65-Year-Old Man Drowns in Kapoho, Puna

Police investigating incident, no foul play suspected

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 65-year-old Keaʻau man died after drowning in the Kapoho area of Puna. On February 27, police and fire department personnel responded to a report of a person who had fallen into the ocean while picking opihi and was heard calling for help. Rescue personnel located the man in the water, brought him to shore, and initiated CPR, but he was later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

Why it matters

Drowning incidents are a tragic occurrence in Hawaii, especially in remote coastal areas where access to emergency services can be challenging. This incident highlights the need for water safety awareness and the importance of taking proper precautions when engaging in ocean-related activities.

The details

According to the report, the 65-year-old man was picking opihi on the makai (ocean) side of Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road when he fell into the water and was carried away by strong currents. Puna patrol officers and Hawaii County Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, located the man in the water, and brought him to shore, where they initiated CPR. The victim was then transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

  • The incident occurred on February 27, 2026.
  • The victim was pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

The players

Puna patrol officers

Local law enforcement personnel who responded to the incident.

Hawaii County Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted in the rescue and emergency response efforts.

Hilo Benioff Medical Center

The hospital where the victim was transported and pronounced dead.

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What’s next

Police have initiated a coroner's inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. They are also asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Puna Patrol Officer Johnathen Figueroa.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for caution when engaging in ocean-related activities, especially in remote areas where access to emergency services can be limited. The community should remain vigilant and work together to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.