A 35-year-old man was killed and a 33-year-old woman suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle traffic crash early Friday morning, March 20, on Maluhia Road in Kōloa. Both are Kaua‘i residents.
The man was identified as Brandon Nakahiki, who has no permanent address on the island, and died in the crash.
It was the Garden Isle’s second traffic fatality in 2026.
Kaua‘i Police Department reports Nakahiki was driving north in a 2008 Honda sedan shortly after 4 a.m. Friday on Maluhia Road when the vehicle crossed the center line while going around a curve.
It subsequently collided with a 2022 Toyota sport utility vehicle heading south.
The 33-year-old woman from Kōloa was Nakahiki’s front-seat passenger in the Honda. She was taken to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe following the crash and later transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for further treatment.
Driving the Toyota was a 70-year-old Kapa‘a woman, who reported no injuries.
Preliminary investigation indicates speed and weather conditions could have been factors in the crash. Toxicology results are pending.
Maluhia Road was closed in both directions for nearly 3 hours after the crash while Kaua‘i Police Department Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.
Anyone who might have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Henshaw at 808-241-1616.
Those who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submit a tip at the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi website or use the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips mobile app.
