Woman Seriously Injured by Wave at Nakalele Tide Pools

By Wendy Osher

A 41-year-old woman suffered serious injuries when she was struck by a large wave at the area sometimes referred to as the “Olivine Pools” along the rocky West Maui coastline.

The incident was reported at 12:39 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Authorities say Medic 5 and Engine 11 from Napili responded to the scene, located on the West side of Nakalele Point, opposite to the blowhole.

The patient suffered multiple lacerations and a femur fracture, according to Maui County Paramedic Association spokesperson Ryan Joslin.

Rocky shoreline at the base of Nakalele Point, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga described the woman as a visitor from Prior Lake, Minnesota. He said the woman, who is a registered nurse, suffered critical injuries to her hip and upper leg when a wave knocked her off the rocks.

The condition of the patient and her remote location along the shore prompted activation of the Medevac transport, authorities said.

The Maui Fire Department’s Air-1 helicopter, staffed by crews from Rescue 10 airlifted the patient from the shore to the road where crews from Maui Medevac were standing by, said Joslin.

The patient was flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center with a flight time of five minutes, during which she received stabilizing treatment in route.