Maui SUP Rescue: California Couple Caught by Brisk Winds

Kahekili Beach. File photo by Wendy Osher.

Four individuals were rescued from waters off of Kahekili Beach Park in West Maui on Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2018.

Crews responded to a call shortly after 12:15 p.m. reporting that two paddle boarders were waving for help about a quarter-mile offshore.

The couple in their late 30s, from California, had been standup paddleboarding but were blown out to sea by brisk 30-40 mph tradewinds, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

A male friend reportedly saw the couple in distress and tried to help; along with a male employee from the beach rental kiosk.

All four were about two miles offshore by the time lifeguards arrived to help.

The four were brought back to shore and all equipment was located with the exception of a black and red Hobie Aqua Glider paddleboard that was lost in the incident.

Firefighters from Lahaina and lifeguards from Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park in Kāʻanapali responded to the rescue.