Makawao Man Airlifted from 30-Foot Waterfall at Makamaka‘ole Gulch

Makawao Man Airlifted from Makamakaole Gulch in Kahakuloa. PC: 5.15.17 by Maui Fire Department.

Maui fire rescue crews responded to Makamakaʻole Gulch near Mile 8 of the Kahekili Highway for a male that was not able to climb back up a 30-foot waterfall.

The incident was reported at around 3:20 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017.

Wailuku firefighters arrived at 3:39 p.m. and met with the father of the 20-year-old Makawao man that was stuck at the bottom of the waterfall. The father said his son was too exhausted to climb back up the vertical rock face using only a rope.

The department’s Air-1 helicopter was used to lower a firefighter by rope to reach the man who was about a half-mile makai of the highway. After securing him into a harness, the man was airlifted to a landing zone on the Kahekili Highway where he was reunited with family members.

The man was uninjured and did not need medical attention.

A Wailuku engine and Kahului rescue crew responded to the incident.