HONOLULU — A massive search-and-rescue team helped find a missing teenage kayaker off of Waikiki during an overnight mission. 

What You Need To Know

  • A 17-year-old kayaker went missing while paddling with a group in Waikiki and was rescued after about 11 hours 

  • The rescue team included the Honolulu Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Hawaii Airports Division, and an off-duty lifeguard, who felt called to help 

  • The teen, who had lost his paddle, was found in the water clinging to his surf ski and trying to make his way back to shore, but strong currents were pulling him further into the ocean

  • The teen was experiencing hypothermia, extreme dehydration, and severe cramping when he was rescued, but was also awake and alert

On Wednesday at 6:28 p.m., HFD received a 911 call that Kahiau Kawai was missing. He had been kayaking in a surf ski with a group from the Ala Wai Channel to Diamond Head and back. On the way back to the Ala Wai Channel, the group noticed one kayaker was missing. 

Personnel with HFD, the State of Hawaii Airports Division and the U.S. Coast Guard searched in boats and planes from the east end of Diamond Head to Nanakuli and from the shoreline to about four miles offshore. HFD also put personnel in hotels to get a bird's-eye-view of the area. 

At 4:20 a.m., crews in a USCG aircraft finally saw the kayaker about a half-mile offshore of the Waikiki Natatorium and marked his location with a flare.

An off-duty Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguard, Noland Keaulana, who had been searching for the missing kayaker by boat and was below the USCG aircraft, spotted the 17-year-old in the water, clinging to his surf ski. Keaulana said the teen had lost his paddle, but was treading water and trying to use the kayak like a kickboard to make his way back to shore. However, the current was pulling him further out into the open ocean. Keaulana brought Kawai onto his boat, gave him blankets to keep him warm, and transported him back to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. 

Once on land, the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services took over treatment. Kawai was experiencing hypothermia, extreme dehydration, and severe cramping. He was taken to a nearby hospital in serious condition. 

During an emotional news conference on Thursday, Keaulana, teared up as he explained he sprang into action, because he felt called to help; he is a father, and he knew the family of the missing teenager. 

"I'm just thankful the kid is alive," said Keaulana. "The whole night was an emotional night, especially after letting every minute go by. I was expecting the worst."

Editor's note: This story was updated with information from the off-duty lifeguard, Noland Keaulana, who spoke at a news conference. (Oct. 18, 2024)