RESCUED: 5 Hikers Stranded at “Commando Trail” on Maui

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 5:41 a.m. 9/24/12)

Five hikers are safe this morning after they became stranded across a river in the Kaila section of East Maui.

Fire officials were set to resume the search at first light this morning, but received a call at around 8 p.m. from one of the hikers who informed authorities that a family friend familiar with the area hiked his way through and located an area of the river where it was safe to cross.

Authorities say the party of five was located by the family friend and led back safely with no injuries.

Last night at around 7 p.m., firefighters had decided to suspend the rescue until morning because of what was described as extreme river conditions in the area known as “Commando Trail” or “Bamboo Forest”.

(Posted: 9/23/12)

Rescue crews have advised five hikers stranded across the river in Kailua on Maui to hunker down for the night.

The rescue efforts were suspended at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 23, 2012, due to nightfall and treacherous conditions in the area known as “Commando Trail” or “Bamboo Forest”, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Mainaga said Engine 2 and Rescue 10 were dispatched to the incident, where they observed what was described as “extreme river conditions.”

He said the individuals are in communication via cell phone, and have been advised to stay in place for the night.

The rescue operations will resume at first light on Monday morning.