HONOLULU -- A large crowd gathered at Ala Moana Beach on Sunday to say goodbye and scatter the ashes of beloved surfer Mark "Buz" Akamine.

They came to the beach Sunday morning to say Aloha to a father, friend and surfer. Mark Buz Akamine was born in 1956. He was incapacitated by a stroke seven years ago and passed away July 28.

Those who have attended the special funeral service for a surfer know it is a memorable sendoff.

First mourners gathered on the beach and formed a large circle, most with surfboards in hand. Then they headed out on their boards, past the surf break he loved, a place known as "BIG RIGHTS."

The mourners paddled out to form a circle. Into the water they brought flowers, lei and beer -- one last one for Buz.

The family was touched that so many came out to pay their respects.

"It means so much to me, and I know to my dad and to my family, all the uncles and aunties, cousins – it's like a second family to us, so it means a lot to have them here to share this day with us," said Akamine's daughter Karyn Akamine.

"This is the first one for me," Akamine's brother-in-law Milton Fujii said, of the special memorial service. "So it's very touching, emotional."

There were tears, but it was also a joyous occasion as they cheered and scattered his ashes in celebration of Akamine's life in the place where he enjoyed it most.

"He started surfing here since intermediate school," said friend Warren Nakamure. "He had a good heart, and he cared about everybody."