Henry Ayau Water sportsman Henry Keawe Ayau Jr. achieved every fisherman's dream a couple of years ago: His fish catch set a record and made national news.
remembered for his
famous fish tale
His 113-pound catch while diving
off Oahu made national newsObituaries
'Chuck Machado / luau promoterBy Mary Adamski
madamski@starbulletin.comAyau and his son Bruce were free diving off Oahu when they speared a 113-pound ulua. ESPN sports television and Skin Diver magazine covered the July 10, 2000, feat.
"I told him, 'Brother, you're famous,'" said Ayau's longtime friend Adam Suapaia. "You know how deep water distorts size. I told him if I saw a fish over 5 pounds coming at me, I'm out of the water! Diving was his biggest love."
Ayau, 61, died yesterday in Straub Hospital. He had been hospitalized since May 2 when he was found unconscious in the ocean off the Elks Club. He was wearing snorkeling gear when he was found by a surfer.
Ayau was active in the whole range of ocean sports -- surfing and canoe paddling as well as diving and spearfishing.
Entertainer Don Ho said Ayau reminded him of the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic swimming medalist. "He was a man of grace, a beautiful Hawaiian man in stature and in his heart. He was a good role model for Hawaiian people. Everybody loved him."
Ayau and Kahanamoku were friends during the last years of Kahanamoku's life. Ayau was appointed executive vice president of the annual Duke Kahanamoku Hawaiian Surfing Classic in 1971.
A Molokai native and 1959 Punahou School graduate, Ayau started as a doorman at the former Duke's nightclub in the 1960s. He became vice president and manager of the Waikiki club and executive vice president of the Duke Kahanamoku Corp., Surf Development Inc. and Diamond Head Restaurant.
Most recently, he was head of the host department at Don Ho's Island Grill, where he was formerly vice president and general manager.
Ho said: "All the boys from that era, there was a connection between all of us. It's binding no matter what time was in between."
"It's a tremendous loss. There's nobody like him," said Suapaia, general manager of Don Ho's Island Grill, who had worked with Ayau for 36 years.
Ayau grew up in Pukoo, Molokai. He earned a letter in baseball at Punahou and also captained the basketball team in his senior year. He was named athlete of the year in 1958-59 as well as an outstanding scholar. He attended the University of Hawaii and Oregon State University. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Outrigger Canoe Club, which awarded him its Winged O award in 1983 for service to the club's athletic program.
A service will be held at 8 a.m. May 17 at the Outrigger Canoe Club. The ashes will be scattered at sea.
"Henry wanted it to be a festive affair; it was his last wish," said Suapaia.
Don Ho's Island Grill will be the scene of a celebration of his life and fund-raiser for his family from 3 to 8 p.m. May 30.
The survivors include sons David, Bruce and Patrick; daughters Kathy and Leslie; brothers Butch and Ronnie; and sisters Lana and Dana.