Man driving dirt bike dies in collision with car in Hilo

A man driving a dirt bike in Hilo was killed Wednesday night after colliding with a car, Hawaiʻi Island Police said.

At 10:24 p.m., police responded to a reported collision at the intersection of West Kawili and Kino‘ole Streets.

Investigators determined that a yellow and black Suzuki dirt bike was traveling west bound on West Kawili Street when it collided with a gray 2012 Nissan Versa four-door sedan operated by a 22-year-old woman from Hilo.

The sedan was traveling east bound and turning into a business parking lot in the 70 block of West Kawili Street at the time of collision.

Investigators believe speed was a factor in the collision.

Police say the driver of the dirt bike was unresponsive.

Police, fire and medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m.

The identity of the dirt bike drover is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his family. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. 

The driver and two passengers of the Nissan sedan were transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation.

A coroner’s inquest investigation has been initiated. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the fifth traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawaiʻi Island compared to nine at this time last year.