August 25, 2025
A Kauai police officer is being praised for his extraordinary actions after carrying an injured hiker to safety along one of Hawaii’s most dangerous trails.
On the evening of July 22nd, 2025, Officer Matthew VanAken responded to reports of a missing hiker on the Kalalau Trail, a rugged and remote route along the island’s famed Na Pali Coast. Despite the fading daylight and hazardous terrain, VanAken trekked nearly a mile into the trail where he discovered the hiker, who was suffering from severe muscle cramping and dehydration. A Good Samaritan was already on scene offering support when the officer arrived.
Realizing the hiker could not walk out on his own, VanAken made the decision to carry him back to safety using the fireman’s carry technique—hoisting the man over his shoulders to navigate the steep and rocky path. For nearly a mile, he kept the hiker calm and reassured while making the difficult descent back to awaiting medical personnel.
Bodycam footage later shared on YouTube by the Kauai Police Department shows the intensity of the rescue, capturing the determination and composure that earned VanAken widespread recognition.
At a Kauai Police Commission meeting on August 22nd, 2025, VanAken was awarded the Police Commendation Medal, one of the department’s highest honors, for his selfless actions.
The Kalalau Trail, known for its breathtaking views and treacherous cliffs, is the scene of numerous rescues each year. Authorities continue to urge hikers to take extreme precautions, especially during the summer months when heat, dehydration, and challenging conditions can quickly overwhelm even experienced adventurers.
