On Monday, June 7, 2021, the Coast Guard suspended its active search for 66 year-old Michael Kitagawachi of Kailua-Kona. 

The search had been ongoing since Saturday, June 5, 2021 when Kitagawachi’s canoe was found adrift 1-mile off Honaunau Beach where he regularly paddles. His vehicle was found at the beach with his phone inside. 

In a press release Darin McCracken, a search and rescue planner with Sector Honolulu said, “since Saturday our crews have worked closely with the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department covering over 749 square nautical miles during 59 search hours.  During that time there has been no sign of Mr. Kitagawachi. While it is a difficult decision to make, we suspended the search after sunset today pending new information.”

Kitagawachi remains missing.  He is described as being 5 ft. 8 inches tall, weighing 150 lbs. with white shaggy long hair and black colored eyes.  He was last seen wearing a white colored rash guard shirt and black board shorts.

The Hawaiʻi County Police are asking anyone with any information regarding the current whereabouts of Michael Kitagawachi to contact the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Officer Krimsen Abilla at (808) 326-4646, ext. 253.

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