Four people caught in dangerous storm surf off Hawaii Island were pulled to safety by helicopter, a good outcome from a rescue that could easily have gone the other way.

• Swimmers got trapped in heavy surf off Kahana Beach and had to be lifted out of the ocean one at a time.
• Cliffs of 30 to 40 feet along the shoreline made a rescue from land nearly impossible.
• The beach has posted signs warning there is no lifeguard on duty.
• All four survived, which first responders called a stroke of luck given the conditions.

Outlook: Visitors are being urged to stay cautious as rough surf continues along that stretch of coast.