Waikiki surfing icon Rabbit Kekai dies
STAR-ADVERTISER / NOV. 2010
Rabbit Kekai celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at Duke’s Waikiki in November 2010.
COURTESY CLARENCE MAC MAKI
Rabbit Kekai is pictured in this undated file photo.
STAR-ADVERTISER / JUNE 1999
Rabbit Kekai, left, and John Kelley.
>> Photo gallery of Rabbit Kekai
Waikiki surfing icon Albert “Rabbit” Kekai died this morning at Leahi Hospital on Oahu.
He was 95.
Kekai was among the beach boys trained by legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, introducing the sport of surfing to countless residents and visitors, including celebrities.
Considered the father of modern hotdogging, Kekai served as the beach master for many surfing events, including the Triple Crown of Surfing.
“It’s an end of an era,” said Randy Rarick, a co-founder of the Triple Crown.
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Rarick said Kekai taught him surfing at age 10.
“He led a great life,” Rarick said. “He’s riding that big wave in the sky, happy with what he’s done.”
4 responses to “Waikiki surfing icon Rabbit Kekai dies”
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I’m sure he’s now sitting in the lineup with Duke, waiting for the next perfect wave. Aloha Rabbit.
fine mind, big heart, and now a huge hole in hearts of those he left behind…
May God be with his soul
If you tried to see the gallery of Rabbit’s pictures, just delete the ” at the end of the url.
Great pictures.