Police Renew Plea for Help Finding Missing Runaway Teen

Naiomi Michael has been missing for over 5 months from Hawaiian Paradise Park

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Hawai'i Island police have renewed their plea for the public's help in locating a 16-year-old runaway named Naiomi Michael, who has been missing for over 5 months since she was last seen in Hawaiian Paradise Park on September 19, 2025. Michael is described as 5-foot-7, 120 pounds, of Hawaiian/mixed ethnicity with long hair that may be bleached or colored, brown eyes, and a tan complexion.

Why it matters

Runaway cases can be challenging to solve, and community assistance is often crucial in helping locate missing youth. Naiomi Michael's prolonged disappearance has raised concerns in the local community, and police are hoping renewed public awareness will lead to new tips or information about her whereabouts.

The details

Naiomi Michael was reported as a runaway on September 19, 2025 and was last seen in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area. She is known to frequent the Puna, Hilo and Kona regions of the Big Island. Police are urging anyone with information about Michael's location to contact the Hawai'i Police Department's non-emergency line or Detective Corey Kaneko directly.

  • Naiomi Michael was reported as a runaway on September 19, 2025.
  • Michael has been missing for over 5 months.

The players

Naiomi Michael

A 16-year-old runaway who has been missing for over 5 months since she was last seen in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

Corey Kaneko

An acting detective with the Hawai'i Police Department who is handling the case and can be contacted for information.

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What’s next

Police are urging the public to contact them with any information that could help locate Naiomi Michael.

The takeaway

Runaway cases can be difficult to solve, but community engagement and public awareness are crucial in helping police find missing youth like Naiomi Michael. This case highlights the ongoing need for support and resources to address the complex issue of teen runaways.