Kaua‘i Fire Helicopter Evacuates O‘ahu Hiker From Kalalau Trail November 19
Kaua‘i Fire Department rescuers airlifted a 40 year old O‘ahu resident from the Kalalau Trail after she reported ankle pain and an inability to self evacuate, according to a county press release. The incident illustrates the ongoing need for preparedness on rugged Nā Pali Coast routes and the coordination of island emergency services that protect residents and visitors alike.
Emergency crews from the Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to a call for help on the Kalalau Trail on Wednesday, November 19, rescuing a 40 year old female O‘ahu resident who said she could not hike out because of ankle pain related to a pre existing injury. Dispatch received a text to 911 message from the hiker at approximately 9 a.m., initiating an aerial response from Līhuʻe Fire Station.
Personnel aboard Air 1 departed shortly before 9:30 a.m. and located the hiker near the red hill landing zone. First responders found the woman ambulatory and able to walk, and she walked unassisted to the helicopter. In keeping with department safety procedures, rescuers escorted her into the aircraft. Air 1 then transported the hiker to Princeville Airport, where she was transferred to Princeville fire station personnel and American Medical Response. The woman declined any further medical care and the scene was cleared shortly after 11 a.m., the county release states.
The incident underscores the challenges of the Kalalau Trail, a demanding route along the Nā Pali Coast that draws local hikers and visitors. For Kaua‘i residents, the event highlights the value of available emergency tools, including the ability to send a text to 911 when voice calls are impractical or impossible in remote terrain. It also demonstrates the layered coordination among Līhuʻe responders, northern Kaua‘i emergency crews, and private ambulance services that together ensure timely care across the island.
Local officials routinely advise hikers to be mindful of pre existing injuries, to carry adequate supplies, and to plan routes with an eye to changing weather and trail conditions. While this rescue did not result in hospitalization, it is a reminder of the human and logistical costs associated with rescues on remote coastal trails. For residents who recreate on the island, the episode reinforces the importance of preparation and of knowing how to reach emergency services from locations where cellphone coverage may be intermittent.
The county press release included media contact information for further inquiries. As Kaua‘i continues to balance outdoor recreation with community safety, such coordinated responses remain a vital component of public safety and island resilience.
