July 18, 2025
Two hikers rescued in two days on Kauai’s Kalalau Trail after medical emergencies highlight the dangers of the Na Pali Coast hike.
Kauai firefighters responded to two separate hiker rescues on consecutive days last week along the Kalalau Trail, one of the island’s most iconic — and hazardous — hiking routes. The incidents, which occurred on July 15 and 16, involved two out-of-state visitors who required airlift evacuation by helicopter after experiencing medical emergencies on remote sections of the trail.
On Tuesday, July 15, rescue crews were called out around 10 a.m. to assist a 27-year-old visitor from Ohio who had sustained an ankle injury approximately 1.5 miles into the Kalalau Trail. The Lihue Fire Station team responded aboard Air 1 and located the injured hiker along the trail’s narrow and uneven terrain. Firefighters administered first aid on site before preparing the hiker for a short-haul evacuation to a nearby designated landing zone. The injured visitor was then transported by helicopter to Princeville Airport, where AMR paramedics assumed care.
The next day, on Wednesday morning, July 16, first responders were once again dispatched to assist a 53-year-old visitor who was reportedly in medical distress near Hanakapiai Beach. Firefighters located the individual near Hanakapiai Stream, about two miles into the Kalalau Trail. Due to the rugged and inaccessible nature of the location, crews utilized a short-haul rescue technique — a method where a person is flown beneath the helicopter on a fixed line — to extract the hiker from the beach and deliver them to the same nearby designated landing zone as the day before. From there, the individual was flown to Princeville Airport, where they were transferred to awaiting paramedics from American Medical Response (AMR) for further medical evaluation and transport.
These two incidents serve as a reminder of the Kalalau Trail’s challenging conditions and the importance of preparation, even for relatively short hikes along its early sections. The full 11-mile trail traverses the dramatic Na Pali Coast from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Valley and is known for its sweeping views, steep drop-offs, slick muddy paths, and rapidly changing weather conditions. The first two miles of the trail, from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach, is known as the Hanakapiai Trail.
Hanakapiai Beach, located roughly two miles from the trailhead, is a popular turnaround point for day hikers. However, the route to and from the beach is physically demanding, especially in hot or wet conditions. Emergency calls from this area and beyond are not uncommon, with injuries ranging from sprains and dehydration to more serious medical episodes.
Tips for Safe Hiking on the Kalalau Trail:
- Check weather conditions before setting out. Rain can make the trail dangerously slippery and stream crossings hazardous.
- Wear appropriate footwear with strong grip and ankle support.
- Carry plenty of water and electrolyte supplements. There is no potable water on the trail.
- Start early to avoid the midday heat.
- Don’t hike alone if you can help it. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in many sections.
- Know when to turn back. If you are feeling unwell, tired, or unsure of the trail, it’s safer to stop than to push ahead.
