Connecticut Visitors Aboard SUP Boards Assisted to Shore at Kahana

Pohaku Park. File photo credit: County of Maui.

By Maui Now Staff

A couple from Connecticut was rescued in waters off of West Maui on Wednesday after struggling to make it back to shore.

The incident was reported at 11:19 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12,in the Kahana area.

Upon arrival on scene at 11:27 a.m., Nāpili firefighters spotted two stand-up paddle boarders about 250 yards from shore at the popular surf spot Pohaku “S-Turns” Park.

For about 30 minutes, nearby fishermen observed the paddle boarders struggling to make it back to shore and called for help when it appeared that the couple failed to make any progress.

Ocean safety officers on rescue watercraft made contact with the paddle boarders and brought them to shore.

Ocean and wind conditions were not considered very difficult, with lighter than normal winds in 10 mph range.

Authorities say the couple did not require any medical attention.

Firefighters from Nāpili and ocean safety personnel from Hanakaʻōʻō “Canoe” Beach, in Kāʻanapali responded.