Rescues rampant as waves hit Waikiki

Photo Gallery: South swell

High surf combined with summer school break and thousands of visitors contributed to a high number of rescues along Oahu’s South Shore Wednesday, city Ocean Safety Division officials said.

More than 120 people were rescued in Waikiki alone, including multiple numbers who were carried to safety on personal watercraft.

There were no reports of serious injuries or fatalities.

"It was very, very busy," Ocean Safety operations chief Jim Howe said.

Authorities said the surf along the South Shore ranged from 4 to 6 feet, with occasional 12-foot waves.

Howe said rescue workers were kept busy by people who slipped off the edge of a sandbar in Waikiki.

He said lifeguards issued more than 700 warnings to people about the hazards of going into the water.

The high waves brought residents and visitors in large numbers to stroll on the sidewalk on the concrete groin seaside of Kapa­hulu Avenue.

Waves splashed over the groin’s seawall, where young people in swimsuits sat and laughed as they were hit by the salt spray.

Some youths jumped feet first from the groin onto waves as they rolled in.

Shave ice seller Devin Homsher said the big waves helped to increase the summer crowd.

He estimated business was up by 10 percent to 15 percent Wednesday.

"When the waves are up, business is (too)," he said. "Everybody likes to watch."

Kansas visitor Patricia Middleton, who was with her husband, William, said they enjoyed the view of the ocean and young people in the surf.

"It’s beautiful," she said.

Kaneohe resident D.J. Agaran said he’s a regular beach-goer at Waikiki. "It’s very rare that it gets this big," he said.

The National Weather Service said the height of the waves should be decreasing today but the high-surf advisory is in effect until 6 p.m.