Three injured visitors rescued by helicopter from Kalalau Trail

Three injured visitors were rescued Friday by helicopter from the famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail along Nā Pali Coast on Kaua‘i’s North Shore.

The trail was also closed at the time because of continued inclement weather conditions in the forecast.

First responders with Kaua‘i Fire Department and American Medical Response received a report at about 2:45 p.m. about several hikers in distress on the trail. Members of Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, personnel with Waimea Fire Station and an ambulance crew responded.

Seven hikers were located on Kalalau Trail upon the arrival of rescuers, who made two trips on Air 1 in inclement weather to transport the three injured visitors — one each from Germany, California and Canada — to a landing zone at Waimea Canyon Athletic Field.

All three hikers declined medical treatment from awaiting firefighters with Waimea Fire Station and personnel with American Medical Response.

The other 4 hikers also requested to be shuttled out by Air 1 but reported no injuries. Because of the bad weather and absence of life-threatening injuries, however, they did not require the assistance of Air 1 and hiked out.

Officers with Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement also responded to interview the hikers.

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

“Air rescues are complex, and when inclement weather is in the mix, that adds another layer of danger,” said Kaua‘i Fire 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.”

Kalalau Trail remains closed because of continued weather concerns.

Dozens of hikers had to shelter in place overnight Thursday along the trail after being stranded on the far side of Hanakāpī‘ai Stream after it became unsafe to cross following heavy rainfall.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu expect wet conditions to persist through the weekend.