Kaua‘i Fire officials urge hikers to plan ahead after several rescues on Garden Isle trails

Several hikers were rescued from trails on Kaua‘i last week, prompting emergency personnel to remind people to exercise caution when crossing rivers, especially during times of heavy rain, which can lead to flooding.

The first incident occurred on March 10. Kaua‘i Fire personnel were called shortly before 9:25 a.m. after two female hikers were stranded on the Kalalau Trail. According to a press release from Kaua‘i County, the hikers felt ill and unable to continue due to the trail being washed out by recent rains.

Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 responded to the incident. When Air 1 arrived at the Kalalau Trail, crews spotted seven stranded hikers – including the two females – near the washed-out area. Due to strong winds, short-haul extractions were not possible.

The first two rescue flights were conducted, transporting four hikers to Princeville Airport while two responders remained with the remaining hikers.

Following a brief refueling, Air 1 returned to the trail, transporting the remaining hikers to the Kē‘ē Landing Zone. At approximately 1 p.m., Air 1 landed back at Līhu‘e Airport after completing four extraction flights.

The scene was cleared shortly after 1:10 p.m.

In the second incident, KFD personnel received a report at approximately 5:35 p.m. on March 15, of five stranded hikers across a river on the Makaleha Trail, with water rising rapidly.

Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 responded to the incident. While en route at 5:45 p.m., dispatch reported two additional hikers stranded further down the trail. However, the original group of five hikers managed to cross the river on their own, leaving only the two additional hikers in need of rescue.

Air 1 conducted a reconnaissance flight at 5:55 p.m., extracting the two hikers using a short-haul system set up at the water tank. While performing the initial extraction, rescue personnel were informed of an older couple struggling further up the trail. A secondary reconnaissance flight was conducted to locate the couple.

Upon finding them, they signaled they were OK and did not require assistance.

The scene was cleared shortly after 7:10 a.m.

“We urge everyone planning to hike on our island to exercise caution when crossing rivers, always carry essential safety gear, including flashlights and emergency devices, and remain aware of changing weather conditions,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Heavy rainfall and flooding can occur rapidly and significantly impact the integrity of the island’s trails.

“Rescue operations under these conditions are complex and add a layer of danger for outdoor enthusiasts and our first responders.”

Kaua‘i is currently under a flash flood watch until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The watch may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop. For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.