Visiting hiker dies at Wailua Falls

A Kaua‘i visitor died Saturday afternoon while hiking at Wailua Falls. Police identified the victim as 28-year-old Nicole Chavez of Chile.

Kaua‘i Police Department personnel received a call shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday about a lost hiker. A traveling partner of Chavez reportedly asked hikers nearby to assist with locating her after she didn’t return to the Wailua Falls lookout for two hours. Hikers made their way to the bottom of the falls and located Chavez, who was unresponsive.

Personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Department, including firefighters with the Līhu‘e fire station, Air 1, Rescue 3 and the on-duty battalion chief, assisted in recovering the victim.

Foul play is not suspected in Chavez’s death.

In the interest of safety, officials remind everyone that Wailua Falls is closed off to hiking. “No Hiking,” “No Trespassing” and “Danger” signs are posted in the area, advising the public.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, and Visitor Aloha Society of Kaua‘i, a nonprofit that provides emergency needs for visitors, are assisting the victim’s traveling partner.

The Kaua‘i Police Department is working with the Chilean Consulate of Honolulu and Los Angeles.