Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 12, 2024 76° Today's Paper


Top News

Firefighters to renew search for missing hiker


Honolulu firefighters were to search Monday for a missing hiker believed to have been swept out to sea near Hanauma Bay on Friday to the Sandy Beach area.

Hikers found the bags of Noemi Alcosta and Jojo Acosta, both 34, in a prohibited area south of Hanauma Bay about 1 p.m. Rescuers speculate that a large wave near a dangerous attraction called Rock Bridge swept the couple into the ocean.

Firefighters recovered Acosta’s body about two hours later and continued searching for Alcotas.

Firefighters, lifeguards, and the Coast Guard haven’t found any sign of Alcotas in a search by land, sea, and air. Firefighters expanded their search Sunday and the Coast Guard said it is suspending its search.

Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Kevin Mokulehua said firefighters expanded their search Sunday to include walking the shoreline north of Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach Park, about 1.5 miles away.

Firefighters using personal watercraft were also searching to the south of Hanauma Bay to China Walls in Portlock.

Mokulehua said the fire helicopter had to be diverted Sunday morning to rescue two people having trouble on Diamond Head. A Coast Guard helicopter is also assisting in the search.

Comments are closed.