Missing Maui Teens Found Safe After Islandwide Search

Destiny Gill and Daezirie Yuen located and in good health, police say

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The search for two Maui teenagers reported as runaways in January has ended with both youths found safe and in good health, the Maui Police Department announced. Sixteen-year-old Destiny Gill and 17-year-old Daezirie Yuen had last been seen together on January 4 in the Wailuku area, prompting a public call for help and a wave of community tips that officers say helped bring the pair home.

Why it matters

Runaway reports and endangered youth recoveries remain a persistent challenge across Hawaii, with roughly 1,500-2,000 runaway cases filed statewide each year. These types of cases highlight the importance of community engagement and multi-agency coordination in locating missing teens and connecting them with necessary support services.

The details

According to the Maui Police Department, Gill is described as 16, Caucasian, with blonde hair and brown eyes, about 5-foot-5 and roughly 100 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black crop top, black shorts and a black jacket. Daezirie Yuen is listed as 17, African American, with black hair and brown eyes, about 5-foot-7 and 230 pounds, and he was reported to have been wearing a white long-sleeved top and white shorts. Both juveniles were said to frequent the Kahului and Wailuku areas and were last seen together near 21 La'a Street in Wailuku on January 4 at approximately 3:30 p.m.

  • On January 4, Destiny Gill and Daezirie Yuen were last seen together in the Wailuku area at approximately 3:30 p.m.
  • The Maui Police Department announced the teens were found safe and in good health on February 15, 2026.

The players

Destiny Gill

A 16-year-old Caucasian female with blonde hair and brown eyes, about 5-foot-5 and 100 pounds, who was reported missing in January.

Daezirie Yuen

A 17-year-old African American male with black hair and brown eyes, about 5-foot-7 and 230 pounds, who was reported missing in January along with Destiny Gill.

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What they’re saying

“The search for two Maui teenagers reported as runaways earlier this month has ended on a relieved note, with both youths found safe and in good health.”

— Maui Police Department (hoodline.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community engagement and multi-agency coordination in locating missing teens and connecting them with necessary support services, as runaway reports and endangered youth recoveries remain a persistent challenge across Hawaii.