The Kauai Fire Department said rescuers spotted the body of 46-year-old Adam Griffiths off the island's north shore on Saturday.
Officials said Griffiths and 47-year-old Brian Baker were exploring a rocky coastal area Friday when a wave slammed into Baker and pulled him into the water. Griffiths jumped in to try to save Baker but both drowned in the rough surf.
They said the search for Baker from a helicopter and Jet Ski was called off because of choppy water conditions.
High surf and strong currents prompted the closure of all beaches on the north shore Friday morning.
