Makawao Woman Riana Lee Killed in Kahului Motorcycle Crash
A 33-year-old woman from Makawao, identified as Riana Lee, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash on the evening of Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Kahului. The collision occurred around 5:20 pm at the intersection of Wahinepio Avenue and Keopuolani Parkway.
According to Maui police, Lee was riding a 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycle westbound on Wahinepio Avenue when a 2023 Kia Soul exited Keopuolani Park and turned eastbound onto the same road. Lee’s motorcycle collided with the front bumper of the Kia, causing the airbags to deploy and throwing her from the motorcycle. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and sustained critical injuries. She was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where she later died.
The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old woman from Kahului, and her 59-year-old passenger from Wailuku sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. This marks Maui County’s 13th traffic-related fatality in 2025, a sharp increase from eight fatalities at this point last year, and at least the third fatal crash this year involving a motorcycle or other open-framed vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle crash, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Motorcyclists Face Heightened Risk on Hawaii’s Roads
Motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable users of Hawaii’s roadways. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, riders are often exposed to the full force of collisions, making even low-speed crashes potentially fatal. Intersections are especially dangerous, where visibility issues and driver misjudgment can lead to deadly left-turn collisions like the one that claimed Riana Lee’s life.
The absence of a helmet in this case may have contributed to the severity of the injuries, but the root cause appears to be a vehicle turning into the motorcycle’s path, a common scenario in motorcycle accidents across the country.
“My heart goes out to Riana Lee’s family. We just spent the entire weekend at the Makawao Rodeo,” said Julia Bryant, an Upcountry-based attorney with Singleton Schreiber. “It breaks my heart to know someone in this community won’t have a loved one returning home after this tragedy. We are here to support local families through heartbreak like this, and to help them find answers and accountability.”
Legal Recourse for Families After Fatal Motorcycle Collisions
When a loved one is killed in a motorcycle crash due to another driver’s negligence, their family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help surviving family members recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of future income and financial support
- Emotional pain, suffering, and loss of companionship
Even when no criminal charges are filed, civil claims can still proceed. An experienced injury attorney can help investigate the crash, collect witness testimony, examine traffic and vehicle data, and hold negligent parties accountable.
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a preventable crash, don’t wait to get legal support. Contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your rights and legal options.
