Missing Person & Vessel Report — Earl Kekuanaoa Hind
Search Efforts Contact:
Malia Hind: (808) 896-7907 | Email: helpfindoa@gmail.com
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
LATEST
April 18, 2025 – 7:52 AM
Yesterday, we chartered a plane to search an area indicated by our latest drift models, located south of Oʻahu and west of the Big Island. The plane will continue searching today. Long-range vessels are also actively searching areas south and east of the Big Island.
If you see Oa’s boat or anything unusual on the water, call 911 immediately.
STAY UPDATED
By signing up, you’ll receive occasional text updates related to the search for Oa Hind. Messages will only be sent when there is meaningful new information to share.
Please do not reply to these messages — the number is not monitored. To stop receiving updates at any time, simply reply STOP.
For more details on how your information is used, see our Privacy Policy.
PRINTABLE FLIER
Chartered Flight Path - completed on April 18
Search Flight Map — Last Updated: April 15, 6:31 PM
Oa Hind
Twin Yamaha Outboards
White hull, light blue cabin
Top view of Oa's boat
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