Fire rescuers are waiting for the heavy cloud cover over the Koolau mountain range above Hauula to lift so operations can resume this morning to help two hikers stranded overnight on a ridgeline trail.

Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman, said the two men began their hike near Laie Wednesday morning and when they got into trouble on a ridgeline trail. The hikers called the fire department for help by cell phone at 3 p.m.

Rescue personnel, assisted by the department’s helicopter, were hampered by gusty winds and dense cloud cover and suspended operations at 6 p.m.

Seelig said the two men both have cell phones and communication was re-established this morning.