A rescue operation unfolded on the Kamaileunu Ridge Trail in Waianae this past week after an injured hiker required emergency extraction. The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) swung into action following a 911 call that came in at 9:47 a.m. on January 11, detailing the incident involving two male hikers, both reportedly in their 30s. According to the HFD report, the pair had been hiking for around five hours when one of them sustained an injury, rendering him unable to make the trek back down alone.
The first responders arrived at 10:06 a.m., swiftly securing a landing zone to facilitate air rescue operations. Insertion of rescue personnel occurred by 10:34 a.m., as per the HFD, and a medical assessment of the stricken hiker swiftly followed. The rescue team prepared the victim for air evacuation, and by 11:00 a.m., both hikers were airlifted to safety, with the injured party being handed off to the care of Emergency Medical Services.
Throughout the ordeal, six units and 16 responders were engaged in the successful recovery effort. With all HFD personnel accounted for and no additional injuries reported.
