Hawaii's surfing icons were recognized Tuesday for their many accomplishments.
The honorees included an olympic gold medalist, world surfing champions, Hokule'a crew members and Surfing Hall-of-Famers.
Surfing is Hawaii's gift to the world and these are some of its pioneers.
"We should be so proud of what this culture has given all the people of the world and what these men with their hearts full of aloha have given to the sport of surfing that we love so much," said Sen. Fred Hemmings.
The sports biggest stars from the past were honored by state lawmakers as part of Native Hawaiian Caucus Day, including "Buffalo" Keaulana, Ben Aipa, Clyde Aikau, Mitchell Alapa and brothers Derek and Michael Ho.
"Thankful that they've honored us for our accomplishments these guys are the guys I've looked up to so I'm still besides humbled shocked that I'm even standing up here with men like this," said former world champion, Derek Ho.
Men who rode mountains, paving the way for the future.
"It's a real humbling experience to come down here and meet all of the people who make laws in Hawaii," said veteran big wave rider Clyde Aikau.
"It's a very honorable thing and working with the tourists and showing them what the people passed on to us through the oli I'm just happy about it," added Alapa.
"Surfing is all for fun if you can have fun you know with one another it's not really taking it serious unless you surfing for money, you got to be serious," said Keaulana.
Three other legends were recognized posthumously.
"These individuals while no longer with us in body will always remain in spirit -- they're now riding the ultimate waves. Eddie Aikau, Eddie Would Go, Rell Sunn, the Queen of Makaha and the Ambassador of Aloha himself, Mr. Duke Kahanamoku," said Sen. Brickwood Galuteria.
"I hope the kids you know behind us or the kids not even here yet get into these thing because the state is honoring something that is very precious, very precious," said legendary surfboard shaper Ben Aipa.
