Kauai Fire Department personnel rescued a 54-year-old woman from San Diego on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 after she sustained an ankle injury while hiking the Hoopii Falls Trail during unstable weather conditions, reports the County of Kauai.
First responders were dispatched shortly before 11:15 a.m. after receiving a report of a distressed hiker. Crews from the Kaiakea Fire Station, an off-duty firefighter, and American Medical Response (AMR) worked together to aid the injured visitor.
Firefighters located the woman on the trail and found that she had fallen and appeared to have injured her ankle. She was stabilized, placed in a litter, and carried out of the area. AMR personnel then provided advanced medical care and transported her to Wilcox Medical Center for further treatment.
The rescue took place while the island was under a Flood Watch, which began Tuesday, April 22nd, and continued through the evening of April 23rd.
Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson thanked first responders and emphasized the dangers of hiking in poor weather.
“We are grateful to our first responders and partners for their work in rescuing this visitor during unstable weather,” Gibson said. “We continue to advise everyone to avoid outdoor recreational activities during these conditions. It can put yourself and our rescuers at great risk.”
Hoopii Falls, located near Kapaa, is a popular trail known for its two waterfalls and also for its slippery terrain, especially during heavy rain. Authorities remind both residents and visitors to monitor weather alerts and exercise caution when planning outdoor activities.
PHOTO: Hoopii Falls Trail (Kauai Magazine)
