Makakilo, HI – Fatal Pedestrian Crash on H-1 Fwy Near Makakilo Off-Ramp
January 5, 2026
Makakilo, HI (January 5, 2026) – Honolulu police is investigating a deadly crash that involved multiple vehicles and pedestrians on Sunday, January 4, on the H-1 Freeway. The collision occurred around 8:00 p.m. in the westbound lanes just before the Makakilo off-ramp, according to authorities.
Police said a 32-year-old man drove westbound on the H-1 when he attempted to avoid a collision with another vehicle. During that maneuver, he lost control of his car. The vehicle traveled into the right shoulder lane, went up a dirt embankment, and returned to the shoulder, where it sideswiped two unoccupied vehicles parked along the roadway.
The driver continued westbound in the shoulder lane and then rear-ended another parked, unoccupied vehicle. That impact caused the parked vehicle to strike two pedestrians, a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, who were changing a tire at the time.
Officials said the force of the crash pushed the struck vehicle forward, causing it to roll over several times before hitting another unoccupied vehicle parked on the shoulder. Emergency responders arrived quickly and began providing medical assistance.
Emergency Medical Services transported the 24-year-old pedestrian to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite lifesaving efforts, the 26-year-old pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 32-year-old driver remained at the location and did not sustain injuries. Authorities continue reviewing evidence to determine the full sequence of events.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends mourning this loss, as well as those hoping for the recovery of the critically injured pedestrian.
Wrongful Death and Pedestrian Crashes in Hawaii
Pedestrian crashes on high-speed roadways often lead to devastating outcomes. Shoulder lanes may appear safer than travel lanes, but they still pose serious risks, especially during nighttime hours. Vehicles traveling at freeway speeds leave little room for error when drivers lose control.
When a pedestrian loses their life due to a traffic collision, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Hawaii law. These claims focus on accountability and financial support for families facing sudden and overwhelming loss.
Wrongful death claims may help families seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to emergency treatment
- Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Emotional suffering experienced by surviving loved ones
Each case depends on the specific facts uncovered during the investigation. Police reports, vehicle data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction often play a key role in understanding how the incident occurred. Even when impairment does not appear to be a factor, negligence or unsafe driving decisions may still contribute to a fatal outcome.
Pedestrian fatalities also place emotional and financial strain on families who must suddenly navigate grief, insurance claims, and unanswered questions. Legal guidance can help families understand their rights, manage communications with insurers, and ensure deadlines are met.
Having support allows families to focus on healing while the legal process moves forward. A wrongful death attorney can explain available options clearly and pursue compensation that reflects both immediate and long-term losses.
If your family lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash in Hawaii, we are here to guide you. At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we work closely with families affected by fatal accidents to help them understand their legal options.
We provide steady guidance during some of life’s most difficult moments. To discuss your situation with a lawyer, call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 for a free consultation.
Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports, local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away so that we can update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.