October 17, 2025
Quick action by Kauai Fire Department (KFD) personnel helped rescue a 45-year-old Texas visitor in distress along the Kalalau Trail late Thursday afternoon, October 16, 2025, reports the County of Kauai.
According to officials, first responders received an SOS alert just before 5:45 p.m. from a hiker experiencing vomiting and severe cramping. The alert was sent via satellite phone from a remote section of the trail near Hanakoa Valley, one of the most rugged and isolated areas on Kauai’s North Shore.
Recognizing the risk of approaching nightfall, KFD and Air 1 personnel from the Lihue Fire Station made the critical decision to expedite an air rescue rather than attempt an overnight operation. Air 1 reached the scene and safely loaded the distressed hiker into the helicopter at the Hanakoa landing zone. The patient was transported to Princeville Airport for evaluation but declined further medical treatment upon arrival.
The Kalalau Trail, renowned for its beauty but notorious for its difficulty, continues to challenge even experienced adventurers. This latest rescue underscores the importance of preparation, caution, and respect for Kauai’s wild and unpredictable terrain.
(Kalalau Trail file photo by Kauai Magazine)
