The Hawaii high school team has planned an innocent kayaking trip from Ala Wai Boat Harbor to Diamond Head for Wednesday, October 16. As the team left shore at 4:00 p.m., unruly weather developed, causing strong winds towards the teenagers. As a result, the water became rough and difficult to navigate.
One of the kayakers in the group was 17-year-old Kahiau Kawai. Due to the approaching storm, the team decided it would be best to return home. As the teens began paddling back, Kawai became separated from the group. By the time the kayakers noticed his absence, it was too late; Kawai was missing.
According to CBS, 911 was called and emergency crews began an extensive search. A heroic off-duty rescuer, Noland Keaulana, took part in the search and volunteered his time to help locate the 17-year-old.
Keaulana told HawaiiNewsNow that while he was searching the area, he spotted a plane flying overhead. He recalls how the U.S. Coast Guard dropped a flare to help locate the boy. Shortly thereafter, Keaulana spotted Kawai and his kayak. Although the young man was hypothermic and dehydrated, it was obvious he was still alive.
“Survivability is influenced by many different aspects, not only physical endurance, but also mental endurance, spiritual strength and the conditions prevailing at the time,” said search and rescue coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Nico Lannarone.
“I’m just grateful the kid is alive,” Keaulana told the news source. “…this kid is strong. I’m glad we were able to bring him back.”
Following the incident, the Kawai family released an uplifting statement: “A special mahalo to the good Samaritans, friends and family, especially lifeguard and boater, Noland Keaulana, who searched alone all night for Kahiau, never giving up, using his instincts and knowledge of the ocean “
The Kawai rescue effort involved a large search team of dedicated individuals, each of whom played an important role in the success of the mission. Lannarone reminded the public to plan trips in advance and added: “If you go out, pay attention to the weather. Pay attention to what’s going on, the state of the ocean.” The Kawai family expressed great gratitude for the positive outcome of this situation.
