From Haole To Hero: The Life of Big Wave Surfer Laird Hamilton

Laird Performs 75 Rescues and Saves 80 Bison During Kaua’i Flooding

Photo Credit: Instagram.@leilahurst

When the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i received 50 inches of rain in 24 hours in April of 2018, there was massive flooding. Residents and tourists weren’t prepared, which quickly led to a dangerous situation. Laird acted fast and took his boat to help save people and animals. He even saved local pro surfer Leila Hurst and her 14 friends as her home was flooded and left the girls stranded.

He waved off any praise of being called a hero, saying, “If you have compassion, this is what you do. These are opportunities to make a difference. When it really counts.”