Woman hiking alone was lost for hours with 25% cellphone battery, Hawaii officials say

A woman was lost alone in dense Hawaii foliage for hours with a dying cellphone battery, officials told news outlets.

The 27-year-old wandered off trail Saturday, Nov. 6, and couldn’t find her way back, the Honolulu Fire Department told the Star-Advertiser.

The hiker called 911 after she was lost for hours alone in “thick, dense foliage,” KITV4 reported. She only had 25% battery life left on her cellphone when she called for help.

The woman began her hike at about 1 p.m., and firefighters arrived three hours later, according to KHON2.

Rescuers hoisted the woman to safety in a helicopter, KHON2 reported. She was airlifted to the trailhead, according to the Star-Advertiser.

The woman had no injuries, KITV4 reported.

The hiker was originally walking on the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail, which is considered an easy hike that follows a paved asphalt road uphill.

Fire officials told news outlets it is important to follow signs and stay on the designated trail.

Weeks ago, people on social media advised hikers to change their cellphone voicemails if they got lost, but rescuers were concerned about the advice.

“To be blunt, wasting time changing your voicemail could be the last thing you do,” the Halifax Search and Rescue team in Canada said. “If you don’t call for help, and you didn’t leave a trip plan, NOBODY IS COMING TO GET YOU.”

Lost hikers should always call 911 first, even with little service, rescuers said. Additionally, it takes less battery to send a text message than to use voice calling.

Rescuers also said it’s a good idea to hike with an external battery for emergency use, KITV4 reported.

This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 9:54 AM with the headline "Woman hiking alone was lost for hours with 25% cellphone battery, Hawaii officials say."