March 20, 2026
A routine adventure along Kauai’s Wailua River turned into a large-scale rescue operation on Thursday, March 19, after 19 visitors from Nevada—14 of them minors—became stranded along the Uluwehi Trail during hazardous conditions.
According to information released by the County of Kauai, all 19 kayakers were successfully rescued by the Kauai Fire Department, with no reported injuries. What could have escalated into a far more serious situation instead became a clear example of both the professionalism of first responders and the unpredictable power of Kauai’s natural environment.
KAUAI FIRE DEPARTMENT
The incident unfolded shortly after 2:15 p.m., when emergency personnel were dispatched to the Wailua River area. Responding units included crews from the Kapaa Fire Station, Rescue 3, the department’s Highwater vehicle, and the on-duty Battalion Chief. Upon arrival, first responders located the group of unguided kayakers who had become stranded at the first river crossing along the Uluwehi Trail on the Wailua River.
Often referred to as the Secret Falls Trail, the Uluwehi Trail is a popular route accessed by kayak that leads inland to a scenic waterfall, drawing visitors looking for a mix of paddling and hiking in one outing. It's one of the most popular activities on the island.
Heavy rains had caused the river to swell, transforming what is often a manageable crossing into a fast-moving and potentially dangerous obstacle. With water levels rising and conditions deteriorating, the group was unable to safely continue or return on their own.
Rescue crews worked efficiently, utilizing the kayaks already in the group’s possession to help transport individuals across the swollen river. From there, the group was guided off the trail and escorted to Kamokila Village, where additional support was waiting. The Kauai Fire Department’s Highwater vehicle was then used to transport the visitors to Wailua River State Park, where their vehicles were located.
Personnel from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and American Medical Response also assisted in the operation, helping ensure that the extraction was completed safely and without incident. The scene was cleared shortly after 5:20 p.m.
In a statement following the rescue, Kauai Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami praised the efforts of the responding crews, noting that their actions likely prevented a far more dangerous outcome.
The timing of the incident coincided with a Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service for all Hawaiian Islands, in effect from the evening of March 19 through March 22. Forecasts called for multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with the potential for overflowing streams, road closures, and landslides in steep terrain.
The Wailua River area, while one of Kauai’s most popular and accessible outdoor destinations, is particularly sensitive to changing weather conditions. Trails like Uluwehi, which often involve river crossings, can become dangerous very quickly when rainfall increases upstream—even if conditions appear manageable at first glance.
This incident serves as a reminder that Kauai’s beauty is closely tied to its raw and powerful natural forces. What begins as a calm paddle or scenic hike can shift dramatically when weather systems move in.
Officials are urging both visitors and activity providers to exercise caution, monitor weather alerts closely, and make conservative decisions when conditions are uncertain. Preparation, awareness, and respect for the environment remain essential when exploring the island.
In this case, the outcome was the best possible one—all 19 individuals safely returned, thanks to quick thinking, coordinated effort, and the skill of Kauai’s emergency responders.
