Kaua‘i Rescuers Evacuate Injured Colorado Visitor from Waipoʻo Falls Trail

LĪHUʻE — On November 14, 2025, personnel from the Kaua‘i Fire Department responded to an injured 56 year old female visitor from Colorado on the Waipoʻo Falls Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park. Fire and emergency personnel provided initial stabilizing care at the scene before coordinating transport to receive additional medical attention. Authorities issued a public release thanking partner agencies that assisted in the rescue and reminding trail users to be prepared and to heed current trail advisories.

The Waipoʻo Falls Trail lies within one of Kaua‘i’s more remote state park areas, frequented by both residents and out of state visitors. While park terrain and weather can change rapidly, the prompt response by local first responders and cooperating agencies underlined the capacity of the island’s emergency system to reach hikers in difficult locations. No further details about the hiker’s condition were provided in the public release beyond that she was transported for additional care.

For Kaua‘i County residents and the steady stream of visitors who explore state park trails, the episode serves as a reminder of the stakes involved when hiking in remote terrain. Local agencies urged hikers to check trail conditions before setting out, to carry appropriate supplies and communications, and to notify authorities promptly if an incident occurs. These advisories carry practical import for families, guides, and recreation businesses that depend on reliable safety practices to protect both guests and the people who serve them.

The incident also underscores broader community implications. Kaua‘i’s search and rescue efforts rely on coordination among local departments and partner agencies, and rescues in remote park areas can draw on limited island resources. Effective preparation by trail users helps reduce risk to both themselves and to the emergency personnel who respond. For a community that hosts many visitors from the mainland and around the world, maintaining clear communications and accessible safety information is central to protecting lives and sustaining tourism that respects the island environment.

Officials did not release additional personal information about the injured hiker. As investigations and any follow up continue, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow updates from the Kaua‘i Fire Department and park authorities, to respect trail advisories, and to prioritize safety when recreating in Kōkeʻe State Park and other natural areas across the island.