Fire Rescue captain and waterman Makali‘i "Maka" Andrade’s life is built around the ocean, and tow-in hyrdrofoil surfing is one of his favorite sports to enjoy.
In December 2022, Maka went hydrofoil surfing off Hanalei Beach. As he glided over the water, a wave overtook him. Maka was hurled into the ocean, and the blade attached to the bottom of his hydrofoil board sliced through his neck, severing his trachea and larynx. Immediately following the accident, Maka was rushed by jet ski and ambulance to Wilcox Medical Center.
Maka arrived at the Wilcox Emergency Department and was placed under the care of Otolaryngologist Dr. Ross Shockley.
Dr. Shockley performed an emergency tracheostomy and stabilized Maka's condition.
Over the next several months, Maka worked diligently with his team to relearn how to swallow liquids and, eventually, small bites of food.
Because the accident had severely damaged his vocal chords, the likelihood he would ever speak again was low. However, Maka overcame the odds and regained the ability to speak.
With the support of his family, friends and care team at Wilcox, Maka is already back in the ocean and continues his road to recovery.
Watch the video below for Maka's full story and to hear from Maka, his family and Dr. Shockley about this inspiring story of hope.
Published on: October 3, 2023
