Honolulu Fire and Rescue are called year round to assist hikers in distress, averaging nearly one rescue every day.

“But there’s days where we get four or five calls, sometimes even more than that,” according to Honolulu Fire Department Captain Scot Seguirant.

Seguirant added that they tend to respond to more rescue calls on weekends because more locals are out along with visitors enjoying the outdoors.

“So far this year from January 1st until today we’ve had 291 total rescues,” Seguirant said.

May saw the highest number of calls this year with 43 coming in that month followed by 40 rescue calls in September.

An 18-year-old male was transported via Air 1 this morning from Koko Crater trail after falling and hitting his head.



Koko Crater is listed on multiple websites as one of the top hikes on Oahu along with Makapuu Lighthouse, Lanikai Pillboxes, Manoa Falls and Diamond Head summit trail.

The Diamond Head Summit trail is just over a mile and a half long. It’s rated as moderately difficult on the DLNR website, but the very not and dry climate can make it much more challenging.

“Hands down, not even close, Diamond Head is our most rescued trail. Just with the sheer volume of people that go up there, that’s where we get the most calls hands down. It’s usually a medical situation. Sometimes folks are not aware of their medical limitations,” Seguirant explained.

Thousands climb Leahi, better known as Diamond Head every day and many people underestimate how difficult it is.

“I mean its fun but you got to be in decent shape to go up there and there’s a lot of people who i don’t think they were prepared for the adversity of the trail,” said Mark Bruker, a visitor from San Diego.

“I don’t think people realize how steep and narrow it can be in parts, and it was quite uneven terrain so I’m not sure everyone knows about that so they probably didn’t dress appropriately…and without water they can deteriorate pretty quickly. I made sure I took my water bottle up with me. I could see how people could get into trouble pretty quickly,” said Susie Humphrey a visitor from New Zealand who had just completed the hike for the first time.

Stuart Humphrey, a visitor from Australia said he saw several people as they were hiking down the trail that were taking breaks looking as though they were not feeling well.

When it comes to going on any hike, the key is to know what you’re getting into.

“Be prepared by doing your research on the type of trail it is,” Seguirant said. “You need footwear that’s going to match what you’re doing. You want to make sure you have water. You want to have a cell phone in case you’re in trouble you have to call for help. You want to make sure your cell phone is fully charged too.”

Other hiking safety tips include:

-Start early to ensure you get back before dark.

-Check the weather conditions so you don’t get caught in bad weather up in the mountains.

-Hike with a partner.

-Let people know where you are going.

-Bring a snack

-Carry a whistle in case you do get into trouble. A whistle will help you signal for help.

Seguirant said that when a person needs to be rescued ultimately the tax payers ultimately pay the price. “But (the fire department’s) concern is your well being. If you need help, call for help. We will be there to give you the help that you need.”