Helicopter Crew Airlifts Injured Visitor From Waipoʻo Falls Trail

LĪHUʻE — A coordinated air and ground rescue on November 13 removed an injured hiker from a popular but rugged trail in Kōkeʻe State Park, county officials reported. First responders received a report of a distressed hiker shortly after 3 p.m., and personnel from the Kauaʻi Fire Department located and treated the 56 year old female visitor from Colorado before transporting her to a local hospital.

The Kauaʻi Fire Department’s helicopter training cadre was conducting certification training in the area and responded aboard Air 1. Adverse weather at the scene required the crew to use an alternate landing zone. The team administered initial first aid on site and then airlifted the hiker to the NASA landing zone. She was transferred to Waimea fire station personnel and American Medical Response for ground transport to a local hospital. The incident scene was cleared shortly before 4:10 p.m., according to a county media release.

The rescue underscores both the challenges of search and rescue in the northwest region of Kauaʻi and the value of ongoing training and interagency coordination. Kōkeʻe State Park offers steep terrain, dense vegetation, and rapidly changing weather conditions that can complicate evacuations and medical response. Having a helicopter training cadre already operating in the area allowed crews to mobilize quickly and adapt to difficult conditions, improving prospects for a timely evacuation.

For Kauaʻi residents and visitors, the incident is a reminder of the risks on backcountry trails and the need for preparedness. Trail users should check weather reports and park advisories before hiking, carry appropriate gear and communications, and inform others of planned routes and expected return times. Reliable access to emergency services matters for local families and for the island economy, where outdoor recreation draws visitors who may not be familiar with island conditions.

The county response also highlights resource sharing among emergency units, with air crews, local fire stations, and private ambulance services working together. Continued investment in training, equipment, and public education about trail safety can reduce the frequency and severity of such incidents. Authorities did not release additional medical details about the hiker, and hospital status was not provided in the media release. The quick resolution of the event and the clearing of the scene by mid afternoon reflects the readiness of Kauaʻi emergency teams to respond to incidents across the island.