Lost Wedding Ring Found in Waikiki Beach
It all started when I got a call from Karla and Harvey about Harvey’s lost wedding band at Waikiki Beach. Knowing that Waikiki is a heavily searched area for metal detecting, I called Karla, Harvey’s partner, to gather more details. I wanted to plan my day carefully because time and conditions matter when there’s surf and other elements that com into play.
When I arrived at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Karla met me and walked me down to where she, Harvey, and their kids had been sitting. We pinpointed the general area where Harvey believed he’d lost the ring. I asked Harvey if he’d be willing to jump in the water with me to help narrow down the search. He agreed.
I fired up my XP Deus II detector, suited up, and waded out with Harvey to the reef where he thought he’d dropped it. I started a systematic grid search, pulling up nickels, pennies, fake chains—everything except his ring. After hours of searching in the choppy tide, I decided it was too challenging to continue, so I let Harvey know I’d come back the next morning.
Early the next morning, I packed my gear, headed back to Waikiki, and retraced my steps. I focused on the area Harvey described, but again, came up empty after hours of searching. I texted Harvey to let him know I hadn’t found the ring and needed to spend some time with my family. But I assured him I’d return.
The following morning, I repeated my routine—gear packed, car parked at the Royal Hawaiian—and decided to follow my gut instinct. I shifted my search to a different part of the beach, noticing more reef in this area. That made sense, given the conditions.
While scanning the reef shelf, I got a strong signal. Mask and snorkel on, I dove down, held onto the reef, and started digging. First scoop—still there. Second scoop—still there. Third scoop—and suddenly, I felt the ring slide onto my finger.
Holding my fist close to my mask in the murky water, I saw a beautiful 14-karat ring lined with diamonds. I surfaced and shouted, “I found it!” Curious beachgoers gathered around, and I explained that it was a lost wedding ring from a couple of days ago, now found. Everyone cheered—what an amazing feeling!
But Harvey and his family were no longer at Waikiki Beach. They’d moved on to Aulani, the Disney hotel on the other side of the island. I called Harvey and asked if we could meet.
I packed up, drove out to Aulani, parked in the valet, and waited. When Harvey walked down to meet me, I handed him his ring—he had no idea I’d found it. The joy and relief on his face were priceless.
Thank you, Karla and Harvey, for allowing me to be part of this special recovery. What was lost is now found. Another successful recovery—and a reminder that sometimes, persistence and instinct make all the difference.
