Texas Man Rescued After Fall at ‘Iao Valley

‘Iao Valley, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui firefighters rescued a hiker from the mountainous terrain in ‘Iao Valley on Thursday night after he fell off the trail, authorities said.

The 19-year-old man from Texas was hiking with a group of about five young adults along the upper ridge trail, about two miles above the marked pathway, when the incident occurred, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Firefighters from Wailuku and rescue crews from Kahului responded to the incident shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013.

According to Mainaga, department crews hiked up and escorted the group to safety.

The injured man was treated by medics for injuries to his left leg and head. He later refused transport to the hospital and was released at the scene, officials said.