121 trapped hikers rescued on Kauai
Some of the 121 hikers rescued from a Na Pali trail Monday on the island of Kauai. Fire rescue crews responded to the area at about 4 p.m. Sunday after rains caused a rapid stream rise and prevented the hikers from crossing.
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai was closed until further notice after the Kauai Fire Department rescued more than 100 hikers who were trapped by rising stream waters in Hanakapiai on Kauai's Na Pali Coast.
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The state Department of Land and Natural resources has closed the Kalalau Trail at the Kee Beach trailhead until further notice.
Hanakapi'ai Stream: A rescue lifeguard tube, which normally sits well above ground level, now floats above a raging Hanakapi'ai Stream.
The Kauai Fire Department rescued more than 100 hikers who were trapped by rising stream waters in Hanakapiai on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
Fire rescue crews responded to the area at about 4 p.m. Sunday after rains caused a rapid stream rise and prevented the hikers from crossing.
The fire department’s Air 1 and rescue crews were able to get 23 hikers across the stream before darkness set in, according to Kauai County officials. Several children were among those rescued including an 18-month-old boy and a 12-year-old boy who was swept in the swift waters, according to the fire department. The boy was able to climb onto rocks from the water and remained stranded there for over four hours until rescuers arrived.
Two rescue specialists stayed overnight with the remaining 98 hikers until first light Monday morning, when all were flown to safety, according to county spokeswoman Sarah Blane. Four people were transported at a time from about 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
No injuries were reported.
Due to the dangerous conditions, the state Department of Land and Natural resources has closed the Kalalau Trail at the Kee Beach trailhead until further notice.
