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Sonny Kaniho: Profile of Hawaiian Courage, 1922-2009

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Sonny Kaniho: A Profile in Hawaiian Courage 1922–2009

by Lawrence Grobel

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	374 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	368 pages
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Sonny Kaniho was a legendary Hawaiian surfer, lifeguard, and waterman who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Hawaiian culture and its connection to the ocean. Born in Honolulu in 1922, Kaniho grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki Beach and the North Shore of Oahu, where he developed a deep love and respect for the ocean and its power.

As a young man, Kaniho became a lifeguard at Waikiki Beach, where he was known for his bravery and skill in rescuing swimmers from dangerous surf. He also competed in surfing competitions, winning numerous awards and becoming a respected figure in the surfing community.

In 1959, Kaniho was one of the founding members of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a prestigious surfing competition held in memory of the legendary Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau. Kaniho served as the event's contest director for many years, helping to promote big-wave surfing and raise awareness of the importance of water safety.

Throughout his life, Kaniho was a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian culture and its traditions. He was a founding member of the Hui o He'e Nalu, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Hawaiian surfing culture. He also served as a cultural advisor to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, helping to develop programs and initiatives that promote the Hawaiian culture to visitors from around the world.

Kaniho was also a gifted storyteller and musician, and he often shared his knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, and surfing with audiences of all ages. He was a beloved figure in the Hawaiian community, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers, lifeguards, and watermen.

Sonny Kaniho passed away in 2009 at the age of 87. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Hawaiian surfing history, a true icon of Hawaiian courage, resilience, and aloha spirit. His legacy lives on through the many people he inspired and the countless lives he saved.

Early Life and Surfing Career

Sonny Kaniho was born in Honolulu on August 15, 1922. His parents were both Hawaiian, and he grew up in a traditional Hawaiian household. Kaniho began surfing at a young age, and he quickly developed a passion for the sport. He spent countless hours surfing the waves of Waikiki Beach and the North Shore of Oahu, honing his skills and becoming one of the most respected surfers in Hawaii.

In 1941, Kaniho won the Hawaiian Surfing Championship, becoming the youngest surfer ever to win the prestigious title. He went on to win the championship again in 1947 and 1948, cementing his status as one of the greatest surfers of his generation.

Lifeguarding Career

In 1946, Kaniho became a lifeguard at Waikiki Beach. He was known for his bravery and skill in rescuing swimmers from dangerous surf. He also helped to develop new lifeguarding techniques, such as the use of the surfboard as a rescue device.

Kaniho served as a lifeguard at Waikiki Beach for over 20 years, and he saved countless lives during his career. He was a true hero to the people of Hawaii, and his legacy as a lifeguard continues to inspire generations of watermen.

Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational

In 1959, Kaniho was one of the founding members of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. The competition was created in memory of the legendary Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau, who drowned while trying to paddle his surfboard to Molokai to help a distressed sailboat.

Kaniho served as the event's contest director for many years, and he helped to make the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational one of the most prestigious surfing competitions in the world. The competition is held annually at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, and it attracts the world's best big-wave surfers.

Cultural Advocacy

Legacy

Kaniho was a true Hawaiian hero, and his story continues to inspire generations of surfers, lifeguards, and watermen. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest surfers of all time, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

Sonny Kaniho was a true Hawaiian legend, a man who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Hawaiian culture and its connection to the ocean. He was a gifted surfer, lifeguard, and cultural advocate, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers, watermen, and Hawaiians alike.

Kaniho was a true symbol of Hawaiian courage, resilience, and aloha spirit. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest surfers of all time, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.