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

• 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

Mon, Apr 7
Oa was diagnosed with a staph infection and prescribed antibiotics. This may have caused fatigue, dizziness, or disorientation in the following days.

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

• Hawaiʻi Police Department Non-Emergency: (808) 935-3311

• Detective Donovan Kohara: (808) 960-3118 / Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov

• USCG Command Center: (808) 842-2600

• Malia Hind: (808) 896-7907