Distressed hiker rescued on Kalalau Trail Friday

Published on August 15, 2026

LĪHU‘E  — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department rescued a 26-year-old female New York visitor from the Kalalau Trail on Friday, August 14.

The incident was initially reported Thursday, August 13, shortly before 9:10 pa.m. However, as no life-threatening injuries were reported and Air 1 does not fly at night, the rescue was delayed.

“Our crews are always ready to respond when someone is facing a true emergency, but being tired, scared, or unprepared for the conditions on the trail is not, by itself, an appropriate use of emergency rescue resources,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Hikers need to know their limits, prepare for the conditions they may encounter, and make responsible decisions before heading into remote areas. Our rescue resources are limited, and using them unnecessarily can delay our ability to respond to someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency. We urge everyone to plan ahead, know their abilities, and only call 9-1-1 when there is a genuine emergency.”

According to a preliminary report, the hiker texted 9-1-1 Friday morning that her condition had worsened overnight. Rescue 3 aboard Air 1 responded to the incident shortly before 7:55 a.m. on Friday.

First responders arrived on scene at Kalalau Beach and discovered the distressed hiker with alleged dehydration. The distressed hiker was loaded into the helicopter at the Kalalau Beach landing zone, where they were taken to Princeville Airport. Upon landing, the hiker was transferred to American Medical Response for assessment. The hiker refused further medical care and was released.

The scene was cleared shortly before 10 a.m.

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