Two Women and Dog Airlifted from ʻĪao Valley

ʻĪao Valley rescue 9/10/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Two hikers and their dog were airlifted to safety this morning after becoming lost and spending the night in ʻĪao Valley, officials said.

The search was launched at 9:56 p.m. on Monday, when a friend reported the women overdue from a hike and located their vehicle in the locked parking lot at ʻĪao Valley State Park, said Maui Fire Captain Bram Denhaan from the Department’s Health and Safety Bureau.

According to Capt. Denhaan, a ground search for the two women, described as in their forties and from Kīhei, was conducted until midnight, and then suspended until first light today.

Crews aboard the department’s rescue helicopter located the women near a stream this morning and airlifted them, along with their dog, to the main parking lot, officials said.

“Although, cold and hungry, the hikers were not injured,” but the dog did have some minor facial scratches, said Capt. Denhaan.

No medical attention was required, officials said.

‘Iao Valley, photo by Wendy Osher.

ʻĪao Valley rescue 9/10/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

ʻĪao Valley rescue 9/10/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

ʻĪao Valley rescue 9/10/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.