The three-month holding period for the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau ended today.  

The premier surfing tournament was nearly held on Jan. 20 when about 15,000 people headed to Waimea Bay, but contest director George Downing determined wave conditions of at least 20 feet were not consistent to hold a fair competition.  

The competition has been held only eight times since 1985. 

The event honors surf legend Eddie Aikau. In March 1978, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard to seek help for his fellow crew members after the Hokulea double-hull voyaging canoe capsized in the Molokai Channel. It was the last time Aikau was seen. 

Crew members were rescued after a Hawaiian Airlines pilot spotted them during a flight. A massive search and rescue effort for Aikau was initiated but he was never found.