Father and son hikers end up lost on trek from popular Hawaii waterfall, rescuers say
A father and son lost their way during a hike back from a popular Hawaii waterfall, fire officials said.
The two called for help at 1:58 p.m. Oct. 10 from the Lulumahu Falls Trail on Oahu, the Honolulu Fire Department said in a news release.
Rescuers reached the hikers by foot and prepared a landing zone nearby for a helicopter, rescuers said.
The pair had no injures, and they were airlifted from the area, fire officials said.
The Lulumahu Falls Trail takes visitors through a bamboo forest, across a stream, up concrete steps and along the Nu’uanu Reservoir before reaching a 50-foot waterfall.
But the 1.6-mile out-and-back hike is on private government property, according to AllTrails.
“This is part of a priority Oahu watershed where no access is allowed so that the area can return to a more pristine state,” according to the outdoor travel app.
Visitors can be fined or cited for trespassing in this area without permission or a permit.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
This story was originally published October 13, 2023 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Father and son hikers end up lost on trek from popular Hawaii waterfall, rescuers say."
