A woman in her 30s was rescued Sunday night after suffering a leg injury while hiking the Makaua Hidden Garden Trail in Kaaawa, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
HFD received a 911 call at 7:24 p.m. and responded with eight units staffed by 22 personnel. The first rescue unit arrived at 7:38 p.m. and hiked up the trail to reach the woman.
HFD personnel reached the hiker at 8:57 p.m., assessed her condition, provided basic life support and prepared her for extraction. HFD said she hurt her lower left leg while hiking.
Because of the trail’s terrain and thick vegetation, additional firefighters equipped with chainsaws were needed to clear a safe path for the hiker and rescuers.
The hiker was carried down the trail and turned over to Emergency Medical Services for medical care at 10:25 p.m.
A good Samaritan escorted the woman’s two companions off the trail at 9:24 p.m.
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A second HFD unit secured a nearby landing zone in case an air operation was needed, but it was ultimately not used.
All HFD personnel were accounted for and no firefighters were injured.
HFD reminded hikers to assess their fitness level, ability and experience against the trail they plan to hike.
“Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawai‘i, so pick one that suits your level.”