Safety Officials Urge Caution Following Rescue of a Dozen Hikers

Maui fire crews rescued a total of 12 hikers who were trapped by rising waters in the “Bamboo Forest” trail area in Kailua on Friday afternoon.

At around 4:26 p.m., six victims called 911 reporting that they needed emergency assistance due to rising waters along the trail, according to a press release from the Maui County Fire Department.

Once on the scene, bystanders at the trailhead then notified safety crews that another two hikers went missing on the trail. After interviewing the initial group of victims and others in the area, crews learned that another four victims were missing.

MFD personnel were able to safely airlift all 12 hikers.

No injuries were reported. According to the release, the hikers were a “mix of residents and visitors.”

Safety officials concluded that high waters prevented hikers from returning to the trail.

In light of the incident, MFD is reminding hikers to “be aware of the possibility of changing weather conditions any time they go hiking, and to plan and equip themselves accordingly,” an MFD email read.

“While it may not be raining in the area you are hiking, rains at higher elevations may cause water levels in streams to rise quickly.  If water levels rise, please stay put and wait for safer conditions or call 911.”

MFD is also urging hikers not to cross swollen, flooded streams or swift moving water.