HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON) — A Boston man trying to get a closer look at the Kīlauea eruption at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park had to be rescued after falling 30 feet off a cliff.
The visitor, a 30-year-old man, got too close to the cliff’s edge near the Byron Ledge Trail at around 9 p.m. on June 11. Officials with the National Park Service did not have a flashlight or headlamp when he fell over the edge.
Search and rescue teams, which were already in the area managing traffic, responded quickly and were able to perform a high-angle rescue, hoisting 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.
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.
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