Kauai firefighters on Monday morning rescued a distressed hiker from the Kalalau Trail.

The hiker, a 59-year-old visitor from Texas, reported exhaustion and called 911 for help. The Kauai Fire Department responded shortly after 9:30 a.m. with an Air 1 helicopter from the Lihue station.

Firefighters found the distressed hiker near Hanakoa and airlifted him to a nearby landing zone, where he was then taken to Princeville Airport. American Medical Response evaluated the hiker at the airport, but he declined further medical attention.

“We are thankful this rescue ended without injury, but every Air 1 operation carries inherent risks for our crews, particularly in challenging areas like Kalalau,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson in a news release. “Feeling tired or fatigued is a normal part of

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