Kayaker Safely Returns to Shore After Being Pulled Out to Sea in Waipi‘o Valley

Kayaker in Waipi‘o Valley pulled out to sea safely returned to shore Sunday afternoon.

Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the valley after receiving a dropped 911 call from the Muliwai Trail at approximately 11:10 a.m. As crews responded to the scene, dispatch reported the dropped call was for a kayaker in distress.

Witnesses on the beach say two kayakers launched on the right side of the river mount. Soon after entering the ocean, the current separated the water vessels, pulling one out to sea.

Upon arrival, crews found one kayak on the beach and one kayak making its way to shore. HFD’s Chopper-1 landed on the beach to talk to bystanders. The kayaker on the beach told rescue crews that they got separated from the second kayaker who was paddling toward shore.

Chopper-2 maintained visual contact of the kayaker until the individual was able to make it to shore safely. Both kayakers sustained no injuries and were able to make it to shore without aid from HFD.