Kahiau Kawai, a 17-year-old teenager from Hawaii, found himself in a terrifying situation after getting separated from his high school paddling team and capsizing his kayak approximately half a mile south of Honolulu’s Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Despite not wearing a life jacket, Kawai managed to cling to his kayak for over 11 hours before being rescued during an overnight ocean search by an off-duty lifeguard and the U.S. Coast Guard. His parents expressed gratitude to the state, city, and federal rescue teams for their efforts, as well as to the Honolulu lifeguard who went out on his own to search for the teen. Kawai’s resilience and bravery during the ordeal were highlighted in a statement from his parents, who also thanked the family, friends, and rescue teams involved in the search.
The teenager’s Kamehameha Schools teammates reported him missing during kayaking practice, prompting a search effort that lasted through the night. At around 4 a.m. the following day, a Coast Guard airplane crew spotted Kawai clinging to his kayak and deployed a flare to mark his position off Waikiki. Off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana, a member of a well-known Native Hawaiian waterman family, had been involved in the search and was directed to the flare by the Coast Guard. Despite initially fearing the worst, Keaulana was relieved to find Kawai safe and relatively unharmed. The teen was treated for injuries and hypothermia before being taken to an emergency room and listed in serious but stable condition by the Coast Guard.
The rescue of Kawai highlighted the importance of safety measures and preparedness when engaging in water activities. In this case, the absence of a life jacket could have had dire consequences for the teenager if not for the timely intervention of rescue teams and individuals like Keaulana. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the need for caution when venturing out into open waters, especially for younger individuals participating in water sports. The support and collaboration between the various rescue teams involved in the search also underscored the importance of community and solidarity during emergency situations, with Kawai’s safe return demonstrating the effectiveness of a coordinated response.
Following his harrowing experience, Kawai expressed gratitude for being reunited with his family and friends and shared his relief at surviving the ordeal. The teenager’s resilience and strength during his 11-hour ordeal at sea were commended by those involved in his rescue, highlighting the importance of remaining calm and composed in extreme situations. The incident brought attention to the risks associated with water-based activities and the need for individuals to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, such as life jackets, when engaging in such pursuits. Kawai’s recovery and the successful outcome of his rescue served as a positive example of the importance of preparedness and quick response in emergency situations, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.
