Three hikers rescued from Kalalau Trail on Friday

Published on April 05, 2025

KALALAU—Kaua‘i Fire Department firefighters rescued three visitors from the Kalalau Trail on Friday, April 4. The hikers were from Berlin, California, and Canada.

"Air rescues are complex, and when inclement weather is in the mix, that adds another layer of danger," said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. "These types of rescues should only be utilized during life-threatening situations. We continue to urge outdoor enthusiasts to avoid hiking during severe weather, as it can put them and our first responders at risk."

First responders received a report of several hikers in distress shortly after 2:45 p.m. on Friday.

Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, personnel with the Waimea Fire Station, and American Medical Response responded to the incident.

According to a preliminary report, rescuers discovered seven hikers at the Kalalau Trail Landing zone.In inclement weather conditions, rescuers made two trips on Air 1 and transported three hikers with apparent injuries to a landing zone at Waimea Canyon Athletic Field to awaiting firefighters from the Waimea Fire Station and AMR personnel. All three visitors declined medical treatment.

The four other hikers did not report any injuries and requested to be shuttled out via Air 1. However, due to inclement weather and the absence of life-threatening injuries, Air 1 was not required for these individuals. 

Department of Land and Natural Resources personnel from the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement were on scene to interview the hikers.

The National Weather Service has forecast wet conditions to persist through the weekend. Kalalau Trail was also closed on April 4 and remains closed due to the weather. 

The scene was cleared shortly before 5:15 p.m.

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