Lost hikers airlifted from Koke‘e

KOKE‘E — A father and son who became lost while hiking in Koke‘e were airlifted to safety Saturday afternoon by Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Air 1.

The pair called 911 dispatch at 4:54 p.m., after hiking approximately three miles on what they believed to be “Ditch Trail” in Koke‘e, a county news release states.

The 49-year-old man and his 21-year-old son, visitors from Minnesota, were disoriented and unable to find their way back. The hikers had a GPS device and were able to relay their coordinates to dispatch, which aided in their rescue, the release states.

Air 1 left Lihu‘e Airport at 5:41 p.m. and was aided in the mission by Rescue 3 and Engine 7.

The hikers were located at 5:57 p.m. Rescue specialist Kilipaki Vaughan evacuated the pair using an Air Rescue Vest, the release states.

The hikers were uninjured and were returned to their vehicle following the rescue.  



