HAWAI'I KAI — Three warning signs outside the entrance of China Wall in Portlock point to its dangers — rip currents, waves breaking on ledge and strong current.

The hazards played out in deadly fashion around midday yesterday, with waves sweeping a 55-year-old man off a ledge and pounding him against the rocks.

Police said the man died at Straub Clinic & Hospital.

His name is not being released until his identity is confirmed. An autopsy will determine cause and manner of death.

The incident occurred off 12 Hanapepe Place at 11:20 a.m., according to police. City emergency medical services responded to the call at 11:31 a.m., said EMS spokesman Bryan Cheplic.

A male fishing companion told police the victim was knocked down by a large wave while he was setting up fishing gear. Another wave knocked him off the ledge and a third wave pounded him against the rocks while he was in the water, police said.

Surfers and bystanders in the area responded to the fishing companion's call for help and brought the unconscious victim to the ledge.

They performed CPR before ocean safety personnel, EMS and firefighters arrived and took over, according to Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig.

People who frequent the area say it's beautiful but dangerous.

"Some people don't know the area well, some people get close, some people walk close to the rocks," said Relson Gracie, who lives in Kalama Valley and has been coming to China Wall to surf for 18 years.

"It's very dangerous, it's very rough," Gracie said, even though he considers the area "a beautiful place."

China Wall resembles a staircase with descending ledges that lead toward the ocean and end with a five-foot drop, making it a treacherous area where a number of people have died.

"I've seen people die here already, I've saved people here, helped people here," Gracie said.

He noted that some people get excited when they see the ocean and forget to watch the waves.

Despite being able to see waves crashing onto the rocks from a large swell yesterday, Gracie said it was a "small day" and that it was nothing unusual.

It's a beautiful place to enjoy, but be careful and mindful of the signs, he said. They could help save your life.

Staff writer Rod Ohira contributed to this report