Hiking can be a great way to get a workout while connecting with the great outdoors. However, it can also be quite the dangerous trek with nature being unpredictable. With the wild animals, steep climbs, random fellow hikers and other risk factors, it’s usually helpful to go with a group.
Sadly, one teen hiker found himself alone while hiking in Hawaii, and it was the last time he was ever seen. The last photo he ever sent may be the key to what happened to him.
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The teenage hiker went missing in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for some of the most beautiful scenic views in the world. From the weather to the water, there’s so much to enjoy. So, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for 18-year-old Daylenn Pua to want to go for a hike in 2015 up the popular Haʻikū Stairs in Oahu, which are also called the “stairway to heaven.”
While very positively reviewed, the now closed hiking path was recommended for experienced hikers.
Daylenn’s grandma warned him not to go
Daylenn was visiting his grandma when he decided to go for the hike. Despite his determination, she warned him no to go due to the danger.
The hike had a total of 3,922 steps, taking hikers to soaring heights through a great deal of physical exertion.
Daylenn had been texting his grandma throughout the hike
Throughout his journey, Daylenn texted his grandma pictures from his hike to keep her posted on his well-being and to enjoy the gorgeous views.
However, at some point, the teen stopped texting his grandma and was never seen or heard from again.
Rescue teams failed to find him
Despite their best efforts, rescue teams and search parties were never able to find the young man. They weren’t even able to recover his body or a sign of his presence.
One of Daylenn’s final photos has been a cause for added concern
One of Daylenn’s final pictures revealed an ominous figure crouching amidst the Hawaiian foliage. Cloaked in the greenery, it’s hard to tell if the figure is another person, an animal, or something else.
People have dubbed the figure as “the shadow man.”
Daylenn’s family asked for help identifying “the shadow man”
In a hopeful plea, Daylenn’s family asked the public to report any information they may have on “the shadow man” to CrimeStoppers. Unfortunately, their efforts were to no avail, and no answers have ever surfaced.
“The Shadow Man” may have nothing to do with the teen’s disappearance
While the figure of the crouching man is the biggest clue that investigators were able to salvage, it sadly may have nothing to do with what really happened that fateful day.
There were many possible culprits when it came to the tragic disappearance of the 18-year-old.
The Haʻikū Stairs were taken down in 2021
In 2021, the decision to dismantle the Haʻikū Stairs was made. Now, trying to use them was considered trespassing. The decision was less about the danger of the hiking destination and more about locals complaining about all the tourists crowding their neighborhoods.
Despite it being illegal and dangerous to climb in the area without the stairs, people still trespass and get arrested for trying to climb the height.
This teen’s story is a reminder to study hiking safety
While there’s no way to always guarantee a safe hike, this story may help remind future hikers to be mindful of the risks involved.
The US Forest Service recommends that hikers don’t go alone, stay on marked trails, keep a loved one updated on their journey, rest and stay hydrated, and wear the right clothing. There are even specific tips on what to do if you’re falling or encountering a dangerous animal.
