Texas visitor rescued off popular Kaua‘i trail after suffering from reported exhaustion

A man visiting from Texas was rescued from the Kalalau Trail after suffering from reported exhaustion.

Personnel with Līhu‘e Fire Station aboard Air 1 responded to the incident shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Monday. First responders arrived on scene near Hanakoa and discovered the 59-year-old distressed hiker.

The visitor was loaded into the helicopter at the Hanakoa landing zone, where they were taken to Princeville Airport. Upon landing at Princeville Airport, the hiker was evaluated by American Medical Response and refused further medical attention.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson said feeling tired or fatigued is a normal part of hiking difficult trails and does not, on its own, require a helicopter evacuation.

The chief was also grateful the rescue ended without injury, adding every Air 1 operation carries inherent risks for the crews, particularly in challenging areas like Kalalau.

“When rescues are requested for situations that do not require medical attention, those risks become unnecessary,” Gibson said. “We ask hikers to know their limits, plan ahead, and exercise good judgment before calling for evacuation. Our priority is life safety, and we must ensure resources remain available for true emergencies.”

The scene was cleared shortly after 10:30 a.m.