#noah kekai mina

While the tales of missing hikers Noah “Kekai” Mina and Amanda Eller both ended very differently, their stories have drawn attention to a very important subject for anyone hiking the Maui landscape: What kind of precautions to take while hiking.

“We are so very sorry that Kekai has passed from this realm, he meant the world to us as a son, brother and friend… He is our sunshine,” said family members.

A family spokesperson said Mina was found about 300 feet below a fall line in the summit region of Mauna Kahalawai.

“There’s no water up there,” said Vincent Mina.  Earlier in the search crews found the missing man’s slippers at around the 2500 foot level.  At the suggestion of firefighters, crews left water and food at the site, but checks of the area show nothing has been disturbed or taken since.

Community support is sought to fund helicopters for the ongoing air search. The family met with rescuers involved with the successful return of Amanda Eller.

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.”