Dozens of hikers stranded overnight on far side of Hanakāpī‘ai Stream on Kalalau Trail

About 50 hikers were stranded overnight April 3 into the morning of April 4 on the far side of Hanakāpī‘ai Stream on the famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail along Nā Pali Coast on Kaua‘i’s North Shore after heavy rains during the day Thursday caused the stream to become unsafe to cross.

Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to reports of multiple hikers stranded Thursday morning.

Hanalei Fire Station personnel were dispatched just before noon to a report from the on-duty battalion chief that a large group of hikers was stranded on the trail.

Rescue personnel hiked in to assess conditions and provide support, arriving at the scene by just before 2:30 p.m.

Firefighters confirmed upon arriving that about 50 people were unable to safely cross because of the high stream levels.

No medical attention was required. Hikers were advised to shelter in place and wait for water levels to recede before attempting to cross.

Crews with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources remained on scene, with Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel on standby.

State officials confirmed about 50 individuals made it out of the trail Friday morning.

No injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu issued a flood advisory just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday for the North Shore, which included the Hanakāpī‘ai area, as radar indicated heavy rain falling at half an inch to 1 inch per hour in an area between Polihale and Kapa‘a.

The advisory remained in effect until 12:30 p.m. Thursday, warning the heavy rains brought the potential for flooding and even flash flooding in streams and low-lying locations in the advisory area.

Because of ongoing safety concerns and today’s weather forecast bringing the chance for additional wet weather, state officials closed the Kalalau Trail.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu also expect the wet weather to continue during the weekend over Kaua‘i.

“We strongly advise all hikers to avoid entering trail systems when inclement weather is in the forecast,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Flooding in stream areas can occur rapidly and without warning, putting lives at risk.”

If they do venture out, officials advise day hikers to take emergency supplies in case they need to shelter in place overnight because of adverse weather conditions.