Three Women Reported Missing Across Big Island, One Located Safe

Keikilani Hauʻoli-Kuoha was missing from downtown Hilo for less than six hours before Hawaiʻi Island police confirmed she had been located safe — but two other Big Island women, Sarah Hurst and Vesna Young, remain unaccounted for as police continue urging the public for help.

Hauʻoli-Kuoha, 24, was initially reported missing and endangered on the afternoon of March 5, 2026. Classified as endangered due to her need for regular medical assistance, she stood 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighed 110 pounds, and had a medium build, brown eyes, and red-dyed hair. By shortly after 7:30 p.m. that same evening, Hawaiʻi Police Department notified the public she had been found. "She is in good health," the department confirmed. "Hawaiʻi Island police thank the public for its cooperation."

The resolution of Hauʻoli-Kuoha's case stands in contrast to the two ongoing searches. Hurst, 44, was last seen in Hilo's Waiākea Uka area on March 5. Authorities had been searching for nearly two weeks as of the most recent report, with no physical description, clothing details, or circumstances released. Police urged anyone with information to report tips immediately.

The third case stretches back nearly a year. Vesna Young, 51, was last seen at 3:30 p.m. on March 16, 2025, near the 88-100 block of Umi Avenue in Miloli'i, a small fishing village in South Kona. Five hours after she was last seen, her unattended vehicle was found near the 88-100 block of Kai Avenue in the same community. Young is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 165 pounds, with blond hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a light-colored shirt and shorts when she disappeared.

Anyone with information about Young's whereabouts can contact Detective Joel Furuto of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at Joel.furuto@hawaiicounty.gov or call the HPD non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. Tips related to any of the three cases can also be submitted through that same non-emergency number or by calling 911 in urgent situations.