The Kauai Fire Department rescued 32 stranded hikers on the Na Pali Coast after rapidly rising waters made Hanakapiai Stream become impassable.
At about 5 p.m. Wednesday, a hiker who crossed the stream headed to the trailhead of the popular Kalalau Trail and called to alert the Fire Department of the stranded hikers. A rescue crew aboard the department’s Air One helicopter shuttled the 32 hikers to a landing zone at Kee Beach by nightfall.
No injuries were reported, according to a news release from the Fire Department.
Other rescues involving a large number of hikers have occurred at Hanakapiai in recent years after they ran into similar trouble.
In April the Fire Department spent two days rescuing 121 hikers after treacherous conditions prevented them from crossing the stream.
Among the hikers was a 12-year-old boy from Salt Lake City who was swept in by rushing waters but managed to grab onto a tiny ledge. He pulled himself up and remained there until rescuers arrived.
That was one of the largest rescue operations on Kauai.
In February 2013 lifeguards and firefighters rescued more than 50 hikers in the area. Norka Villacorta, 43, of New York died after she attempted to cross Hanakapiai Stream before rescuers arrived. Her body was recovered downstream.
The state closes Kalalau Trail when flash flood watches or warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. When the stream water rises rapidly, however, the state does not have the opportunity to warn hikers or close the trail in advance.
Deborah Ward, spokeswoman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said hikers are urged to stay on high ground and not attempt to cross the stream should they encounter strong, rapidly rising water.
Kauai Fire Battalion Chief Jason Ornellas recommended that hikers stay up to date on weather conditions.
"They really need to update themselves on the weather forecast and monitor the weather conditions because out there the weather conditions can deteriorate rather quickly and there is no communication as far as cellphone reception."
There have been times, Ornellas said, when hikers contacted the Fire Department via their personal satellite phones when they ran into trouble. Hikers are advised to "shelter in place" — that is, stay put — until rescuers arrive, or wait until stream waters subside before crossing.
"It’s a constant, ongoing issue," he said of hikers who become trapped in the valley.
The Fire Department works with the Division of State Parks to close Kalalau Trail when dangerous weather conditions occur.
"If we see the weather is going to be problematic, we close it," said Ornellas.
He recommended hikers carry a pack with water, snacks, a light source, emergency blanket and insect repellant. Adequate footwear with good traction is also a must.
For more information and safety tips for Kalalau Trail, go to 1.usa.gov/1E73C9z.
