Missing Bicyclist Found Safe After Air Search Near Polipoli

Air Rescue Maui, graphics by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A visitor from Seattle Washington was found safe on Thursday night after becoming lost and disoriented while bicycling near Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area on Maui.

The 34-year-old man was making his way down the Skyline Trail at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, when firefighters launched a ground and air search for reports of a lost bicyclist, department officials said.

An engine company from Kula and Air-1 with Rescue 10 personnel from Kahului searched until darkness with no success, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

The engine crew continued to search into the night and made audible contact with the man at around 7:30 p.m., said FS Chief Mainaga.

Department officials say the man was found at 8:30 p.m., brought back to Polipoli Sate Park by 9 p.m., and did not require any medical attention.