
In an incredible story of survival, a 17-year-old Kamehameha student was rescued after spending nearly 12 hours in the ocean, clinging to his kayak off the coast of Waikiki. The teen, who had been practicing with his kayaking team, went missing after losing his paddle and drifting out to sea.
At a glance:
- A 17-year-old kayaker was found after spending 12 hours at sea near Waikiki.
- The teen was spotted by a USCG aircraft and rescued by off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana.
- He was treated for exhaustion, dehydration, and cold exposure after being brought ashore.
The incident unfolded during a routine practice session, where the team was paddling from Ala Wai Channel to Diamond Head. Rough conditions forced the group to turn back, only to realize that one of their teammates was missing. First responders were immediately notified, launching a search along the shoreline and expanding the search radius four miles offshore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3De4FMoJLs
After hours of searching, the teen was finally located around 4:20 a.m., one mile offshore, by a US Coast Guard aircraft. Off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana, who had been searching on his own, was alerted to the teen’s position and successfully rescued him. Keaulana described the emotional moment of finding the teen, saying, “I think he was in total shock… I was actually crying my guts off because he was okay.”
The teen, identified as Kahiau by his family, was treated at the hospital for exhaustion, dehydration, and cold exposure. His parents expressed deep gratitude to the rescue teams, lifeguard Keaulana, and everyone who prayed for their son’s safe return.
This remarkable rescue highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and the heroic efforts of first responders and good Samaritans alike.