Motorcyclist killed in early morning traffic collision in Puna

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle that occurred on South Glenwood Road in Mountain View early Tuesday morning.

Officers responded to the crash at 12:51 a.m. Through the course of their investigation, they learned that a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was traveling south (makai) on South Glenwood Road and was passing multiple vehicles in a ‘no-passing’ zone, according to a news release from Hawai‘i Island police. While traveling south in the northbound lane and approaching a blind hill, the motorcycle collided head-on with a 2014 Mazda four-door sedan that was traveling north (mauka) on South Glenwood Road.

The operator of the motorcycle, identified as Tyler Napoleon, 24, of Hilo, was taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 5:49 a.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver of the four-door sedan, a 43-year-old man from Volcano, was not injured in this collision.

At this time, it is believed that speed and reckless driving are factors in this investigation. Napoleon was not wearing a helmet, according to police.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing this investigation.

Anyone with additional information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 17th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 13 this same time last year.