Kauai Fire Department rescue crews were pressed into action on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, conducting two separate aerial evacuations in one day – first from the remote coastline of the Na Pali Coast and later from a popular hiking trail in Kokee State Park.
The first emergency unfolded shortly after 9:15 a.m., when dispatchers received a call reporting a hiker in medical distress at Kalalau Beach. The victim, a male resident of Hanalei, was “allegedly” suffering from stomach issues who was unable to hike.
Personnel from the Hanapepe Fire Station, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, and Truck 7 responded. Air 1 reached the scene around 9:50 a.m. and airlifted the man to the Waimea Ballpark Landing Zone. Medics met the helicopter and provided further treatment.
Just hours later, shortly after 5:45 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to the Waipo’o Falls Trail in Kokee State Park following reports of a 44-year-old female visitor from California with an apparent ankle injury. Due to inclement weather conditions near the trail, Air 1 was forced to land nearby. Rescue personnel hiked in to reach the injured hiker and used a carry seat to assist her to the aircraft. She was flown to a designated landing zone and transferred to awaiting medics. The operation concluded by 7:20 p.m.
SOURCE: County of Kauai
PHOTO: Waipoo Falls Trail (Kauai Magazine)
