October 2, 2025
A 31-year-old visitor from Wisconsin was rescued Thursday afternoon after suffering from heat stroke on the Kalalau Trail, one of Kauai’s most challenging and iconic hikes.
The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) received the call shortly after 4:35 p.m., dispatching personnel from the Lihue Fire Station aboard the department’s Air 1 helicopter. First responders located the distressed hiker near the 1.5-mile landing zone of the trail, where good Samaritans had already begun administering initial first aid.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, firefighters executed a short-haul operation, lifting the hiker from the rugged terrain to the Hanakapiai Stream landing zone. From there, the patient was secured and airlifted to Princeville Airport. Upon arrival, the individual was transferred to American Medical Response personnel for continued medical care.
A Reminder of the Trail’s Challenges
The Kalalau Trail, stretching 11 miles along the Na Pali Coast, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty but also for its strenuous conditions, including steep cliffs, intense sun exposure, and limited access to water. Thursday’s rescue underscores the importance of preparation, hydration, and awareness of personal limits when hiking Kauai’s remote trails.
SOURCE: County of Kauai
PHOTO: Kalalau Trail file photo by Kauai Magazine
