Sunrise Gunman Carjacks Couple Near Ho’okipa, Sparks North Shore Manhunt

Maui’s north shore woke up to a crime scene Thursday after a violent carjacking along Hana Highway near Ho'okipa Beach sent police into an island-style manhunt at daybreak.

A Haiku couple told officers they were confronted by a man who pulled out a handgun and fired. Both were hit by projectiles believed to have come from the weapon and were treated and released at the scene. The suspect then took off in the couple’s vehicle, triggering a multi-unit search that stretched into the Haiku area, according to KITV.

The Maui Police Department told KITV that officers responded to a reported robbery on Hana Highway near Ho'okipa at about 5:27 a.m. The station reports the unknown man, armed with a handgun, demanded the couple’s vehicle and fired at the occupants. MPD told the outlet that “the investigation remains ongoing.”

Police Used Air, K-9 And Tracking Resources

The Maui Police Department’s website explains the agency deploys department-issued drones, its K-9 unit and the helicopter Hekili to support searches and investigations. In this case, a department drone reportedly spotted the stolen vehicle along with a second vehicle believed to be tied to the incident, and officers later located the stolen car in the Haiku area using vehicle-tracking information.

Patrol officers, the K-9 unit and MPD air crews aboard Hekili then carried out an extensive search. Suspects were not found, and both vehicles ended up abandoned on a nearby roadway after the drivers tried to flee, as noted on the Maui Police Department site.

How To Help Investigators

Police say they have not released additional details and are still asking for the public’s help. Investigators want to hear from anyone who was in the Hana Highway or Ho'okipa area and may have information, dash-cam footage or photos.

For emergencies, authorities say to call 9-1-1. For tips and non-emergency information, the Maui Police Department lists contact details on its website.

Where This Happened

Ho'okipa Beach Park sits on Maui’s north shore along Hana Highway near Paia and is a popular windsurfing and visitor spot, according to Maui County. The beach and roadside lookouts draw both locals and tourists, which can complicate searches and traffic responses along the narrow coastal stretch.

Local authorities urge drivers to stay alert and report suspicious activity so officers can follow up quickly, especially in high-traffic scenic areas like Hoʻokipa.