A 17-year-old teenager in Hawaii, Kahiau Kawai, was rescued after spending over 11 hours clinging to a kayak in the ocean. He had gotten separated from his high school paddling team after capsizing south of Honolulu’s Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Despite not wearing a life jacket, Kawai managed to remain strong, resilient, and brave throughout the ordeal, even as he could see rescue teams searching for him. His parents expressed gratitude towards the state, city, and federal rescue teams, as well as their family, friends, and the off duty Honolulu lifeguard who helped find their son.
Kawai’s teammates from Kamehameha Schools reported him missing during kayaking practice, which led to an overnight search by the rescue teams. Eventually, at 4 a.m. the following day, a Coast Guard airplane crew located the kayak with the teenager clinging to it, and a flare was deployed to mark his position off Waikiki. Off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana, part of a well-known Native Hawaiian waterman family, had been searching throughout the night on a boat and was directed to the flare by the Coast Guard. Thankfully, Keaulana found Kawai, ensuring his safe rescue.
Keaulana described the emotional moment of finding Kawai, expressing his gratitude that the teenager was okay despite the challenging circumstances. Kawai was treated for injuries and hypothermia before being taken to an emergency room, where he was listed in serious but stable condition. His resilience and strength during the 11.5 hours in the dark ocean showcased his bravery and survival skills. It was truly a miracle that he was found and rescued, providing a happy ending to what could have been a tragic situation for both Kawai and his loved ones.
The incident highlighted the importance of safety measures, such as wearing a life jacket, especially when engaging in water activities. Kawai’s parents emphasized the significance of the rescue efforts and expressed their relief and gratitude for their son’s safe return. The unified efforts of the state, city, and federal rescue teams, along with the instrumental role played by an off-duty lifeguard, were critical in ensuring Kawai’s rescue. The community came together to support the family during this difficult time, showcasing the power of unity and solidarity in times of crisis.
The story of Kawai’s rescue serves as a reminder of the risks associated with water activities and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. It also sheds light on the bravery and determination of Kawai, who managed to stay calm and composed despite the challenging circumstances. His family expressed their thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in the search and rescue operation and stressed the importance of taking safety precautions while engaging in water sports. The successful outcome of the rescue mission was a testament to the dedication and efforts of the rescue teams and the unwavering support of the community.
In conclusion, Kawai’s miraculous rescue after spending over 11 hours clinging to a kayak in the ocean is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of safety measures during water activities. The coordinated efforts of the rescue teams, along with the bravery of an off-duty lifeguard, were instrumental in ensuring Kawai’s safe return to his family. This heartwarming story showcases the strength, courage, and unity of the Hawaiian community during times of adversity, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another in times of crisis.
