(Update) Police Identify Motorcyclist Killed in Hilo Collision

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the motorcyclist who died in a traffic collision which occurred early Saturday morning, September 5, 2026, in the area of the Kalanianaole Street and Kamehameha Avenue intersection in Hilo.  He has been identified as 43-year-old Faavae Maualaivao of Kaneohe.

Responding to a 1:46 a.m. call, police determined that a 2015 Harley Davidson Road Glide motorcycle was traveling west on Kalanianaole Street when Maualaivao lost control and veered off the roadway.  The motorcycle struck a utility pole and Maualaivao was ejected from the motorcycle.  He was unresponsive at the scene and was pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation, which has been classified as a coroner’s inquest.  At this time, police believe that speed is a factor in the crash.  Maualaivao was not wearing a helmet.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov.  Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This was the 23rd traffic fatality of 2026 as compared to 16 traffic fatalities this same time last year.