Two kayakers stranded by strong winds, rescued outside Kahului Harbor

Two Maui residents in their mid-20s were rescued after becoming separated from their group while kayaking outside of Kahului Harbor, Thursday morning.

At around 8:25 a.m., firefighters and emergency crews responded to a report from the US Coast Guard regarding two missing kayakers stuck in the area of the “3-mile buoy.” Strong south winds of over 20 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph, had prevented the pair from paddling back to shore on their own.

Ocean Safety Officers stationed at Kanahā spotted the kayakers and guided rescue craft to their location. A US Coast Guard vessel safely picked up both individuals, while Ocean Safety Officers aboard rescue watercraft retrieved the kayaks and brought them back to shore.

Responding units included Engine 1, Rescue 10 aboard Air 1, Ocean Safety Jet Ski 10a and Jet Ski 10b, and the US Coast Guard. No injuries were reported, and the operation concluded successfully at 11:50 a.m.