Hiker Airlifted, Suffered From Heat Exhaustion at “Commando Trail”

A 55-year-old man was airlifted from the area known as the “Commando Trail” in Kailua on Monday afternoon, after suffering from over exertion and heat, fire officials said.

The man was unable to traverse the steep and unstable terrain on his own due to exhaustion, and was airlifted to safety.

The department’s Air 1 helicopter was able to locate the man in an area estimated to be about a 30 minute hike up from the trailhead.

The man was airlifted out and delivered to awaiting medics at the trailhead for further treatment.

The incident was reported at 1:06 p.m. on Monday, July 29; and crews left the scene at 2:36 p.m. Crews responding to the scene included Engine 2 from Pāʻia, Rescue 10 from Kahului and Air 1.

The Maui Fire Department issued a reminder to everyone “to be in proper physical condition and properly equipped for the outdoor activities you are planning.”

“Be aware of the weather conditions, especially during the next week, as the chance of unstable and changing weather conditions increases with the two tropical systems passing through the area,” fire officials said.

Mountain rescue. File photo/graphics by Wendy Osher.