Man Airlifted from Diamond Head Trail with Shoulder Injury

Honolulu firefighters responded to the scene and transported the 60-year-old hiker to the hospital.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Honolulu firefighters airlifted a 60-year-old man from the Diamond Head Summit Trail on Tuesday after he sustained a shoulder injury and was unable to descend the trail on his own. The firefighters hiked up the trail, provided basic life support, and then airlifted the man to a nearby landing zone where he was transferred to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.

Why it matters

Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination in Honolulu, attracting both locals and tourists. Incidents like this highlight the importance of proper preparation, safety equipment, and emergency response capabilities for hikers in Hawaii's rugged terrain.

The details

The Honolulu Fire Department responded to a 911 call at 2:08 pm on Tuesday for a man in his 60s who had been injured on the Diamond Head Summit Trail and could not descend on his own. Six units with 18 personnel were dispatched, with the first arriving on scene within six minutes. Firefighters hiked up the trail, assessed the man's condition, and provided him with basic life support before airlifting him to a nearby landing zone where he was transferred to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services at 3:16 pm. EMS treated the man for possible dehydration and a shoulder injury before transporting him to an emergency room in serious condition.

  • The 911 call came in at 2:08 pm on Tuesday.
  • The first firefighters arrived on scene within 6 minutes.
  • The man was airlifted to a landing zone and transferred to EMS at 3:16 pm.

The players

Honolulu Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the emergency call and conducted the rescue operation.

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services

The emergency medical services agency that took over care of the injured hiker after he was airlifted to the landing zone.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of proper preparation and safety precautions for hikers in Hawaii's rugged terrain, as well as the critical role of first responders in providing emergency medical care and rescue services.