Distressed kayakers rescued from Uluwehi Trail Thursday

Published on March 20, 2026

LĪHU‘E  — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department rescued 19 Nevada visitors from the Uluwehi Trail on Thursday, March 19, 14 of which were minors.

All 19 kayakers from Nevada were successfully extracted and no injuries were reported.

“First and foremost, we are grateful to our Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel for their swift and professional response in safely rescuing all 19 kayakers. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic situation,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “At the same time, this incident serves as an important reminder that entering the water during severe weather conditions places lives at risk—not only for those in the water, but also for our first responders.”

Personnel from the Kapa‘a Fire Station, Rescue 3, KFD’s Highwater vehicle, and the on-duty Battalion Chief responded shortly after 2:15 p.m.

“We urge both individuals and businesses that facilitate outdoor activities to exercise sound judgment, take weather warnings seriously, and prioritize safety at all times,” added Mayor Kawakami. “Responsibility and preparedness are essential to protecting our community.”

According to a preliminary report, first responders arrived on scene and discovered the distressed group of unguided kayakers who had become stranded at the first crossing on Uluwehi Trail on the Wailua River.

Crews utilized the kayaks to transport the group across the swollen, fast-moving river and extricate them off the trail to Kamokila Village, where they were transported by KFD's new Highwater vehicle to Wailua State Park where the visitor's vehicles were parked. Department of Land and Natural Resources and American Medical Response personnel responded to support rescue efforts.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all islands of Hawai‘i beginning 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, through 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22. Residents and visitors are advised that significant flooding may occur due to overflowing streams and drainages, roads may be closed, property may be damaged in low-lying areas, and landslides are possible in steep terrain. Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, with the heaviest rain forecasted through Saturday for most islands.

For safety information and updates, the public is encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service and local authorities.

The scene was cleared shortly after 5:20 p.m.

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