A visitor from California died on Friday afternoon, March 14th, 2025 after being pulled from waters at Larsen’s Beach (Ka’aka’aniu Beach), located in Moloaa on Kauai’s North Shore. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m., prompting an emergency response by the Kauai Fire Department and other first responders.
According to reports, the man had been snorkeling when his friends lost sight of him in the water and subsequently called 911. When emergency crews arrived, they found the man unresponsive in the ocean. Fire Department personnel were able to retrieve him from the water and brought him to shore, where they attempted to revive him. Despite their best efforts, he was declared deceased at the scene.
Authorities have identified the deceased as a 43-year-old male from California. While an autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, officials have confirmed that there is no suspicion of foul play.
Larsen’s Beach, with its remote location and challenging surf, is known for having strong currents and waves that can become dangerous without warning. Rocks along the beach and in the water add to the danger. Our recommendation is that visitors should never go in the water at Larsen’s. Moreover, the beach does not have lifeguards. Authorities strongly recommend swimming and snorkeling only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty to ensure immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
Credit: County of Kauai. Photo by Kauai Magazine.
