LIHUE – Officer Matthew VanAken was honored for his selfless response during a rescue on the Kalalau Trail at the Kauai Police Commission meeting on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.

On the evening of July 22, 2025, at approximately 7 p.m., Officer VanAken was flagged down by individuals reporting a missing hiker on the Kalalau Trail. Without hesitation, he proceeded to the trail to begin searching for the hiker.

Despite the onset of nightfall, Officer VanAken hiked nearly one mile into the steep and precarious terrain of the Kalalau Trail. Upon locating the distressed hiker, he found that a Good Samaritan bystander was already on scene offering assistance.

Officer VanAken assessed the hiker, who was showing signs of severe muscle cramping and dehydration, and decided to carry him to safety using

See Full Page