Search Underway for Missing Man at Kapilau Ridge in ʻĪao, Maui

By Wendy Osher

Crews are searching for a missing person in the hills near ʻĪao Valley.  Police say personnel are currently searching for 35-year-old Noah Mina.

The search is focused on the area of Kapilau Ridge Trail in Wailuku. He was reported as “possibly missing” on Monday, May 20. 2019.

Mina is described as 5’8″ tall, 180 pounds, with black hair (currently shaved) and brown eyes.

Fire and police officials both confirm that the search is not related to the missing person report involving resident Amanda Eller, which is now nearing the two week mark tomorrow.  That search is being conducted by volunteers and is focused on the Makawao Forest Reserve area.

Witnesses reported that they observed the Department of Fire and Public Safety’s Air 1 helicopter  scanning the Kapilau Ridge area during the mid-day hours on Monday, and observed further air operations today.

Today, a base-camp was established at the “Y” in the road where Main Street branches off into ʻĪao Valley Road and West Alu Road.  There is an unmarked hiking trail entrance on the mauka (hillside) of West Alu Road to the right that leads up to an area known as the Saint Anthony Cross.

Noah Mina. PC: Maui Police Department. Background photo by Wendy Osher.

PC: Wendy Osher

PC: Wendy Osher

PC: Wendy Osher

PC: Wendy Osher

PC: Wendy Osher