32 Kauai hikers unable to cross stream, airlifted to safety

KAPAA — Kauai firefighters airlifted 32 hikers out of Kalalau Valley after rising waters prevented them from being able to cross the Hanakapiai Stream.

A hiker who was able to cross the stream Wednesday notified rescuers of the others.

The county says there were no injuries and all hikers were taken to Kee Beach by nightfall.

In December, firefighters airlifted 62 people out of the valley when heavy rains made streams too swollen to cross. More than 120 hikers, including several children, had to be rescued in the valley in April after being stranded by the rising stream.