Backpack at top of Hawaii lighthouse trail belongs to hiker who vanished, officials say

UPDATE: After three days of searching, the Honolulu Fire Department ended the search for the missing hiker on Wednesday, May 11, officials said.

A backpack found at the top of a Hawaii lighthouse trail belongs to a missing hiker, Honolulu officials said.

The Honolulu Fire Department received a 911 call Sunday, May 8, to help with a missing hiker near the Makapuu lighthouse in Waimanalo. Nineteen people rushed to help find the 23-year-old hiker, according to the fire department.

When officials arrived, they found only a backpack at the top of the trail. It belonged to the hiker. The man’s car was also found in a nearby parking lot, according fire officials.

CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department identified the missing man as Chase Ingalls. He was last heard from on Friday, May 6, according to a CrimeStoppers news release.

“He was possibly hiking at the Makapu’u lighthouse trail,” CrimeStoppers said. “His family and friends are very concerned for his safety and well-being.”

Ingalls’ mother told KHON 2 he visits the lighthouse trail often. His laptop, an empty water bottle, wallet and keys were found in his backpack, she told the news outlet.

A helicopter rescue crew scoured the area for the missing hiker. Rescuers on jet skis also searched for Ingalls, officials said.

“This was done multiple times to make the best use of waning daylight,” firefighters said in a news release. “The Coast Guard was also notified about this incident but did not assist with the search.”

The search stopped after about an hour because it was getting dark. The search was set to continue Monday, May 9. Officials did not disclose any additional information.

This story was originally published May 10, 2022 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Backpack at top of Hawaii lighthouse trail belongs to hiker who vanished, officials say."