A 51-year-old female hiker from Illinois was successfully rescued from Kaua‘i's Awawapuhi Trail this past Monday. The hiker sustained a leg injury while exploring the trail, prompting a swift response from local firefighters and rescue teams, according to a report by the Kaua‘i Fire Department.

Distress signals were reported to the Waimea Fire Station shortly after noon, leading to the deployment of first responders to the Kōke‘e area. Due to thick cloud cover, aerial support from the Air 1 helicopter was not feasible. As a result, rescue personnel proceeded on foot to reach the location and assist those in need.

Rescue 3 personnel, in coordination with Waimea firefighters, began their operation at a deliberate pace due to the nature of the terrain. They located the injured visitor at approximately 1:40 p.m., according to the initial report, and successfully carried the individual to safety.

The rescue team, accompanied by the injured hiker, reached the trail parking lot at 4:15 p.m., where the hiker was transferred to American Medical Response paramedics. They then transported her to Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital for further medical care. The mission was completed around 4:30 p.m., with the trail and surrounding area returning to normal.