Two hikers, forced to spend the night on a ridge above Laie, were airlifted off the mountain Monday morning by the Fire Department Helicopter.

Capt. Gary Lum, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman, said the helicopter took the man and woman, both in their 30s, off the ridge at 6:45 a.m. Monday and taken to a landing zone on Poohaili Street. The two refused medical attention and were released.

Lum said the two were part of party of five hikers who started out at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. After reaching Laie Falls the two struck out on their own.

The three other hikers finished their trek at 1:30 p.m., Lum said, and waited until 4:30 p.m. before they called the fire department when the pair did not show up.

The Fire Department’s helicopter was able to make visual contact with the couple at 5:30 p.m.. However, clouds set in and fire rescue personnel were unable to pick them up, Lum added.

Lum said the rescue attempt resumed at first light Monday morning.