Beneath the beauty of hiking in Hawaii lies a harsh reality. While it’s one of the top experiences for visitors and residents alike, the trails often conceal hidden dangers. For many unfamiliar with the terrain, what appears to be a scenic moderate walk can quickly become a deceptively dangerous adventure.
In just the past few days, one hiker lost his life, and three others were injured across different islands. These latest incidents highlight ongoing concerns about hiking safety, the risks of unfamiliar terrain, and whether Hawaii should consider changes to its rescue policies.
Recent incidents underscore hidden dangers.
On Maui, a 49-year-old man died after falling 60 feet from a waterfall near Hana Highway. According to officials, he was hiking with friends when he lost his footing. Due to the remote location, emergency responders had to extract him by helicopter. He was found dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, on Kauai, a 78-year-old visitor from Alaska collapsed on the Sleeping Giant Trail. Fellow hikers performed CPR until first responders arrived. He regained consciousness and was airlifted for medical treatment.
BOH editors have hiked the same trail countless times. What starts out as a relatively tame walk includes some very challenging parts. In addition, we once got off the trail and found that we were scampering up an extremely steep hillside until we found our way back.
These incidents are in addition to Sunday’s report from the Honolulu Fire Department of its response to injured hikers at the Sacred Falls Trail in Punaluu. Officials said that husband and wife hikers who were visiting from California, aged 60’s, were hiking on the trail when they received multiple unspecified injuries and couldn’t continue on the trail on their own. The couple was airlifted by a rescue helicopter to a nearby landing pad where Honolulu Emergency Medical Services could conduct their medical care.
Read: Bad Hawaii Travel Advice Turns Life-Threatening.
These rescues brought the total to three and one fatality in just a matter of a couple of days. While each case is unique, they all reinforce the same message—Hawaii’s trails demand respect and preparation.
Why Hawaii’s trails can be so deceptively dangerous.
Hiking trails in Hawaii often appear more accessible than they are. Even well-marked paths that start easily can quickly become hazardous due to steep drop-offs, loose rocks, mud, sudden weather changes, and hidden erosion.
Some trails, like Sleeping Giant, are popular among visitors who may not realize the physical demands or potential risks. Others, such as waterfall hikes, attract people looking for that perfect Instagram photo without recognizing the dangers of slippery rocks, rogue waves, and strong currents.
A frequent challenge is that many visitors arrive in Hawaii unfamiliar with its unique conditions. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and flash floods can add to the problem, turning a casual hike into a life-threatening situation in minutes.
One resident put it: “These trails—if you’ve never done them before—can be deceiving.”
Should Hawaii start charging for rescues?
Beyond the immediate dangers, these incidents also renew the debate over whether Hawaii should require reimbursement for emergency rescues. With more than 1,000 hiking rescues occurring each year, the cost to taxpayers is significant.
Some states, including New Hampshire and Colorado, have adopted policies where reckless hikers—or those who ignore warnings—can be charged for their rescue. Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law” fines those who drive into flooded areas and need extraction.
In Hawaii, lawmakers have repeatedly considered similar legislation. A recent proposal suggested requiring payment in cases where hikers trespass on closed trails or disregard safety warnings. One official stated, “We cannot keep inundating our emergency services due to recklessness by those unwilling to stay within their limits.”
Reader reaction to this issue has been mixed. Some argue that people should be responsible for their choices, while others believe charging for rescues could lead to more fatalities if people hesitate to call for help.
One BOH commenter said, “If someone ignores a ‘keep out’ sign and gets stuck, they should absolutely pay. But if it’s just an accident, should we punish them for needing help?”
Another visitor countered: “Why should taxpayers foot the bill for tourists making bad decisions? Hold people accountable.”
Solutions beyond rescue fees.
While the debate continues, others suggest that Hawaii could improve safety in different ways.
One common complaint is that many trails lack clear difficulty ratings and related markers. Unlike some parks, where hikes are categorized by skill level, Hawaii’s trails often have little guidance on what to expect.
Another issue is trail maintenance and proper signage. Popular locations, such as Queen’s Bath on Kauai, have warning signs, yet visitors continue getting swept away by rough surf. Some suggest stronger enforcement or more visible warnings.
Others believe Hawaii should follow places like New Zealand, which requires visitors to watch a safety video before hiking certain trails. A short orientation at popular trailheads could help visitors make more informed choices. It’s a novel approach.
A growing problem with no easy fix.
Hiking incidents in Hawaii aren’t new, but the frequency of alarming rescues and worse raises ongoing questions about safety, responsibility, and what should change—if anything.
As one reader put it: “Hawaii isn’t Disneyland. People need to take personal responsibility, but the state also needs to make dangers clearer.”
With more visitors arriving each year and social media pushing people toward risky hikes, the problem will not likely disappear. The question remains: should Hawaii focus on prevention, tougher penalties, or leave things as they are?
What do you think? Should hikers be required to pay for rescues, or is that an unnecessary risk? Let us know your thoughts.
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Wait, Sacred Falls trail is open after the long-past Mothers Day rockfall disaster? Nevah wen heard about reopening.
Colorado went through this, where tourists would try to climb a 14,000 ft mountain in tennis shoes and hoodie. So a big educational campaign targeted all travel sites to help people understand the dangers. It’s almost too much information but seems to work and rescues have gone down.
I’ve also observed that Hawaii’s trail system is categorized different than other places – Hanakapi’ai Beach trail was listed as moderate but in reality it should be considered difficult due to variable conditions listed in the article.
I can think of other things that the people of Hawaii would want to spend their money on, Schools, Libraries, Courts, Police & Fire departments and Roads. Much better choice than ignorance.
We’ve been visiting Hawaii annually for 25 years, and we learned early on (the hard way) that what might be called a moderate trail in Hawaii equates to a difficult or hard trail in most other places – due to all the conditions mentioned in your article. We were in our mid/late 40s at the time, very fit, and this was a little ego-bruising! Now in our early 70s, we don’t even attempt a lot of hikes, and we’re extra careful even about those marked “easy” on All Trails. The state does a terrible job of marking trails and designating their difficulty, so anything they can do to improve in that area is needed. And anything that can more clearly and helpfully warn people of the dangers is needed, because it IS different in Hawaii. Also a shout-out to The Snorkel Store in Maui that provides a daily online snorkel report that is incredibly helpful for both first-time visitors and old-timers like us.
Residents and tourists
who take medications should check the side effects. Some medications may hinder perspiration and some may hinder heart rates or do both(!), which can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke can lead to confusion, falls, heart problems and possibly death. Some accident and medical rescues may actually be caused by side effects of medications.
Two things, do a better job of marking trails and warning people, but also charge for the rescues, especially for trespassing and trails well marked. People need to be held accountable.
The Kahekili Hwy on Maui is a terrifying road to drive- sheer mountain cliffs on one side and a bottomless drop off on the other. This one lane road is downright dangerous and should be clearly labeled as such. It’s not! We’ve driven on lots of one lane roads but this one is in a class by itself. It makes the road to Hana look like a freeway in comparison.
With the sheer number of visitors over a year (about 10 million?) there will be stories like these. The state should maintain the rescue policy. If you try to impose payment, lawyers will look for relief from the deepest pockets…property owners; which in many cases is the state. Hiker/recreation education is the best way to cut down on incidents. But because fallible humans are involved, they can never be eliminated. PS: It sounds like you have a better chance of being bitten by a shark than seriously injured on a trail.
Switzerland has a great system for their trails. And trails are very well marked. I believe we should post signs at trail heads with any warnings that people should be aware of. If someone gets injured through no fault of their own, we could cover it. But if they ignore the warnings and are looking for that Darwin Award, then they should pay. I don’t see why I, as a tax payer, should be responsible for someone’s ignorance.
Every state, not just Hawaii, should charge for rescue services. Many people who are not equipped physically, or with any kind of emergency supplies, often go on hikes they shouldn’t. It amazes me that people will go on a hike in states like Arizona, New Mexico etc during high heat days without enough water, or start the hikes in the afternoons.
Yes they should charge for rescuing hikers and people who ignore posted signs…. people need to be reasonable for their actions that endanger first responders, rescue teams , and other hikers, and the citizens of Hawaii,
People need to know their limitations, your over 60 or younger, you don’t usually hike , yet your out hiking the islands terrain , unprepared, not physically capable, or coming to the islands snorkeling or diving, when you never have done it before, our you think your a pro ….
Time to make people accountable for their actions….
Yes make them pay , it should not be the tax payers the citizens responsibilyt or duty to pay for other people’s irresponsibility and carelessness….. respect the islands and its people…….
Mahalo
I thought Sacred Falls was closed? If that is the case, not only should those people pay for the rescue, but they should have been ticketed. And whatever the fine is, add another $500 for stupidity! At some point in life, people have to be responsible for their actions. And 78 years old it to old to hike rugged trails. I hike from Hale Koa hotel to Kalakaua street. Enough challenges for me with the poor side walk. 🙂
I think that if there are clearly marked, signs, like “trail closed” or “No swimming due to strong current or shark sighting”, that people should be charged. I like the idea of videos or trail info posted at sights, and for those that simply fall and get hurt, we should save them at no cost. It is those that ignore the warnings or do nothing to familiarize themselves with the imminent dangers of trails, hikes, waterfalls, etc. that should be charged. Airlines should also be required to play videos before landing explaining the safety of being on the island: Don’t walk on reefs, stay away from seals and turtles, pay attention to signs and abide by them, and Never turn your back to the ocean. Educate yourself on rips and current before going into the water.
Again this isn’t just a Hawaii issue, no this is we left our common sense at home mind fog vacation problem. That’s if they had any common sense to begin with.
California’s Yosemite comes to mind where routinely hikers fall to their death from Angels Falls or wade into a fast moving river and drown. Rescues there are off the charts.
And don’t tell me that Hawaii isn’t marketed like Disneyland when there’s activities that mimic almost everything a Disney Park offers plus there’s a Hawaiian Disney Park, Aulani .
I think it is very sad someone collapsed at Sleeping Giant. I used to hike it every day after work when I lived just a block away from the Lokelani trailhead. I went to the Respect Bench and back, for exercise and spiritual nourishment. I am also so sad for folks falling from cliffs, or that go up NaPali and freak-out. Of all things, I would want my tax dollars going to helping them. Especially when so much go to other things that I totally disapprove of and have no say. I believe the Warning Movie idea is great idea, if done well. Not to scare people, or fill them with confusion, but to really be kind about it and factual. Not to harp on cost of rescue, but to express maybe what goes into a rescue. I would certainly put one in any vacation rental, Maybe mix it up with Scenic shots, fun things to do, etc, and then a very pertinent portion given to what to do in a hurricane emergency, water safety and about the hiking here.
Television with Magnum,Five-0, and such always shows footage of themselves being on some cliff or dirt road into who knows. Even the new show High Surf does the same. Visitors alike believe if these actors can experience these gems then whats the problem. A lot of travel agency’s used to show and market waterfalls and such in which tourists aren’t aware if the photo was taken from a helicopter or what.Not all peoples physical abilities are the same as well as the differences in age. People expect Hawaii to be a lush green beach type landscape but near the airport and Waikiki it’s a concrete jungle. All shopping and not much nature. Just a big city. Is it the tourist’s fault or just the way travel sites and television make it out to be? Marketing?
We once picked up a young couple walking along the lava fields past the Ahihi Kinau marine preserve on Maui. They had taken an Uber there, and were unable to get a signal to call for a return ride. It was a blistering 94 degrees and they had no hats or water bottles and only flip flops on their feet. We gave them a ride back to their hotel and a lecture on the stupidity and potential danger of their failure to be better prepared. Stupid comes in all forms.