Teen Rescued After 12 Hours Adrift in Ocean Near Waikiki In a remarkable tale of survival, 17-year-old Hawaii resident Kahiau Kawai was rescued after spending nearly 12 hours treading water and clinging to his capsized kayak off the coast of Waikiki.
The incident began when Kawai became separated from his high school paddling team while on a 20-foot surf ski without a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted at 7:27 p.m. and launched an extensive search operation involving an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, HC-130 Hercules airplane, and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium.
After a night-long search, an airplane crew finally spotted Kawai at 4:03 a.m. the next morning. A flare was deployed to mark his location, and a nearby good Samaritan boater was directed to assist. However, it was off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana from the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department who ultimately rescued the teenager. Keaulana, motivated by learning that the missing kayaker was a friend’s son, played a crucial role in bringing Kawai to safety. When found, Kawai was in shock and suffering from hypothermia after his harrowing ordeal.
He had attempted to return to shore using the kayak as a kickboard but was hindered by strong currents. The teenager was taken to Ala Wai Harbor, treated for injuries, and transported to an emergency room in serious but stable condition. Lt. Cmdr. Nic Iannarone expressed relief at being able to deliver good news to the boy’s family.
Kawai’s parents expressed deep gratitude to the rescue teams and medical staff, as well as those who prayed for his safe return. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and proper equipment when engaging in ocean activities. It also highlights the dedication and skill of rescue personnel who work tirelessly to save lives in challenging situations.
