Rabbit Kekai was an amazing man. not only was he one of the first waikiki beach boys, he was also the hawaiian contest beach marshal for many years. i got to know him pretty well over the course of 20 years or so. what i remember the most of Rabbit was his honesty. just straight and no bullshit. grown up on the beach and also friends with Duke Kahanamoku. when ever i use to get my contest jersey from Rabbit for my heat, he use to always tell me “hey kirby, don’t get another interference!” haha. i was known to get disqualified a lot because i would never give in. and Rabbit use to always scold me.
so pulling up to his amazing memorial this morning on waikiki beach, we were all greeted by the most beautiful rainbow. so many people showed up. surf legends, beach boys, professionals, and almost every surfer you could imagine.
no sad tears today, only tears of joy. Rabbit was that kind of surfer that wouldn’t want anybody feeling sorry for him. he just wanted the next generations to be happy just like him.
and it’s times like this you have to embrace your family and friends. Sunny Garcia and i use to hang out almost everyday. not only here in hawaii, but also in japan. we’ve had some amazing experiences and today was the day to remember all the good times. and also give your friends a big hug.
on the way to the memorial, i was riding in the rain down my street. then all of a sudden, this big van pulled out of a driveway! i had to slam the breaks and almost hit the van square on. luckily i did a kikaida move and slide on the side. glad i’m still alive. and the reason i rode the motorcycle is so i didn’t have to look and pay for parking.
but when i get back to my motorcycle after the memorial, i find a ticket on the bike!
omg, $35!!! it would have been cheaper to drive my car and valet front row!
when policemen are in a bad mood, they give tickets. i was bummed out, but only for 10 seconds. i thought to myself “Rabbit would be laughing at me.” haha!!!
went to get a safety check after, and also ask the motorcycle shop all the parking rules in hawaii. now i know.
good for another year. only $13 and 20 minutes.
for that 20 minutes, i was looking at new bikes. haha. of course i want every single bike in that shop, but i don’t need it. i’m just a man being a man. haha.
