Hikers Rescued After Spending Night at Maui’s Commando Trail

By Wendy Osher

Two brothers were rescued this morning after spending the night on an inaccessible ridge on a trail in East Maui.

The Maui hikers, ages 17 and 27, were reported missing at around 9:30 last night (Sunday), when they failed to return home after a hike on the Commando Trail above Kailua along the Hana Highway.

Engine 2 from Paia and Rescue 10 from Kahului responded to the scene at 10 p.m., and made voice contact with the parties just before midnight.

Wet conditions combined with steep terrain and darkness made the search too difficult and dangerous to continue, according to Maui Fire Service Chief Lee Mainaga.

The parties were advised to seek shelter and stay in place until daylight.

Air-1, along with rescue personnel resumed the search early this morning.  The two hikers were taken to safety by 7:20 a.m., and required no medical attention.