Family Offers Reward for Missing Hiker

A desperate search is underway on the Hawaiian island of Maui for a 35-year-old experienced hiker who went for a hike on Wednesday and didn't return. The family of Amanda Eller is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her safe return, reports Maui News. Eller went out on the Kahakapao Trail, which is filled with ravines and heavy thickets, and authorities found her vehicle at a trail parking lot on Thursday with her phone and other belongings inside, reports ABC News. That she left her phone in the car isn't unusual, says friend Sarah Haynes, because Eller liked to "unplug" on her hikes. Eller is a physical therapist who teaches yoga on the side.

“Generally speaking, it’s highly likely she’s lost or injured in this forest and it's equally as likely that she was intercepted by someone in the parking lot or on her run,” says Haynes. “As the days go by, and more and more people are in the forest, we get closer and closer to foul play.” Family and friends have put out a call to those experienced with hiking in the area to lend their expertise. A Facebook page devoted to the search is here. Eller's boyfriend was the last person reported to have seen her, on Wednesday, but friends say he is not a suspect. (More Maui stories.)