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Search Efforts Contact:
USCG Command Center: (808) 842-2600 | Email: helpfindoa@gmail.com
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
LATEST
LATEST
April 25 at 8:45 AM
Aloha friends and ʻohana,
Since the beginning of this difficult journey, we’ve been held up by an incredible wave of love, support, and determination from near and far. We want to thank every single one of you who has shown up for Oa and our family — with your time, your resources, your prayers, and your belief that he is still out there.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an extensive and thorough search operation, covering a vast 200,048 square nautical miles by air and sea. When their official mission came to a close, we picked up where they left off. With your support, we fueled boats and chartered aircraft to search beyond the original grid, guided by data-driven drift models and anecdotal input from local fishermen. We flew in five-hour shifts, combing Hawaiian waters from as far north as Nihoa to hundreds of miles south of the Big Island, covering more than 56,000 square nautical miles in the process.
Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to do more than we could have imagined. And we are not done.
But with the resources we have left, we must now transition into a new phase of this search — one that is less reliant on fuel and flight time, and more reliant on people. Many survivors at sea have been found not by formal search teams, but by civilian vessels and everyday mariners keeping a lookout. That is the kind of network we need now more than ever.
SO PLEASE:
If you are on the water — stay aware.
If you know someone who goes out on boats — share the website (findoa.org).
If you’re able to spread the word — do so.
Oa is more than a fisherman; he is a survivor. And we believe in him. With your continued support, we will keep searching. Your prayers are now more important than ever. We will not give up. Let’s bring him home.
With aloha and deepest gratitude,
Oa’s ‘Ohana
PRINTABLE FLIER
Search Flight Map — Last Updated: April 25
Oa Hind
Twin Yamaha Outboards
White hull, light blue cabin
Top view of Oa's boat
SUBJECT INFORMATION
SUBJECT INFORMATION
Name: Earl Kekuanaoa Hind (goes by Oa)
Age: 42
Residence: Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
Height/Weight: 6'0", approx. 180 lbs
Hair/Eyes: Brown hair, hazel eyes
Ocean Experience: Highly experienced fisherman, regularly fishes offshore near South Point
Gear on Board: Food, case of water, parachute anchor, no radio or EPIRB
VESSEL DETAILS
VESSEL DETAILS
Name: Makalapuaonalani
Type: 21’ Force boat with 3’ extension (total ~24’)
Color: White hull, light blue cabin
Tarp: Blue tarp used for shade
Engines: Twin Yamaha 115hp outboards
Fuel Capacity: Max ~100 gallons
Electronics: No radio or GPS locator onboard
Fuel Consumption Estimate:
8 gal/hour at cruising speed (combined for both engines)
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Tue, Apr 8 – Afternoon
Oa launches from the South Point boat ramp with a fishing partner for a handline fishing trip (minimal fuel use). They catch two ono.
Tue, Apr 8 – Evening
He drops off his partner back at South Point and sleeps onshore for a few hours.
Wed, Apr 9 – 4:00 AM
Oa re-enters the ocean solo with nearly full supplies, including food, water, and a parachute anchor.
Wed, Apr 9 – Morning
Final pings from his cell phone are recorded offshore in the Miloliʻi area.
Wed, Apr 9 – Noon
He is last sighted near Miloliʻi, reportedly heading north west. He signals to another boat that he has three additional fish onboard — five total at that point.
Wed, Apr 9 – Afternoon
It’s assumed Oa intended to return to the South Point boat ramp but was not seen there by that afternoon. He may have returned to the area later that night.
Thurs, Apr 10
No contact is made; the family initiates search efforts.
Thurs, Apr 10 – 2:17 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard receives an overdue vessel report.
Thurs, Apr 10 – 3:00 PM
The Coast Guard launches an official search and rescue operation.
As of Sun, Apr 13
No confirmed sightings or debris from his vessel. The search remains active.
SEARCH ZONE SUGGESTIONS
At this time, there isn’t a specific area of focus for the search. We ask that anyone flying or traveling on the ocean remain alert and keep an eye out for Oa Hind’s boat—the Makalapuaonalani—or anything unusual that could help. If you see anything, please report it immediately by dialing 911. Every sighting, no matter how small, could make a difference. Mahalo for staying vigilant.
POINTS OF CONTACT
POINTS OF CONTACT
Hawaiʻi Police Department Non-Emergency: (808) 935-3311
Detective Donovan Kohara: (808) 960-3118 / Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov
USCG Command Center: (808) 842-2600
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