When Eddie Aikau paddled a surfboard away from the overturned canoe Hokule'a in a storm in 1978, he launched a tale of courage and commitment that became Hawaiian legend.

Aikau's story is still being told today in ever-new ways. More than 300 Hawai'i public school students submitted entries in this year's Eddie Aikau Essay Contest. They were asked to build essays around the theme, "Eddie would go! His spirit will live, too, wherever the Hokule'a sails."

Winners of the contest will be honored at the Aikau family home in Pauoa at 11 a.m. tomorrow. It is the first time the home has been opened to members of the public and the media since Aikau, a famed lifeguard, paddled for help from the stricken voyaging canoe and was lost at sea.

Longtime Aikau family friend Jodi Young Wilmott said the family sat down and read the entries and was moved by them.

"I think the children, when they come to get their awards, are going to be surprised by the impact they've had," Wilmott said.

Eddie Aikau's sister, Myra, said the process was emotional but positive.

"It brought back a lot of memories, a lot of good memories of Eddie. All of those feelings came back," she said.

The contest is co-sponsored by the Eddie Aikau Foundation and the state Department of Education. This is its second year. Students were asked to write about what the contest slogan means today, and how it is important today and for the future. There were both English language and Hawaiian categories, with cash awards for winners. Neighbor Island winners will be flown by the foundation to Honolulu for the ceremony.

"The essays we received were so touching — every one of them. The teachers were also amazing in working with both the children and the Eddie Aikau Foundation," Myra Aikau said.

Aikau was one of Hawai'i's premier big-wave surfers and a rough-seas lifeguard. He sailed on Hokule'a's 1978 voyage that was to go from Hawai'i to Tahiti and back. When the canoe swamped and overturned off Lana'i, an exhausted Aikau took a surfboard to paddle for help. The canoe was eventually found and the remaining crew members saved, but Aikau was never seen again.

Twenty-nine years later, Hokule'a continues to carry out its mission of education and discovery. It also carries a brass plaque recalling Aikau's sacrifice.

AIKAU ESSAY WINNERS

Seventh grade

1. Kyra Vila, Lokelani Intermediate (Maui), "A Hawaiian Hero."
2. Shay Chun, Niu Valley Middle School, "Your Life Comes Second."
3. Jocy-Anna Chevalier, Wai'anae Intermediate, "The Man Who Never Feared."
4. Alyssa M. Salmo, Waimea Middle School (Hawai'i), "Eddie Aikau: More than a Surfer, More than a Hero, His Spirit Will Live On."
5. Matthew Fong, Niu Valley Middle School, "If Eddie Would Go, Would You?"

Eighth grade

1. Amber Fladung, Konawaena Middle School, "Eddie Would Go."
2. Sky Berry, Wai'anae Intermediate, "A Lifetime Hero."
3. Santana Soria, Kea'au Middle School, "Eddie Still Sails."
4. Dylan Chaffin, Waimea Middle School (Hawai'i), "Eddie Aikau — Hawaiian Superman."
5. Blaine Luiz, Konawaena Middle School, "Only Eddie."

Ninth grade

1. Katherine Lee, Moanalua High School, "A Heartfelt Hawaiian: Eddie Aikau."
2. Shawna H. Watanabe, Pearl City High School, "Got Eddie?"
3. Lyle Ueunten, Kaua'i High School, "Eddie Aikau the King of Waimea Bay and the Guardian of the Canoe."
4. Sherri Ann Cubangbang, Kaua'i High School, "Eddie Would Go. Would You?"
5. Marc Jason Abundo, Kaua'i High School, "Sail to Preserve."

Hawaiian language division

(All from Samuel Kamakau School's ninth grade)
1. Elise Kahikina, "Eddie Aikau: He makana no ka pae 'aina 'o Hawai'i."
2. Mahealani Erece-Kunewa, "Ke Kahu 'Anela O Ka Hokule'a."
3. Keonaona Kawelo, "Kia'i Ola O Ke Kai."
4. Micah K. Kanei, "Na Kanaka Maoli.
5. Bianca Franco , "E Ola Mau ka Eddie Aikau Mana!"

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.