Mother says teenage kayaker still recovering after being stranded in ocean overnight

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A teenage kayaker who was lost at sea off Oahu’s south shore continues to recover in the hospital one day after his rescue.
After an overnight search, Kahiau Kawai, 17, was spotted early Thursday morning clinging to his kayak about a half-mile off Kaimana Beach near the Waikiki Natatorium.
His mother, Kelehua Kawai, tells Hawaii News Now that her son will undergo a few more tests to make sure his body is recovering properly after being in the ocean for nearly 12 hours.
Kahiau Kawai previously sent a message to his friends saying, “I’m ok. All the feels!”
Officials said Kawai, a Kamehameha Schools student, was paddling with his kayaking team from Ala Wai Boat Harbor to Diamond Head at around 4 p.m. Wednesday when they encountered strong winds and rough seas.
They turned back but realized Kawai was missing, and called 911 at around 6:30 p.m.
Crews from the Honolulu Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, State Airports Division, and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a massive overnight search effort, covering an area of up to three miles offshore from Diamond Head to Nanakuli.
He was spotted by a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft crew and picked up by off-duty lifeguard and waterman Noland Keaulana.
Paramedics administered advanced life support to the teen, who was experiencing hypothermia, extreme dehydration, and severe cramping.
He was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
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