December 6, 2025
A 65-year-old male visitor from Utah was rescued Thursday afternoon after being injured along the Kalalau Trail near Hanakapiai Falls, according to the Kauai Fire Department.
First responders received the emergency call shortly before 1:40 p.m., reporting an injured hiker in the remote area of the trail. Personnel from Lihue Fire Station responded aboard Air 1 to access the rugged terrain where the hiker was located.
Firefighters found the man near Hanakapiai Falls, where he had fallen approximately 10 feet. The fall resulted in a six-inch laceration to his head. Fire personnel immediately provided first aid at the scene and stabilized the hiker using a c-collar and full cervical spine precautions.
The injured man was then secured in a stokes litter and carefully transported to the nearest helicopter landing zone. He was airlifted to Princeville Airport, where he was transferred into the care of Princeville Fire Station personnel and American Medical Response.
AMR transported the hiker to a local hospital for further medical treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Waterfall areas are especially hazardous due to slick rock surfaces, sudden drop-offs, and fast-moving stream currents. Even when conditions appear calm, rocks can be extremely slippery and unstable, making falls a serious risk. Visitors are urged to wear proper footwear, move cautiously, and avoid climbing on wet rocks near waterfalls at all times.
Hanakapiai Falls is reached by a popular trail off the Kalalau Trail, branching inland after hikers reach Hanakapiai Beach. While the Kalalau Trail continues along the Na Pali Coast, the two-mile trek to the waterfall follows a stream through bamboo forests and requires multiple stream crossings, making conditions highly variable depending on rainfall.
