The names of the winners were announced yesterday.

This will be the first time since Eddie Aikau's disappearance in 1978 that the Aikau 'ohana will be opening up their home to members of the public and media.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

The contest was open to seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders in public schools around the state. More than 300 essays were entered.

Tying into the most recent voyage of the Hokule'a, this year's contest was centered on the statement: "Eddie would go! His spirit will live, too, wherever the Hokule'a sails."

Students had to explain in their essays what this statement meant to them and its importance today and into the future. There were categories for both English and Hawaiian language.

"We were ecstatic with the overwhelming increase in entries for this, our second year," said Myra Aikau, Eddie's sister, in a news release. "It was a huge success this year. 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."

Cash awards totaling $3,400 will be made to first ($350), second ($250) and third ($150) place recipients in each division, along with two honorable mention awards ($50) in each division. All neighbor island winners will be flown by the Eddie Aikau Foundation to O'ahu to receive their awards.

Eddie Aikau was Waimea Bay's first official lifeguard. He became one of the pioneer big-wave riders of the day.

A Hawaiian who was deeply in touch with the roots of his heritage, Aikau embarked upon a journey to retrace the footsteps of his ancestors during the mid-'70s. His journey led him to the Hokule'a voyage from Hawai'i to Tahiti in 1978. The voyage was never completed after the Hokule'a was swamped in heavy seas in the Ka'iwi Channel. Aikau was last seen paddling away to seek help for his crewmates.

Here are the essay winners:

Seventh Grade

First: Kyra Vila, Lokelani Intermediate, Maui. "A Hawaiian Hero." Teacher: Jill Lake.

Second: Shay Chun, Niu Valley Middle School, O'ahu. "Your Life Comes Second." Teacher: Shea Nakamura.

Third: Jocy-Anna Chevalier, Wai'anae Intermediate, Oa'hu. "The Man Who Never Feared." Teacher: Paul Cole.

Honorable Mentions:

Fourth: Alyssa M. Salmo, Waimea Middle School, Hawai'i. "Eddie Aikau: More than a Surfer, More than a Hero, His Spirit Will Live On." Teacher: Kathie D'Amico.

Fifth: Matthew Fong, Niu Valley Middle School, O'ahu. "If Eddie Would Go, Would You?" Teacher: Lisa Chang.

EIGHTH GRADE

First: Amber Fladung, Konawaena Middle School, Hawai'i. "Eddie Would Go." Teacher: Shari Jumalon.

Second: Sky Berry, Wai'anae Intermediate, O'ahu. "A Lifetime Hero." Teacher: Litia Ho

Third: Santana Soria, Kea'au Middle School, Hawai'i. "Eddie Still Sails." Teacher: Joanna Silva

Honorable Mentions:

Fourth: Dylan Chaffin, Waimea Middle School, Hawai'i. "Eddie Aikau — Hawaiian Superman." Teacher: Kathie D'Amico.

Fifth: Blaine Luiz, Konawaena Middle School, Hawai'i. "Only Eddie." Teacher: Shari Jumalon.

NINTH GRADE

First: Katherine Lee, Moanalua High School, O'ahu. "A Heartfelt Hawaiian: Eddie Aikau." Teacher: Raynice Messier.

Second: Shawna H. Watanabe, Pearl City High School, O'ahu. "Got Eddie?" Teacher: Ed Duggan.

Third: Lyle Ueunten, Kaua'i High School, Kaua'i. "Eddie Aikau the King of Waimea Bay and the Guardian of the Canoe." Teacher: Erin Filsinger.

Honorable Mentions:

Fourth: Sherri Ann Cubangbang, Kaua'i High School, Kaua'i. "Eddie Would Go. Would You?" Teacher: Erin Filsinger.

Fifth: Marc Jason Abundo, Kaua'i High School, Kaua'i. "Sail to Preserve." Teacher: Erin Filsinger.

HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE DIVISION

All students came from the ninth grade of Samuel M. Kamakau School, O'ahu, and had the same teacher, Alicia Kapolohu.

First: Elise Kahikina : "Eddie Aikau: He makana no ka pae 'aina 'o Hawai'i"

Second: Mahealani Erece:Kunewa : "Ke Kahu 'Anela O Ka Hokule'a"

Third: Keonaona Kawelo : "Kia'i Ola O Ke Kai"

Honorable Mentions:

Fourth: Micah K. Kanei : "Na Kanaka Maoli"

Fifth: Bianca Franco : "E Ola Mau ka Eddie Aikau Mana!"

For more information about the Eddie Aikau Foundation and details of the essay contest, visit www.eddieaikaufoundation.org