Police Investigating Possible Drowning in Nā‘ālehu

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning in Nā‘ālehu involving a 37-year-old man that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. The man has been identified as Garrett Amaral of Hilo.

At 2:10 p.m., Ka‘ū patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to Whittington Beach Park regarding a report of a missing diver.

Conducting an aerial search by helicopter, Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel located Amaral unresponsive in the water 100 yards off shore. He was brought to shore as medics continued life-saving measures, however they could not revive him.

At this time, no foul play is suspected and the investigation remains ongoing. 

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or email Ka‘ū Patrol Officer Augustine Akiu at augustine.akiu@hawaiipolice.gov.