Surfer dies in waters off northwest Maui

A surfer died and a hiker who fell into the ocean was rescued over the weekend in waters off Maui’s northwest shore.

Firefighters and medics responded to a report of an unresponsive surfer who was brought to shore at the bay by fellow surfers at about 5:15 p.m. Saturday, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro.

First responders administered lifesaving efforts on the man described as a Maui resident in his 50s. He was taken in critical condition to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The next day, firefighters and Ocean Safety personnel responded to an adult female hiker who fell into the ocean on the north side of Honokohau Bay at about 1 p.m.

The Maui woman, 35, managed to swim to deeper waters to avoid large waves crashing into the rocky shoreline, Yatsushiro said.

Ocean safety personnel on a Jetski picked her up in waters about a quarter-mile from shore. She sustained minor cuts and bruises and refused to be taken to a hospital.

Yatsushiro said large surf conditions were reported on the northwest shore at the time of the two ocean-related incidents.