiming to bring focus onto Hawaiian Culture, with a goal to share the stories and legacy of Hawaii with the world. With the Waimea Valley extending behind Waimea Bay, this is an area rich with historic Hawaiian Cultural significance. Source: theeddieaikau.com
Background:
‘The Eddie” is a big wave surfing tournament held at Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The tournament is named for native Hawaiian, champion big wave surfer, and life-saving Waimea Bay lifeguard, Eddie Aikau. Created in 1984 at nearby Sunset Beach, the invitational tournament moved to the notoriously big waved Waimea Bay, where Aikau's family maintains an ancestral tradition as caretakers of the Waimea Valley. (Wikipedia)
Who won the 2023 Eddie?
All eyes were on Waimea Bay Sunday Jan. 22nd and the Bay called the day -- for the 10th ever Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
Traffic was bumpers to bumpers for miles, Over 50K spectators showed up, Waves and wind conditions were perfect for the contest. Massive waves washed up on onlookers while Ocean Safety was working overtime making nearly 70 rescues across Oahu.
But the winner of the competition went to lifeguard Luke Shepardson, who had a nearly perfect score. He's the first and only lifeguard to ever win the Eddie. A full circle moment as Eddie Aikau was also a lifeguard.
The day was epic with waves towering over 50ft face and washing over metal barriers, sidewalks, and lawns causing spectators to run for safety.
Fun Facts About Oahu
Oahu is the third largest island in Hawaii, with a land area of approximately 596.7 square miles (1,545.4 square kilometers).
The island is known as "The Gathering Place".
The island has a coastline of approximately 227 miles (365 kilometers).
The capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu, is located on Oahu.
The island is home to the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
The USS Arizona Memorial, a tribute to those lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor, is located on Oahu.
Diamond Head, a volcanic crater, is a popular hiking destination on the island.
Oahu is home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world, the Dole Plantation.
The North Shore of Oahu is famous for its world-class surf breaks.
Oahu has a diverse range of cuisine, including traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke and laulau.
The Honolulu Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States.
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a popular spot for snorkeling and marine life observation.
The island has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging in the 80s°F (27°C) year-round.
The population of Oahu is approximately 953,207 people, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data (2020 estimate).
Annual Events & Festivals:
Honolulu Festival - An annual three-day event held in March that celebrates the cultural exchange and friendship between Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.
Waikiki Spam Jam - An annual street festival held in April that celebrates Hawaii's love of Spam with food, music, and entertainment.
King Kamehameha Day Celebration - A statewide holiday celebrated in June to honor King Kamehameha I, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Pan-Pacific Festival - An annual three-day event held in June that celebrates Pacific Island cultures with music, dance, and arts and crafts.
Prince Lot Hula Festival - An annual two-day event held in July that honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa, who was instrumental in reviving the art of hula in the 19th century.
Duke's OceanFest - An annual ten-day event held in August that celebrates the life and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympian.
Waikiki Artfest - An ongoing weekly art festival held on Saturdays and Sundays that showcases the work of local artists.
Memorial Day Lantern Floating - Experience the enchanting Shinnyo Lantern Floating on Oahu, held annually at Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. This remarkable event takes place on a selected date near Memorial Day, providing an opportunity for participants to reflect, honor loved ones, and foster a sense of inner peace.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival - An annual ten-day event held in October that features the cuisine of Hawaii's top chefs, as well as international culinary talent.
Honolulu Marathon - An annual marathon held in December that attracts runners from around the world to run a scenic course through Waikiki and Honolulu.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration - A popular annual event held on December 31st that features a fireworks display over Waikiki Beach to ring in the new year.