Female Hiker Rescued at Kilauea Iki Trail

A daytime view of the Kilauea Iki trail, located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo.

A 54-year-old woman was injured at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park after losing her balance and falling on Saturday near the Kilauea Iki trail.

Just before 2 p.m., Hawai’i County Fire Department officials say that the woman, who was joined on the hike by her daughter, was walking on the floor of the crater, about 50 feet off of the trail’s path. She lost her balance on some rocks and fell backwards, hitting her head and back.

HVNP park rangers treated the woman on the scene before a HFD chopper took her out of the crater. She was then transported to the Hilo Medical Center in stable condition.

According to HFD, the injured hiker suffered multiple cuts and abrasions to both of her arms and legs. Her daughter was not injured.

The Kilauea Iki trail is a four-mile looped trail that surrounds the Kilauea Iki crater. It is described as steep and rocky, with declines and inclines throughout the trail. HVNP describes the trail hike as “moderate to challenging,” based on its steep, rocky terrain and occasionally hot weather conditions.