Ka'u Information Update for April 9th, 2020

Two lost out-of-state hikers rescued near Honu'apo Point in Ka'u Thursday afternoon (April 9th).

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) responded to a report of two lost hikers near Honuapo Point in Ka'u Thursday afternoon (April 9th).

The initial call came in 1:32 pm Thursday afternoon and HFD crews from the Pahala, Na'alehu, and Waiakea Fire Stations along with Battalion 1, Chopper 1, and HPD officers from the Ka'u Patrol responded to the scene located at Honuapo, Ka'u just east of Whittington Beach Park.

Upon the arrival of emergency crews, a 911 call came from the hikers (described as a male and female in their 60's, both from out of state) got lost while hiking on a rough coastal trail east of Whittington Beach Park and unable to hike back out to their vehicle. They were reported to be located in tall dense grass and also did not have water or supplies on hand during their hike. The male hiker was reported to be disoriented and suffering from heat exhaustion. Both hikers stayed put and awaited the arrival of emergency crews.

Once emergency crews arrived on the scene, HPD and HFD personnel located the hiker's vehicle parked fronting a locked gate off of Highway 11 and began a ground search in the area. HFD crews later located the hikers approximately 3/4 mile Northeast of Honu'apo Point and 100 yards inland off a dirt road in dense tall grass. Once located, HFD crews immediately conducted a medical assessment of both hikers, one of which was suffering from symptoms of dehydration/heat exhaustion and had to be extricated by Chopper 1 utilizing Billy Pugh Net to an awaiting HFD Medic.

HFD Medics then transported the male hiker to Ka'u Hospital in serious condition for further medical assessment and treatment.