Kauai Fire Department personnel carried out a high-risk air rescue on Friday, April 4th, 2025, successfully extracting three stranded hikers by helicopter from the Kalalau Trail during a bout of severe weather, reports the County of Kauai. Four other hikers were denied airlift.
The three hikers – visitors from Berlin, California, and Canada – were airlifted from the remote trail after emergency dispatchers received reports of distress around 2:45 p.m. Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, along with firefighters from the Waimea Fire Station and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel, responded to the incident.
Upon arrival, first responders located seven hikers near the Kalalau Trail Landing Zone. Despite deteriorating weather conditions, Air 1 made two trips to transport three hikers who appeared to have sustained minor injuries. The trio was flown to Waimea Canyon Athletic Field, where Waimea firefighters and AMR crews awaited. However, despite reports of injuries, all three declined medical treatment.
The remaining four hikers were uninjured and asked to be flown out as well. However, due to worsening weather and the non-emergency nature of their condition, officials determined that further air evacuations were not warranted.
“Air rescues are complex, and when inclement weather is in the mix, that adds another layer of danger,” said Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “These types of rescues should only be utilized during life-threatening situations. We continue to urge outdoor enthusiasts to avoid hiking during severe weather, as it can put them and our first responders at risk.”
The National Weather Service has forecast continued wet weather through the weekend. The Kalalau Trail, which was officially closed on April 4th due to hazardous conditions, remains closed until further notice.
As always, visitors and residents are urged to check weather forecasts and trail conditions before venturing into Kauai’s backcountry.
TOP PHOTO: Kalalau Trail (Kauai Magazine)
