Hawaii Trail Rescue Highlights Safety
Firefighters airlifted an elderly visitor after a 30-foot fall on Hawaii's Kuilau Trail. The hiker was rescued and transported for medical care, serving as a reminder of trail safety basics — especially for unfamiliar or challenging terrain.
The Kuilau Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back path on Kauai, generally considered to have a moderate difficulty level with a gradual incline. Located near the Keahua Arboretum, the trail offers views of the Makaleha Mountains and Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth. While not as notoriously dangerous as the Kalalau Trail, Kuilau's primary hazard is significant mud, which can make the path extremely slippery even on days without active rain. The trail winds through dense rainforest, and hikers must contend with slick rocks and roots, which can lead to falls. Hiker rescues, particularly involving visitors, are a frequent occurrence on Kauai. The Kauai Fire Department's Air 1 helicopter is often dispatched for airlifts. In 2025, there were 73 rescues in the Kalalau area alone, the highest number in five years, with incidents ranging from ankle injuries to heat-related illnesses. Officials consistently warn that visitors underestimate Hawaii's trails. Dangers include rapidly changing weather, which can cause flash floods in streams and gulches, and the porous nature of volcanic rock, which can be unstable. Even on seemingly clear days, rain at higher elevations can turn stream crossings deadly. For safety, Hawaii's Division of Forestry & Wildlife urges hikers to assess their capabilities, check weather forecasts, wear hiking boots with good traction, and carry sufficient water. It is also recommended to hike with a partner, inform others of your plans, and carry a fully charged phone and a whistle to signal for help.
