A California visitor died not long ago here on Kauai while on a kayak tour of the Wailua river during a flash flood. Aimee Abrahim of El Cajon took the tour with Kayak Wailua when the incident occurred. While attempting to cross a stream with her sister to get back to her kayak, she lost her grip on the safety rope and was washed out to sea and drowned.
As a result Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) indicated last week that it is planning to implement new rules to prevent a re-occurrence of this tragedy.
Such rules will likely cancel tours (perhaps beyond boat tours) when a flash flood watch is posted. In this particular case, the company involved has already indicated that they plan to cancel all tours in the event of a future flood watch.
This is also a reminder to use your best instincts, and not that of a tour company, during inclement weather. Decide for yourself if your safety may be at risk before participating in activities during your Hawaii vacation. We would also like to see the state provide a website listing of any companies that have been fined or penalized for not using best safety measures.
Personally we have witnessed the power of the ocean during floods and can attest to the need for more caution. In fact, there were two more flood related drownings on the Big Island just last month.
What do you think?
My husband & I went on this very tour a few years ago. It was promoted @ the condo presentation as suitable for all ages. It was not–as it was very muddy and the path was full of tree roots. Crossing the creek with the rope to hang onto wasn’t easy. This was on a sunny, pleasant day. I’d recommend the trip for the younger & able and certainly not during inclement weather. Upset that this would happen to anyone. Have been to Kauai probably 40 times or more. It surely is a paradise on earth.
I saw a video on facebook about a boat tour going into caves along the ocean. Would you happen to know what island and operator runs this?
Mahalo,
Pearla
Hi Pearla,
Look up Big Island kayak cave tours and you’ll find multiple operators.
Aloha.
Yes, the power of the ocean is very powerful, I found out first hand. We were having a family outing on Electric Beach, Honalulu, Ouwho. I was not watching the ocean but had my head down looking for seashells. I was about 5 feet from the shore line and thought I was safe. A very large wave came and knocked me off my feet and was dragging me in. I could not get my footing as wave after wave would grab my and pull me down. If it wasn’t for and husband and adult son saving me I wouldn’t be here telling my story. Also, do remember the buddy system. My heart goes out to the lost ones and their families.
Seems like common sense to avoid a tour of this nature during a flood watch by both the company and any potential participant.
I don’t believe more rules and regulations are the answer.. And your going to shut tours down during a flash flood warning times.. On kauai.. So is that like 200 days a year? It’s a sad accident. But stop regulating paradise out of existence.. Mahalo
I was on the island the day this drowning occurred. The skies were clear over the river, but clouds must have been massing over the mountains, unknown to the kayakers. Always check weather.gov for warnings. Conditions change quickly. The guides knew of the danger but went anyway.
Hi Marsha.
Good to hear from you again and thanks for your input.
Aloha.
Please, we are planning to vacation in Waikiki as a family of 5. Ages from 4 to 9. We want a hotel or vrbo walking distance to touristy things, but reasonable price. Thank you so much!
Hi Angela.
There are so many choices available to you. As a starting point we’d suggest our friend Andrew’s highly acclaimed guide book, Oahu Revealed.
Aloha.
Lifejackets…