Pukalani, HI – Two Sustain Serious Injuries in Hit and Run Crash on Haleakala Hwy

Pukalani, HI (December 11, 2025) – Two people suffered severe injuries on Wednesday morning, December 10, after a near-fatal hit-and-run crash on Haleakala Highway about 0.6 miles east of Old Haleakala Highway in Pukalani. The collision occurred around 12:14 a.m., according to the Maui Police Department.

Investigators said a black 2020 Honda Ridgeline made a sharp left turn from Old Haleakala Highway to head west when it slammed head-on into a gray 1998 Toyota Tacoma traveling east on Haleakala Highway. The violent impact crushed the front ends of both vehicles, scattering debris across the road.

Emergency crews arrived within minutes and found two victims severely hurt. The passenger in the Honda, a 32-year-old woman from Wailuku, suffered multiple serious injuries. The driver of the Toyota, a 19-year-old man from Makawao, sustained critical, life-threatening injuries. Paramedics treated both victims at the scene before rushing them to Maui Memorial Medical Center for intensive care.

The driver of the Honda fled the scene on foot, leaving the injured victims behind. Police later identified the suspect as a man known to frequent Central Maui who is also wanted on an active no-bail warrant. Officers launched a large-scale search to locate him and are urging anyone with information about his location to come forward.

Investigators photographed the damaged vehicles, documented tire marks, and collected debris from the highway to piece together how the crash unfolded. The Maui Police Department continues to investigate the crash.

Our hearts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We wish them a full and swift recovery.

Hit and Run Car Accidents in Hawaii

Hit-and-run crashes are among the most heartbreaking events on Hawaii’s roads. Victims often face overwhelming injuries and emotional trauma while the driver responsible disappears without offering help. On high-speed routes like Haleakala Highway, the consequences can be devastating.

Hit and run crashes often result in catastrophic injuries such as:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Even a brief loss of consciousness can lead to long-term brain trauma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden impact can cause paralysis or chronic nerve damage.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, or ribs often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can cause life-threatening complications if not treated quickly.

When a reckless driver flees, victims and families are left in shock, unsure how to cover emergency bills, vehicle repairs, or time away from work. The emotional toll can be immense, especially when police are still working to identify the person who caused so much harm.

Hawaiian law makes it a serious crime to leave the scene of a crash that causes injury or death. Drivers must stop, check on others, and report the accident immediately. Sadly, many people still run away, leaving innocent victims to suffer alone.

Victims of hit-and-run crashes still have legal options. A skilled Pukalani personal injury lawyer can work with investigators, collect video footage, locate witnesses, and gather evidence that helps identify the driver. Even if the at-fault driver is never found, victims may seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage to pay for hospital care, therapy, and lost wages.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, our attorneys fight for accident victims across Hawaii. We know how overwhelming life can feel after a catastrophic hit and run, and we are committed to helping you through every stage of recovery.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash in Maui or anywhere in Hawaii, call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner today at (808) 537-2525 for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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 so that we can update the post 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.