UPDATE: Police ID man who died after being swept off North Shore while diving in Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach

Update at 4:34 p.m. July 1, 2025: Kaua‘i Police Department reported that the man who died Sunday (June 29) after being swept off Kaua‘i’s North Shore while diving in the area of Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach, in Moloaʻa was identified Tuesday (July 1) as 26-year-old Leonardo Mangamaw from Kīlauea.

Kaua‘i Police Department extends its condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Original post from 10:56 a.m. June 30, 2025: A diver who was swept off Kaua‘i’s north shore was later found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.

Kaua‘i first responders were dispatched at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Sunday to Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach, also known as Larsen’s Beach, in Moloaʻa, after receiving a report that a man, later identified as a 26-year-old from Kīlauea, went missing while diving.

According to a preliminary report, his companions saw him being swept away by the current and called 9-1-1.

Responding agencies actively searched the area, including personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Kaua‘i Police Department’s drone team.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., the individual was observed to be unresponsive in the water and was brought to shore by personnel with the U.S. Coast Guard. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.

Kaʻakaʻaniu Beach is not staffed with lifeguards, and the public is strongly advised to exercise caution if entering the water. Authorities recommend only swimming at beaches where lifeguards are present.