A 57-year-old Kauai resident was airlifted from the Kalalau Trail on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, after a suspected spider bite led to a severe infection that left him unable to hike out on his own, reports the County of Kauai.
According to the Kauai Fire Department (KFD), dispatchers received a text-to-911 message at approximately 9:44 a.m. from the hiker, who reported that an infection from an apparent spider bite had rapidly worsened overnight. He stated that the affected area had become swollen and painful, and that he was experiencing fever and weakness — symptoms that made self-evacuation impossible.
Firefighters from the Lihue Fire Station, aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter, responded within minutes. Upon arrival at the Kalalau Beach landing zone, rescuers located the man, who was ambulatory but in visible distress. After conducting a medical assessment on scene, crews assisted him into the helicopter for transport to the Waimea softball field.
At the field, the hiker was transferred to awaiting Waimea fire station personnel and American Medical Response (AMR) medics, who then transported him to a nearby hospital for advanced treatment. The rescue operation was completed, and the scene cleared, shortly after 10:55 a.m.
While spider bites are rare along the Kalalau Trail, experts note that certain species found on Kauai — including the black widow and brown violin — can cause painful reactions and, in some cases, secondary infection if untreated. Health officials recommend hikers immediately clean and monitor any insect or spider bites, and seek medical attention if redness, swelling, or fever develops.
PHOTO: Kalalau Beach file photo by Kauai Magazine.
