Visitor rescued off Kalalau Trail after suffering apparent ankle injury

Personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department rescued an injured Illinois visitor off the Kalalau Trail on Aug. 20.

Firefighters from the Līhu’e Fire Station responded around 3:45 p.m. to a report of a distressed hiker on the Kalalau Trail, according to a press release.

Helicopter 2 also responded to the incident; however, due to weather conditions, Air 2 was unable to safely perform a short-haul extraction.

Air 2 arrived at the Kē‘ē Beach landing zone and dropped off three first responders to hike in and help.

Personnel from the Hanalei Fire Station also arrived and found the injured hiker a quarter mile beyond Windy Point with an apparent ankle injury, then quickly provided first aid.

The hiker was then rescued by personnel from Hanalei and Līhu‘e Fire Stations using a wire or plastic basket-style stretcher, also known as a Stokes litter and wheel.

The visitor was then taken to Kē‘ē Beach, where responsibility was handed over to American Medical Response for further treatment.

The scene was cleared shortly before 4:15 p.m.