High Surf Injures Two at ‘End of the World’

The Google Earth image shows the unpaved road leading to the “End of the World” shoreline past Ali`i Drive in Keauhou.

Two individuals were taken to Kona Community Hospital Saturday afternoon following an incident at End of the World, off of Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona.

Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel arrived on scene at 12:40 p.m. to learn that two 19-year-olds, a man and a woman, had been sitting in a tidepool along with other young adults when a large wave swept over the group.

Officials say bystanders noted that the pair was pulled across the rocky shoreline and into high surf.

The male made it to shore safely, however, upon arrival, HFD noticed the woman treading water about 150 yards from the shore.

HFD rescue personnel were airlifted into the water via Chopper 2 and stayed with the woman until she was picked up by a passing tour boat.

HFD officials says both individuals were taken to Kona Community Hospital.

In total, 15 HFD personnel responded to the incident.

The End of the World property belongs to the Kamehameha Investment Corporation and is a popular and dangerous cliff jumping area frequented by swimmers.

HFD says the area is very dangerous, especially on days of high surf, since there are not many options for exiting the ocean.