November 21, 2025
A 67-year-old visitor died Thursday afternoon after being pulled unresponsive from the waters of Kalapaki Bay in Lihue.
According to County of Kauai officials, first responders were dispatched at approximately 12:30 p.m. on November 20th following reports of an unresponsive man in the water. Personnel from the Kauai Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in bringing the individual to shore, where CPR was immediately performed. Medics then transported him to Wilcox Medical Center. Despite continued life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have identified the victim as Liming Xu, a resident of Rhode Island.
An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but officials say foul play is not suspected.
Kalapaki Bay, located at the Kauai Marriott resort area near the airport, is frequented by swimmers, paddlers, and beachgoers. Protected by Nawiliwili Bay, Kalapaki Beach is generally considered one of Kauai’s calmer beaches. Still, ocean conditions can change quickly, and even confident swimmers may face strong currents or unexpected hazards. Medical conditions, such as heart attacks, can also be a factor in water activities. Safety officials note that swimming with others greatly improves the chances of getting quick help if a situation turns dangerous.
