In early 2015, an 18-year-old high school senior from the Big Island of Hawaii named Daylenn 'Moke' Pua was visiting his grandmother on the island of Oahu. He was an aspiring pastry chef and one of seven children, described by his grandmother as someone who always lit up the day. During his visit, Daylenn expressed a desire to hike the Haiku Stairs, a steep and treacherous trail also known as the 'Stairway to Heaven' that has been officially closed to the public since 1987.
His grandmother cautioned him against it, emphasizing the dangers and the fact that it was illegal to access the trail. Despite these warnings, on the morning of February 27, 2015, Daylenn left his grandmother's home in Waianae, wearing a white long-sleeved t-shirt, black surf shorts, and slippers, and carrying a red backpack. He boarded a bus and headed for the trail.
Throughout the morning, Daylenn kept in touch with his family, sending them several photos from his phone as he made his way up the perilous hike. Around 11:00 a.m., the communication abruptly stopped. After he failed to return and could not be reached, he was reported missing, prompting a massive search and rescue operation. The Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Police Department, the Navy, and numerous volunteers scoured the treacherous terrain of the Koolau mountain range. Search efforts included helicopters surveying steep cliffs and dense vegetation, while ground crews navigated the dangerous ridges and drop-offs near his last known location. Some hikers reported hearing a cry for help from a remote ridgeline, an area described as being only a meter wide with extreme drops on either side, but an extensive search of the area yielded no signs of the missing teen.
After days of intensive searching, the official effort was suspended, having found no trace of Daylenn. His family and community, however, continued the search with private helicopters, drones, and fundraising efforts. In the aftermath of his disappearance, a close examination of the photos Daylenn had sent revealed a faint image of a man in the background of one picture, sparking speculation and concern, though authorities remained skeptical of any connection to foul play. The prevailing theory held by authorities is that Daylenn likely slipped and fell in the hazardous environment of the Haiku Stairs. To this day, Daylenn Pua has never been found, and his case remains an open and unresolved missing person investigation. The absence of any physical evidence has left his family with unanswered questions and a story without a final chapter, a poignant reminder of the dangers that can be found in the beautiful but unforgiving landscape of the islands.Last Seen: Feb 26, 2015
