Update: Deadly crash on Honoapiʻilani Highway claims three lives

Maui police identify driver of Ford Escape
Update: 4:35 p.m., Aug. 4, 2023

Maui police have identified the operator of the Escape as Giovanni Suarez, 22, of Kīhei. Police say an investigation reveals Suarez was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The Maui Police Department extended condolences to Suarez’s family and friends.

Maui police identify victims in Honoapiʻilani crash
Update: 3:51 p.m., Aug. 3, 2023

Maui police have identified the victims of the Kia Soul who suffered fatal injuries in Wednesday’s deadly crash on the Honoapiʻilani Highway. Police say Lui Williams, 81, and Lena Williams, 75, of Lahaina died in the crash.   The Maui Police Department extended condolences to the Williams’ family and friends.

The identity of the operator of the Ford Escape is being withheld pending positive identification.

Head-on crash claims three lives on Honoapiʻilani Hwy.
Update: 2:10 p.m., Aug. 2, 2023

A head-on crash early Wednesday morning claimed the life of three people—a 22-year-old Kīhei man, an 81-year-old Lahaina man, and a 75-year-old Lahaina woman. The identities of all three individuals are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Police say speed is believed to be a factor in the fiery crash that was reported at 3:08 a.m. on Aug. 2, on the Honoapiʻilani Highway, about 341 feet south of Kikowaena Way in West Maui.

A preliminary police investigation reveals a gold 2007 Ford Escape multi-purpose vehicle, operated by the Kīhei man, was traveling north on Honoapiʻilani Highway “at a high rate of speed” when he crossed left of center and collided head-on into a grey 2016 Kia Soul multi-purpose vehicle, which was traveling south on the highway.

As a result of this collision, the Escape caught on fire.  Upon arrival on scene, Maui Fire Department personnel found the vehicle engulfed in flames, and were able to extinguish the fire. 

The operator of the Escape was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say it is unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Soul, an 81-year-old man, and his 75-year-old female passenger, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Police say the operator was wearing his seatbelt, but his passenger was not.

The airbags in both vehicles deployed, according to police.

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, police said emergency personnel were called back to the scene after police gathered their evidence and mapped the scene, so that all three individuals could be extricated.

The involvement of alcohol and drugs is pending toxicology results.

This was Maui County’s ninth, 10th, and 11th traffic fatalities of 2023, compared to 13 at the same time last year.

Police offered their condolences to the families involved and issued a reminder to the public that August is Pedestrian Safety Month.

“Just a friendly reminder for motorists to drive with aloha, don’t drink and drive, put down your cell phones and slow down,” said Kenneth Kihata, Lieutenant of Traffic Division. “For pedestrians, be vigilant of your surroundings, and always cross in a designated, marked crosswalk if available.”

Deadly crash on Honoapiʻilani Highway claims three lives
Update: 12:45 p.m., Aug. 2, 2023

A deadly crash on the Honoapiʻilani Highway early Wednesday morning claimed the life of three people. Police say the crash occurred about 341 feet south of Kikowaena Way in Lahaina.

A preliminary police investigation reveals that a Ford Escape multi-purpose vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed the center line and collided head-on into a Kia Soul multi-purpose vehicle.

As a result of the collision, the operator of the Escape, the operator, and the passenger of the Soul all died at the scene.

The Honoapiʻilani Highway was closed for nearly six hours while police conducted an investigation. It reopened at around 9:15 a.m. The accident occurred on the highway near Wahikuli Wayside Park in Lahaina, between Leialiʻi Parkway and Kikowaena Road. Traffic was rerouted up and around, past the Lahaina Police Station while police conducted an investigation.

*Further details are to be released later this afternoon.

Honoapiʻilani Hwy. now OPEN
Update: 9:18 a.m., Aug. 2, 2023

The Honoapiʻilani Highway in Lahaina is now completely OPEN as of 9:18 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.

The road was closed for nearly six hours while police conducted an investigation into a crash overnight near Wahikuli Wayside Park.

*Check back for details, which will be updated once they become available.

Highway remains closed, Police investigation underway
Update: 8:30 a.m., Aug. 2, 2023

Maui police remain on scene where they are conducting an investigation into a motor vehicle crash reported overnight on the Honoapiʻilani Highway near Wahikuli Wayside Park in Lahaina. The highway remains closed between Leialiʻi Parkway and Kikowaena Road.

Traffic is being rerouted up and around, past the Lahaina Police Station via Kikowaena Street to Kaʻahi Street, then to Lealiʻi Parkway. The Maui Police Department issued a closure notice at around 3:39 a.m. on Wednesday. Motorists can expect delays.

Motor Vehicle Accident results in highway closure
Update: 3:39 a.m, Aug. 2, 2023

The Honoapiʻilani Highway is closed in both directions near Wahikuli Wayside Park in Lahaina due to a motor vehicle accident. The highway closure is between Leialiʻi Parkway and Kikowaena Road. Traffic is being rerouted up and around, past the Lahaina Police Station via Kikowaena Street to Kaʻahi Street, then to Lealiʻi Parkway. The Maui Police Department issued a closure notice at around 3:39 a.m. on Wednesday. Motorists can expect delays.