HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) — A visitor at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was rescued by first responders after falling 30 feet off of a cliff when they ventured off the Byron Ledge Trail on the night of June 11.
The visitor, a 30-year-old man from Boston, sustained minor facial injuries. National Park Service officials said the man wanted to get a closer look at the Kīlauea eruption, got too close to the cliff’s edge and fell at around 9 p.m. Officials said he did not have a flashlight or headlamp.
Search and rescue teams were already in the area, as they were managing traffic, responded quickly and were able to perform a high-angle rescue, hoisting the man to safety.
Thankfully, a tree had broken the visitor’s fall and saved him from falling an additional hundred feet, which could have been fatal.
According to the NPS, there are multiple ways to stay safe at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as well as parks across the country. The service said to:
- Stay on marked trails and overlooks.
- Avoid earth cracks and cliff edges. They are often unstable or hidden.
- Do not climb over rock walls, railings or safety barriers.
- Keep an eye on your entire party, especially keiki.
- Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp at night, along with sturdy footwear.
Kīlauea has been erupting since December 2024; and while the stunning volcanic performance is a must-see, park officials remind the public that there are many hazards that come with the beauty.