Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 29-year-old woman that occurred in Kealakekua Bay on Sunday morning, November 10, 2024.

Responding to the reported possible drowning at 10:24 a.m. on Sunday, Kona patrol officers learned that an unidentified woman was found floating face down in the waters of Kealakekua Bay wearing a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Bystanders were able to pull the woman out of the water and place her onto a paddle board, and immediately began CPR on her. A nearby boat picked up the unidentified woman and transported her to land, continuing CPR on her until medics arrived on scene. Hawaii Fire Department personnel transported the woman to the Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.  

The woman remains unidentified at this time, pending identification and notification of next of kin.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Officer Brant Powers at (808) 935-3311 or by e-mail at Brant.Powers@hawaiicounty.gov.