A two-vehicle crash on Maluhia Road resulted in one fatality and one serious injury early Friday morning, March 20.
At approximately 4:10 a.m., a 2008 Honda sedan traveling northbound on Maluhia Road crossed the centerline while navigating a curve and collided with a southbound 2022 Toyota sport utility vehicle.
The driver of the Honda was identified as Brandon Nakaʻahiki, 35, a Kauaʻi resident with no permanent address, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The front-seat passenger of the Honda, a 33-year-old woman from Kōloa, suffered serious injuries and was transported by medics to Wilcox Medical Center before being transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu for further treatment.
The Toyota was operated by a 70-year-old woman from Kapaʻa, who did not report any injuries.
Preliminary investigation indicates that speed and weather conditions may have been contributing factors. Toxicology results are pending to determine whether impairment was also a factor.
Maluhia Road was closed in both directions for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes while the Kauaʻi Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.
This is Kauaʻi’s second traffic fatality of 2026.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Henshaw at 808-241-1616.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, or by submitting a tip on the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi website.
