KAANAPALI, Hawaii (Island News) — An 18-year-old man died in a single-vehicle crash in Kaanapali early Wednesday morning.
According to the Maui Police Department, the incident occurred at 1:33 a.m. on September 23, 2026, on Honoapiilani Highway near Kaanapali Parkway. Preliminary investigations revealed that a white 2000 Chevrolet Silverado was speeding southbound when the driver lost control, veering off the road and crashing into a tree down an embankment.
The Lahaina man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have withheld his identity pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation indicated that the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. While speed is believed to be a contributing factor, it remains unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved.
This incident marks Maui County's ninth traffic fatality of 2026, compared to 12 fatalities reported at the same time last year. The investigation is ongoing.