37-year-old Hilo Diver Garrett Amaral Found Dead Offshore Whittington Beach Park

Garrett Amaral, a 37-year-old resident of Hilo, was found unresponsive in the water about 100 yards offshore of Whittington Beach Park in Kaʻū and could not be revived, Hawaiʻi Island police and emergency personnel said. The discovery followed a report on January 24 that a diver was missing; Amaral was located during an aerial search by Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel on January 26. Medics performed life-saving measures at the scene but were unable to revive him.

Police have identified Amaral and described the investigation as ongoing. Authorities said no foul play is suspected at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department’s non-emergency line or Kaʻū Patrol Officer Augustine Akiu.

The recovery highlights the risks facing divers and other ocean users on Hawaiʻi Island’s southern coastline and underscores the operational demands placed on local response agencies. The Hawaiʻi Fire Department’s aerial search located Amaral about 100 yards offshore, demonstrating aerial assets’ role in timely search-and-rescue operations across remote stretches of coastline. At the same time, the outcome will renew community discussion about resource allocation for emergency response, public outreach on dive and ocean safety, and the sufficiency of signage and patrol coverage at popular access points.

For residents of Kaʻū and Hilo who use the shore for diving, spearfishing, or subsistence activities, this incident is a tragic reminder of the ocean’s hazards and of the importance of preparation and communication before entering the water. Community leaders and elected officials on the Big Island may face questions about funding for search-and-rescue capacity, interagency coordination, and public education programs aimed at reducing preventable fatalities. Local civic engagement can shape those decisions, whether through contact with county officials, attendance at community meetings, or requests for safety audits at county parks.

The loss of Amaral will also be felt within the local diving community, where members often rely on shared knowledge about currents, visibility, and reef conditions. In the near term, police investigators will continue their work to establish a clear timeline and any contributing factors. For residents, the practical steps are direct: report relevant information to the police non-emergency line or to Kaʻū Patrol Officer Augustine Akiu, and heed ocean safety advisories before heading offshore.

This incident may prompt renewed attention to preventive measures and emergency preparedness on the Big Island, as families and leaders seek to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.