Four Paddle Boarders Rescued off Honokōwai, Maui

Maui Now graphic.

Firefighters from Station 11 out of Nāpili and Jetski 11 out of D.T. Fleming Beach responded to a report of four stand-up paddlers in distress offshore of Pōhaku “S-turns” Beach in Honokōwai at approximately 11:08 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016.

Upon arrival at the scene, the fire crew spotted four individuals on stand-up paddle boards about 200 yards offshore of Māhinahina Beach. Fire officials say the paddlers appeared to be having difficulty paddling upwind towards the north.

Jetski 11 made contact with the paddlers and all were brought to shore by around 11:36 a.m.

The four paddlers were family members and visitors from Arizona. One person, a 14 year-old boy, required minor assistance from medics for difficulty breathing. No transport to the hospital was necessary.

Maui fire department Acting Public Information Officer, Captain Paul Haake said the 9-1-1 caller was on shore and noticed that the paddlers appeared to be having difficulty and staying onboard their paddle boards.