After a thorough overnight search, a 17-year-old kayaker who vanished off the coast of Waikiki, Hawaii, was found. After going kayaking and not coming back, the teenager was reported missing late on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Hours later, worries about the teenage kayaker's welfare grew as authorities began a massive search and rescue effort throughout Oahu's south shore that continued into the night.
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To find the missing teen, the U.S. Coast Guard, Honolulu's fire and police departments, and helicopters and boats were sent out to search the region.
Since the kayaker was last seen in an area where strong ocean currents are common, there were concerns that the teenager might have drifted farther out to sea, which prompted an increased search effort.
How was the missing teen kayaker found?
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Coast Guard eventually found the teenager early Thursday morning. At around 4:20 a.m., a USCG (U.S. Coast Guard) aircraft discovered the kayaker floating about four miles off the coast of Waikiki, unharmed but understandably rattled by the experience.
For about 12 hours, he had been lost in the sea, struggling with difficult circumstances and the doubt that he would be discovered.
Off-duty lifeguard Noland Keaulana, who had been searching for the missing teen since Wednesday evening, was informed by the U.S. Coast Guard about the teen's whereabouts.
Keaulana then spotted the teenager clinging to his kayak and was able to safely bring him aboard his boat. From there, he transported the kayaker to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, ensuring his safe return.
Keaulana is a seasoned lifeguard with over 15 years of experience working for the City and County of Honolulu. He is also a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS).
When asked about what the teen said when rescued, Keaulana said:
“I think he was in total shock because he wasn’t emotional at all. I was actually crying my guts off because he was okay... He said I’m worried about my mom because she probably misses me.”
The rescued kayaker also said that he had lost his paddle which led to him drifting away.
The parents of the teen, Ka’ala and Kelehua, released the following statement, expressing their gratitude for the authorities who worked to ensure that their son would come back home. They said:
“The Kawai ‘ohana would like to thank the State, City & County, and Federal agency rescue teams, who worked tirelessly through the night to search for our son, Kahiau. A very special mahalo to good samaritans, friends and family, and ESPECIALLY lifeguard and waterman Noland Keaulana who went out on his own to search for Kahiau all night, never giving up, using his instincts and knowledge of the ocean. Kahiau, who could see rescue teams looking for him, was strong, resilient and brave for 11.5 hours in the dark, and is grateful to be back with his family and friends. Mahalo to the doctors and nurses caring for him. And lastly, thank you to everyone who prayed and BELIEVED God for and with us for his safe return.”
The successful rescue greatly relieved the neighborhood and the teen's family. The kayaker was reportedly carried to a rescue ship and returned to shore, where medical staff performed a standard medical check. Thankfully, he did not sustain any severe injuries during the incident and was said to be in stable condition.
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