Doctor Accused of Trying to Kill Wife on Hawaii Hiking Trail

Defendant's son testifies father admitted to attack during birthday hike

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gerhardt Konig, a former anesthesiologist, is on trial in Honolulu for allegedly beating his wife Arielle with a rock and trying to push her off a cliff during a birthday hike on O'ahu's Pali Puka trail in March 2025. Konig's son Emile testified that his father contacted him shortly after the incident and admitted to trying to kill Arielle, claiming she had been cheating on him.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in Hawaii, raising concerns about domestic violence and the safety of outdoor recreation areas. Konig's alleged attack on his wife during a birthday celebration has shocked the local community.

The details

According to testimony, Konig became enraged when his wife Arielle refused to take a selfie with him by the cliff's edge. He then allegedly grabbed her forcefully, pulled out a syringe, and began hitting her in the face with a rock, causing severe lacerations. Arielle was able to get away and call for help, with two hikers assisting her until first responders arrived. Konig fled the scene but was later arrested near Pali Highway.

  • On March 24, 2025, the alleged attack occurred during Arielle Konig's birthday hike.
  • Shortly after the incident, Gerhardt Konig contacted his son Emile via FaceTime and admitted to trying to kill his wife.
  • Around an hour later, Gerhardt Konig called Emile back and asked if he had told anyone about what happened.

The players

Gerhardt Konig

A 47-year-old former anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife Arielle during a birthday hike on O'ahu's Pali Puka trail.

Arielle Konig

Gerhardt Konig's wife, a nuclear engineer who was allegedly attacked by her husband during a birthday hike and suffered severe lacerations to her face and neck.

Emile Konig

Gerhardt Konig's 19-year-old son, who testified that his father contacted him shortly after the incident and admitted to trying to kill Arielle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He asked me if I had told anybody and I said yes and I told him who I had told, and then – he said that he was just gonna jump and said that a couple times.”

— Emile Konig, Gerhardt Konig's son

“If you look at the pictures, you can see deep lacerations right on the edge of the scalp. Theres going to be a tremendous amount of bleeding...Those are very deep injuries created by a rock.”

— Tarrant County Kendall Crowns, Chief Medical Examiner

What’s next

The trial against Gerhardt Konig is ongoing, and the judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence and the need for greater safety measures in Hawaii's outdoor recreation areas. It also raises questions about the mental health of the accused and the potential warning signs that may have been missed prior to the alleged attack.