Honolulu firefighters spent Christmas morning pulling off a high-angle rescue on the Koko Head Crater Trail, airlifting an injured hiker from the steep wooden stairs of the popular East Oʻahu route. Crews reached the woman on the exposed steps, secured her, and hoisted her into HFD’s Air 1 helicopter for a short flight to a nearby landing zone, where she was transferred to Emergency Medical Services.
How crews responded
Video from the scene shows firefighters lowering a stretcher from the helicopter while ground crews tend to what appeared to be a leg injury, according to Hawaii News Now. Firefighters climbed the trail’s steep stairs to reach the patient, stabilized her, and prepared a nearby landing zone so Air 1 could safely perform the hoist.
Timeline and airlift
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the department received a 911 call at 10:08 a.m. and dispatched six units staffed with 18 personnel. The first unit arrived on scene at about 10:18 a.m. The hiker, described by officials as a woman in her 40s, was evaluated and given basic life support on the trail before being hoisted into the helicopter and flown to the landing zone, where Emergency Medical Services assumed care at about 11:12 a.m.
A familiar spot for rescues and a reminder
The Koko Head Crater Trail has seen numerous rescues this year. The Honolulu Fire Department advises hikers to realistically assess their fitness, bring water, sturdy footwear, and a charged phone. Ground crews often secure landing zones while Air 1 handles extractions on busy days.
If you encounter an injured hiker or are injured yourself, officials advise calling 911 and waiting for trained rescuers rather than attempting a risky descent. The department notes that hoist operations are resource-intensive and that basic preparedness can prevent many air rescues.
