HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park first responders conducted a high-angle rescue of a male visitor who fell 30 feet from a steep cliff after venturing off the Byron Ledge Trail on Wednesday night, June 11, 2025. The incident occurred as the 30-year-old man sought a closer look at the ongoing Kīlauea volcano eruption.
The visitor sustained minor facial injuries. He informed search and rescue rangers that he had strayed from the designated trail, getting too close to the sheer cliff edge in his attempt to get a better view of the volcanic activity. He was not carrying a flashlight or headlamp, a critical piece of safety equipment for nighttime park visits.
The park’s highly trained search and rescue team responded promptly. Their complex operation involved rappelling down the steep, heavily vegetated cliff face to reach the fallen man and then hoisting him to safety. Authorities noted that a tree had broken the man’s fall, preventing him from plunging an additional hundred feet or more to the caldera floor, which could have resulted in a fatality.
Park officials are reiterating crucial safety warnings:
- Stay on marked trails and overlooks.
- Do not approach earth cracks or cliff edges. These areas are often unstable, undercut, or hidden by vegetation or loose rocks.
- Do not climb over rock walls, railings, or safety barriers. They are installed for visitor safety.
- Keep a close eye on everyone in your group, especially children.
- Carry a flashlight or headlamp at night and always wear sturdy footwear with good traction when hiking.
The Kīlauea eruption on June 11, which began around noon and concluded at 8:08 p.m., marked the 25th eruptive episode. It featured lava fountains that soared to more than 1,000 feet, feeding voluminous lava flows across the crater floor. While the eruption occurred in a closed area of the park due to serious hazards, it was visible from many overlooks along the caldera rim, attracting numerous visitors.