Five surfers rescued during choppy ocean conditions at Papalaua Wayside Park in West Maui

Five surfers were rescued from choppy waters at Papalaua Wayside Park in West Maui around 1:53 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.   Emergency personnel responded to an ocean area along Honoapiʻilani Highway where multiple people on surfboards were struggling in gusty winds reported to be blowing at 20-25 mph. 

Firefighters spotted the individuals about 300 yards from shore and directed an Ocean Safety Jet Ski crew and a US Coast Guard vessel to their location. All four individuals from the original group were successfully rescued and returned to shore aboard the Ocean Safety Jet Ski, along with an additional surfer who could not make it in due to the windy conditions.

The rescued individuals included a 52-year-old woman, an 11-year-old girl, and a 9-year-old boy, all visitors; and a 28-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman, both residents.  No injuries were reported.

Responding units included Ladder 3, Ocean Safety JS3, Rescue 10 aboard Air 1 and US Coast Guard personnel.  Crews concluded their response at 2:43 p.m.