High Surf in Maui, Hawaii

Several low pressure centers moving across the north central Pacific generated swell that produced surf of 8 to 12 feet with occasional sets to 15 feet along the north and west facing shores of the islands. Four tourists, 3 from Georgia and 1 from Utah, drowned in the high surf at Keanae Point, Maui at approximately 2 p.m. HST January 30, 1997. One person was swept into the ocean while taking pictures of the high surf. He was pulled from the water and given CPR by a visiting paramedic. While performing CPR, a second wave swept both individuals and six other people into the ocean. Four of the eight people were rescued by local residents, while the other four drowned.