Kahului Teens Die in Apparent Drowning Near Honokōhau

Honokōhau Bay photo by Wendy Osher

By Maui Now Staff

(Update: 9:45 p.m. 2/16/15; Original post: 5:04 p.m. 2/16/15)

Two Maui teens died in an apparent drowning incident in the ocean near Honokōhau Bay on Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2015, officials said.

Maui police have since identified the victims as Edelene Parilla, 18, and Emmanuel Tabbay, 19, both of Kahului.

According to police reports, the two were walking along the rocks near the shoreline to see the tide pools with two other friends, in an area often referred to as “Chutes and Ladders,” located just north of Honokōhau Valley.

Tabbay reportedly jumped in to help Parilla, who was swept off the rocks and into the ocean by a wave, according to department reports. 

The victims were found underwater by rescue divers and were transported by rescue boat to Māla Boat Ramp in West Maui, said acting Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto.

The incident was reported at around 12 p.m. on President’s Day.

Maui Police say both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.  The official cause of death is pending autopsy results.

The incident was one of three ocean deaths reported on Maui on Monday.  The other fatality involved the death of a 53-year-old visitor who was found floating lifeless in waters fronting the Mākena Beach and Golf Resort in South Maui on Monday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2015.