HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Health recommended DLNR close the Kalalau section of the Nāpali Coast on Kauai after they received reports about acute gastrointestinal illness affecting hikers to the region.
The area closes Wednesday and the closure will last for seven days.
Officers from DOCARE will fly to the park on Wednesday to inform hikers of the closure and to check on the welfare of those at the site.
“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extreme remote nature of the Kalalau Valley. We appreciate the DOH guidance in helping manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in the hope no one else is exposed or gets sick,” DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell stated in a news release.
DOH has received reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea from 24 people who hiked the Kalalau trail since Aug. 14.
One was evacuated and according to another camper who got sick and hiked out, there were others who left by boat.
The DLNR said in a news release that tests are pending but based on symptoms, the suspected illness is Norovirus.
Those who have confirmed permits have been informed and can either request a refund or rebook to a later date.