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KA’APAHU, Hawaii County, Hawaii, Nov. 7, 2026 — A two-vehicle collision on Hwy 19 (Māmalahoa Hwy) near mile marker 38.5 sent emergency crews to the scene on Friday night, November 6, in the Hāmākua district. One vehicle went down an embankment, and the other remained on the roadway.
Hawaii Fire Department and Hawaii Police Department units arrived around 10:20 p.m. to find the crash scene stretching roughly a quarter mile along the highway. Injuries had not been confirmed at the time crews were working to assess the scene.
Emergency responders were still evaluating conditions and the vehicles involved when the report was filed. It is not yet known how many people were in each vehicle or what led to the crash.
No information on causation, speed, or impairment has been released. The investigation into the crash remains open, and further details are expected from local authorities as the scene clears.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Ka’apahu, HI
This crash happened on Hwy 19 in Ka’apahu, HI. We cover crashes across Hawaii County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hawaii County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk on highways like this one?
Wet pavement, poor lighting, and winding rural roads can all reduce traction and visibility, making it harder for drivers to react in time, especially at night.
What should someone do immediately after being in a two-vehicle crash?
Check for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and avoid moving a vehicle that's gone off the roadway until emergency crews arrive.
Where do most traffic crashes tend to happen?
Many crashes occur on two-lane rural highways, particularly at night, where speeds are higher, and there's less separation between opposing lanes of traffic.
Measuring the speed you drive at night on rural highways
Driving at a careful, attentive speed, especially in low-light or unfamiliar areas, gives drivers more time to respond to hazards like an obstructed lane or a vehicle off the road.
