Two hikers were rescued and airlifted off Mauna Loa Monday morning after getting lost during severe weather that closed the mountain above 10,000 feet.

The hikers first called 911 on Sunday to report that they were out of food and water and that their phones were running out of power.

Following the call, a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park search and rescue ranger and a helicopter pilot deployed and located the uninjured couple around 11,000 feet.

The ranger gave the hikers food, water and a satellite communication device, along with instructions to return to the nearest shelter and continue to hike out on their own as their elevation and the gusty winds made it too risky to transport the pair by air.

Shortly after sunset, the hikers texted the park ranger that they had lost the trail near 10,300 feet. The pilot, unable to operate safely in the dark and hazardous conditions, flew the ranger up again Monday morning and the pair was safely extracted one at a time.

The couple were orginially with two other hikers from Oʻahu but separated to the closed summit area. Although the other couple hiked out on their own without incident, all four hikers were cited for engaging in activities without a permit.

All areas on Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remain closed above Red Hill Cabin

 

USGS Photo.