Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Russell Yoshida missing person case profile photo

Russell Yoshida Missing Person Case

Last seen in Waialua, Hawaii on Nov 23, 2009

Victim Details

Jul 4, 2020

Aug 12, 2020

Russell

Yoshida

69

53

66 inches

170 lbs

Asian

Male

Nov 23, 2009

Waialua

Hawaii

Honolulu County

96791

No

86537

Honolulu Police Department

Honolulu

Hawaii

Honolulu County

96813

Michael Garcia

Detective

801 South Beretania Street, Hawaii

8085293111

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.honolulupd.org

09-425733

Nov 23, 2009

Honolulu Police Department

8489

Black

Brown

Brown

Oct 9, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP71514) and 8 other sources
In the late afternoon of a Monday in November 2009, 53-year-old Russell Yoshida set out from Puuiki Beach in Waialua, Hawaii, for a solo fishing trip in his nine-foot yellow kayak. A familiar and comforting presence in the local waters, Yoshida was known by friends and family as a seasoned and cautious 'ocean man' who knew his limits. He was reportedly fishing for oio to bring to a party for visiting members of his church. As evening fell and he did not come back to shore, concern grew among those who knew him. He was last seen wearing a beige long-sleeved shirt and blue nylon shorts with a floral print. His failure to return from his fishing excursion off Kaimanu Place prompted a significant search effort as the Waialua community held its breath, hoping for his safe return.

An extensive search was launched by the Honolulu Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, covering an area the size of Oahu, from Hale'iwa to Mokule'ia. The search involved about 25 firefighters and Coast Guard personnel, utilizing helicopters, a 110-foot search boat, and a C-130 airplane. Despite their exhaustive efforts, Yoshida was not found. Searchers did, however, recover some of his belongings, including his paddle and fishing pole. A water bailer and water bottles believed to be his were also found in a pocket of debris near where he had launched his kayak. His kayak, a crucial element for survival in the open water, was never located. Friends and family, who held a vigil on the beach, were deeply surprised that someone with his extensive knowledge of the ocean could have run into trouble, describing his comfort in the water as being 'like walking in his backyard.'

The days that followed were filled with a painful blend of hope and despair for Yoshida's loved ones and the close-knit community. Described as a single father who lived with and cared for his mother, he was known as a reliable and generous man who went out of his way to help others. He was an active and dedicated member of the Haleiwa congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and many from the church, including visiting convention delegates for whom he was fishing, joined in the search and vigil. Friends recounted how he had taught them not only how to fish and dive in those very waters but also the importance of ocean safety. The official search was eventually called off as the possibility of survival dwindled. The case of Russell Yoshida remains an unresolved and sorrowful mystery, a story of a beloved community member who went out to enjoy the ocean he loved and never returned.
Last Seen: Nov 23, 2009

Links to Additional Sources (8)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs
  • Fire crews call off search for missing kayaker - Hawaii News Now
  • Search continues for missing North Shore kayaker on Oahu
  • U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for missing North Shore kayaker
  • Friends and associates join search for missing kayaker
  • Search for missing kayaker in Waialua continues - Hawaii News Now
  • Hawaii News Archive - Starbulletin.com - Honolulu Star-Bulletin ...
  • Russell Yoshida - Facebook

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    79%Possible
    John Doe — Honolulu, Hawaii - unidentified case UP12350
    John Doe — Honolulu, Hawaii
    UP12350 • Found Jan 30, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 85%Est. 55–75 vs 53 when missing
    Race 100%Asian
    Location 95%29 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 4 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'6"
    Weight 48%114 lb vs 170 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    Does anyone else think it’s strange that Russell Yoshida’s kayak was never found? I get that the... ...Read More
    06/17/2023

    Other Missing Cases from Waialua, Hawaii

    Bobbie Venenongsoth missing person case in Waialua, Hawaii

    Bobbie Venenongsoth

    Missing: Jul 21, 2013
    In the quiet, early morning hours of July 21, 2013, a sense of unease settled over a family farm in ...Read More
    Bobbie Venevongsoth missing person case in Waialua, Hawaii

    Bobbie Venevongsoth

    Missing: Jul 21, 2013
    In the quiet valley of Waialua, Hawaii, 30-year-old Bobbie Venevongsoth led a life deeply connected ...Read More
    Frank Ramos missing person case in Waialua, Hawaii

    Frank Ramos

    Missing: Feb 14, 1989
    In the community of Waialua on the island of Oahu, a profound sense of unease settled over the ...Read More
    Dayne Ortiz missing person case in Waialua, Hawaii

    Dayne Ortiz

    Missing: Nov 2, 2013
    Dayne Kawika Ortiz was 18 years old when he disappeared from the waters off Waialua, Hawaii, on ...Read More