November 14, 2025
A 56-year-old visitor from Colorado was airlifted to safety Thursday afternoon after suffering injuries along the Waipo‘o Falls Trail (Canyon Trail) in Kōke‘e State Park, according to Kaua‘i Fire Department officials.
First responders received the distress call shortly after 3 p.m. on November 13, reporting a hiker in need of urgent assistance deep within one of Kōke‘e’s most popular trails. At the time, members of the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s helicopter training cadre were conducting certification exercises with new Līhu‘e firefighters in Kekaha. The crew immediately broke from training and launched aboard Air 1 to respond.
When they arrived in the uplands of Kōke‘e, rescuers encountered challenging weather conditions, including low visibility and passing showers common to the area’s high elevation. The Air 1 pilot and rescue team elected to divert to an alternate landing zone to safely reach the injured hiker.
Once on the ground, firefighters provided initial medical care before loading the woman into the helicopter for transport. She was flown to the NASA landing zone near Barking Sands, where Waimea fire station personnel and American Medical Response were standing by. From there, she was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Her condition has not yet been released.
The Canyon Trail in Kōke‘e State Park is one of Kaua‘i’s most rewarding hikes, leading adventurers along the rim of Waimea Canyon with sweeping views of its deep red walls and emerald valleys. The trail winds through native forest, crosses streams, and eventually reaches the stunning lookout above Waipo‘o Falls. Though moderately challenging, the Canyon Trail offers an unforgettable mix of dramatic scenery and quiet mountain beauty, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors. However, its uneven terrain, slippery red dirt, and sudden weather changes mean that injuries can occur if hikers aren’t careful and properly prepared.
