Honolulu first responders rescue hiker impaled in abdomen by tree branch on island trail

Crews cut a six-inch branch with an electric chainsaw to free the man on the popular Nuuanu Lulumahu Falls trail

November 13, 2025 10:28 AM

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser

HONOLULU — Honolulu firefighters this morning rescued a hiker from Lulumahu Falls in Nuuanu after he was impaled by a large tree branch.

The Honolulu Fire Department responded to a 911 call at about 11:30 a.m. for an injured hiker at the popular Lululmahu Falls trail. Multiple units responded.

| DOWNLOAD: Prehospital trauma: Today’s tenets for triage, treatment and transport

HFD said firefighters had to cut the six-inch branch with an electric chainsaw to free the hiker, estimated to be in his 20s, while conducting a medical assessment and providing basic life support.

Firefighters carried him off the trail in a rescue litter.

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene at about 11:30 a.m. to take over care of the patient, who had been impaled in the abdomen. He was given advanced life support and taken to a hospital emergency room in serious condition.

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