Visitor Rescued after 40 Foot Fall at ʻĪao Valley

ʻĪao Valley rescue, 1/18/13. Photos courtesy of Captain Steven Thyne, Engine Company 1.

ʻĪao Valley rescue, 1/18/13. Photos courtesy of Captain Steven Thyne, Engine Company 1.

By Wendy Osher

A 57-year-old San Diego man was airlifted to safety after falling 40 to 50 feet down a cliff while hiking in ʻĪao Valley.

The incident was reported at 9:12 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 about 3/4 of a mile into a trail within the valley.

The hiker managed to crawl back up about 15 feet before realizing he was in trouble, and was able to gain the attention of two visitors in the area who heard him yelling for help, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

ʻĪao Valley rescue, 1/18/13. Photos courtesy of Captain Steven Thyne, Engine Company 1.

According to Department reports, fire crews from Engine-1 out of Wailuku hiked in to find the victim out of sight but within voice contact, and about 25-feet down the side of the cliff.

The man, who suffered minor cuts to his face and pain to his ribs, was airlifted out of the trail and escorted back to the parking lot by fire personnel, said FS Chief Mainaga.

The man was reportedly checked by Medics on scene, then drove himself to the emergency room at the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment.