In the coastal town of Kihei on the island of Maui, a family's concern grew for 36-year-old James M. Kelley, a man who was last seen on the morning of December 4, 2025. His mother last saw him at their shared residence at approximately 9:00 a.m. A short time later, at around 10:30 a.m., James spoke with a friend over the phone, which would be his last known communication. When he vanished, he left behind personal essentials, including his vehicle and cell phone, leading his family to believe he had departed from the home on foot. His disappearance has left his loved ones in a state of deep worry, longing for answers and his safe return.
James is described as a man of mixed race, being both Black/African American and White/Caucasian. He stands tall at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs between 150 and 165 pounds. He has black hair, which he wears in an afro style, and brown eyes, complemented by a long, thick, dark brown beard. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing black gym shorts that had a white stripe on them. The shirt he was wearing, if any, is unknown. A distinctive detail noted by his family is a blue bracelet he wears on his right wrist. The family has shared that James has a history of becoming disoriented and wandering from home. In previous instances, he had been found in a vulnerable state, requiring assistance to get back to safety.
The days following December 4th turned into weeks, and with no word from James, his mother officially reported him missing to the Maui County Police Department on December 22, 2025. The family's concern is heightened by James's health conditions. His mother has indicated that without his necessary medication, his mental state can be affected, sometimes leading him to walk long distances while fasting and praying. This information has guided some of the search efforts, with a potential sighting reported of someone fitting his description walking up Waipoli Road towards the forested Poli Poli Spring State Recreation Area. This case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his family and community, who continue to hope for any information that might lead to his whereabouts. The circumstances of his disappearance, including his history of disorientation and leaving without his belongings, paint a picture of a vulnerable individual who may be in need of help.
Last Seen: Dec 05, 2025
