Paramedics took a hiker to the Queen’s Medical Center in extremely critical condition following a fall at the Koolau Summit Trail today.

The woman, 30, fell about 300 feet while hiking with two companions near an unsanctioned hiking area known as "The Notches," which is on the way to Konahuanui, said Capt. James Todd, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

Fire and rescue personnel first responded to the call about 10:15 a.m.

Todd said it took several hours to locate and then airlift the woman from the Honolulu side of the ridge to a landing in the parking lot of the St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center about 1:15 p.m.

The hike was in an extremely steep area, and the rescuers themselves were placed in a dangerous situation as they attempted to aid the hikers, Todd said.

Some hiking websites refer to Konahuanui as the two highest peaks along the Koolau Summit Trail. The book Place Names of Hawaii says the peaks are 3,105 and 3,150 feet high.