Injured hiker rescued by KFD recruits from Uluwehi Trail Feb. 27
Published on March 06, 2026
LĪHU‘E — Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department Class rescued an injured 64-year-old female Illinois visitor from the Uluwehi Trail, also known as Secret Falls Trail, in Wailua on Friday, February 27.
According to a preliminary report, first responders received a report of an injured hiker shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday.
Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s 35th Recruit Class were conducting rescue equipment and techniques trainings on the trail and responded to the incident. Personnel from the Kapa‘a Fire Station also responded to the incident.
First responders were notified by dispatch that a person had fallen and struck their head, and that the individual would be brought down the river to Kamokila Village by kayak. Upon arrival, Kapa‘a Fire Station personnel did not locate the patient and conducted a search of the area, including identifying a suitable docking location. Kayakers traveling down the river reported they had not seen anyone injured. Shortly after, Kapa‘a Fire Station personnel were informed that Kaua‘i Fire Department recruits, who were training nearby, had located the female patient, packaged her in a litter, and transported her by canoe. Once at the shore, the recruits transferred the hiker to Kapa‘a Fire Station personnel who then transported the patient to American Medical Response personnel for further medical care.
The recruits conducted the rescue under the supervision of Training Bureau Captain Micah Mokuahi and training officer Firefighter I Levi Miyashiro before handing the patient over to Engine 2 personnel along the shoreline. Kapa‘a Fire Station personnel then transported the patient to American Medical Response personnel for further medical care.
“We are fortunate that our 35th Recruit Class was in the right place at the right time," said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Gibson. "I’m very proud of them and their training, quick thinking, and teamwork that ensured the hiker’s safety and reflect the dedication and spirit of service that define our department."
The Kaua’i Fire Department’s 35th Recruit Class includes Jason Kuwada, Elliott Leon, Clifton Oliver, Eric Oroc, Kyle Oswalt, Makana Shamblin, Ikaika Vidinha, Canaan Washburn.
The scene was cleared shortly after 12:05 p.m.
To view a video of this rescue, please visit the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Facebook page or the Kaua‘i Fire Departments Instagram page.
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