The Honolulu Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to two separate medical calls on popular trails Thursday, airlifting a 38-year-old woman from the Diamond Head summit after she suffered heat exhaustion and treating a 65-year-old man at the Koko Head Crater Trail.
Rapid response, aerial rescue
City crews received a 10:29 a.m. 911 call reporting a hiker in distress on the Diamond Head trail. HFD dispatched six units and 18 personnel; the first unit arrived on scene at 10:43 a.m. and crews hiked to the summit on foot.
Firefighters found the woman unable to descend on her own after determining she was experiencing a medical emergency. HFD's Air 1 helicopter delivered rescue personnel, who provided basic life support and airlifted the patient to a predetermined landing zone, where EMS personnel transported her to a hospital in serious condition.
Second patient evaluated at Koko Head
Earlier, at about 10 a.m., EMS treated a 65-year-old male hiker who became ill while on the Koko Head Crater Trail. Paramedics evaluated and treated him at the trailhead; the report does not indicate he required hospital transport.
- Diamond Head incident: 10:29 a.m. 911 call, six units, 18 personnel, first unit arrival 10:43 a.m., airlift to landing zone, patient taken to hospital in serious condition.
- Koko Head incident: 10 a.m. evaluation and on-scene treatment of a 65-year-old male hiker.
- Public advisory: HFD urged hikers to match hikes to their fitness, ability and experience.
"HFD officials urge hikers to assess their fitness level and hiking capabilities, and to pick a hike that matches their level of fitness, ability and experience."
Local implications and safety context
Diamond Head and Koko Head are among Oʻahu's most frequented trails, drawing residents and tourists year-round. The incidents underscore operational demands on Honolulu's emergency services during peak outdoor recreation hours and the continuing risk of heat-related illness for hikers on exposed, steep trails.
Officials did not release the patients' names or further medical details. The rescue required coordinated ground and air resources, highlighting both the availability of helicopter rescue capabilities and the logistical challenges of moving patients from high-elevation trail locations to medical care.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diamond Head response | 6 units, 18 personnel; Air 1 deployed; patient flown to landing zone; transported to hospital (serious) |
| Koko Head response | On-scene EMS evaluation and treatment of a 65-year-old male hiker |
As Honolulu continues to receive large numbers of hikers, the department's reminder to choose hikes that fit individual fitness and experience is a practical step toward preventing similar emergencies. Hikers should plan for heat, bring water, and be aware of their limits, particularly on trails with limited shade and steep ascents.
