Family: Noah “Kekai” Mina Turned to Nature for Clarity

By Wendy Osher

The family of a missing Maui man released a new statement today saying Noah “Kekai” Mina is “seeking clarity, and he has turned to nature to find that safe haven.”

His father, Vincent Mina issued a statement saying, “We look for him to return to us and share this sojourn into the depths of his beautiful soul and spirit.”

Photo: Noah “Kekai” Mina. “These pictures were taken recently while sharing some time together with us both loving ʻĪao Valley, the place where his mother Irene was born,” said Vincent Mina. PC: Vincent Mina

Noah “Kekai” Mina was reported as possibly missing on Monday, May 20, 2019.  An air and ground search was conducted by the Maui police and fire departments earlier this week, focused on the Kapilau Ridge, in the area known as the St. Anthony Cross Trail–one of the ridges that lead into ʻĪao Valley.  Earlier this week, the family asked for the public to refrain from the search because of “treacherous and dangerous conditions.”

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

The full text of Vincent Mina’s statement is included below:

“Our son Noah “Kekai” Mina has been missing being out on a hike since the morning of Monday, May 20th. There has been news articles with quotes on mental health concerns. Let me be clear, yes he is seeking clarity, and he has turned to nature to find that safe haven. To exhibit such courage in hiking to such heights alone, over this period of time, is nothing short of amazing. We look for him to return to us and share this sojourn into the depths of his beautiful soul and spirit.

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“Those that know Kekai know him to be a loving gentle and humble soul, with a great love for nature. His Hawaiian heart is strong, along with his will to take on such a challenge.

“We ask that you reserve any judgement and only offer the love and respect he deserves on taking a path less traveled many of those out there would never consider taking. We ask that you cover him with a blanket of angels on this night and bring him back to us safely.”

The family has set up a GoFundMe account for Noah Mina to aid in their efforts to bring him home.  The account had already raised $1,411 towards an initial goal of $10,000 after in just three hours.

Photo: Noah “Kekai” Mina. “These pictures were taken recently while sharing some time together with us both loving ʻĪao Valley, the place where his mother Irene was born,” said Vincent Mina. PC: Vincent Mina