The disappearance of local fisherman Earl Kekuanaoa Hind, remains a pressing mystery as Hawaiʻi Island police renew their plea to the public for assistance. Since setting off from the South Point area on April 7, 2025, and last being observed on April 9, Hind's whereabouts along with his fishing vessel, the Makalapua Onalani, continue to elude search efforts. Police are requesting anyone with information to come forward, describing Hind as a Hawaiian male, 6 feet tall, 180 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes, according to the police official report.
His boat, a distinguishable 21-foot Force with a white hull, light blue cabin, and twin outboard motors, is also part of the search. The local community knows Hind as a fisherman who commonly operated in the areas around South Point and the South Kona, where his truck and boat trailer were found abandoned at the boat ramp. Despite extensive, multi-agency searches that included the Hawai‘i Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, there has been no sign of Hind or the Makalapua Onalani, the latter being last seen near Miloli‘i area, heading north, as stated in a Hoodline report.
Authorities are not only relying on search teams but also on the vigilance of the public. Police department’s non-emergency number for any tips is (808) 935-3311, and Detective Donovan Kohara of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section is available at (808) 960-3118 or via email at [email protected]. Should anyone at sea come across Hind or his vessel, the United States Coast Guard has instructed such information be reported immediately to their Command Center at (808) 842-2600.
