HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON) — A Boston man attempting to get a closer view of the Kīlauea eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park needed rescue assistance after falling 30 feet off a cliff.
The visitor, a 30-year-old man, approached too near the cliff’s edge near the Byron Ledge Trail around 9 p.m. on June 11. Authorities from the National Park Service stated that he did not have a flashlight or headlamp when he fell off the edge.
Search and rescue teams, who were already in the vicinity managing traffic, responded promptly and successfully conducted a high-angle rescue, bringing the man to safety.
Thankfully, officials said a tree broke the visitor’s fall and saved him from falling an additional hundred feet, which could have been fatal.
He did suffer minor facial injuries.
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Rangers say it’s important for visitors at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to remain on marked trails and overlooks, avoiding earth cracks and cliff edges that are often unstable or hidden. Visitors should avoid climbing over rock walls, railings, and safety barriers as well.
At night, visitors are encouraged to carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp, in addition to 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.
