Hiking in Hawaii is a popular tourist activity. After all, there are so many gorgeous places and trails to explore in the Aloha State, like the 11-mile Kalalau Trail in Kauai’s Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. You can hike on volcanoes, along the beach, and to majestic waterfalls. However, some dangerous hikes in the state of Hawaii are illegal. In fact, if you hike them anyway and get hurt, lost, or stuck, you may end up footing the bill for search and rescue yourself. As of early 2025, there are Senate bills being proposed that are asking for just that. If they pass, this would mean that hikers who ignore signs and notices that say a hike is closed will have to pay at least half of the cost of search and rescue if they get injured or lost, which may involve the fees for first responders, helicopters, and pilots.
One of the bills also proposes switching the classification of the crime of illegal hiking (or trespassing) from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor, which may also net you a fine. While these rules may seem harsh, they likely stem from a 1999 accident on Oahu’s notoriously dangerous Stairway to Heaven hike that resulted in the death of eight people and around 50 injuries. Survivors sued the state and won, setting a precedent, which led to a number of hikes being shut down. Of course, that doesn’t always keep people from embarking on these hikes anyway, with some hikers on closed trails ending up needing to be rescued after getting into bad situations. Make no mistake. If you hike a closed trail, you’re trespassing and may be breaking the law. With the new proposals, this could get pricey, with the cost of a helicopter rescue sometimes reaching $2,500.
The opposing view and how to stay safe on trails in Hawaii
Not everyone thinks these proposed bills are a good idea. The Honolulu Fire Department and the Honolulu Police Department have both made statements suggesting that these possible measures may keep injured or lost people from calling for rescue, possibly making things worse. However, one of the bills suggests that hikers purchase something called a “Hike Safe Card.” This would likely cost around $25 a person or $35 per family, and exempt hikers from paying for rescue fees in Hawaii for a year (except in extremely reckless circumstances). It’s also important to note that Hawaii isn’t the only state to do this. New Hampshire also currently charges negligent hikers who have to be rescued.
If you plan on hiking in Hawaii, it’s always a good idea to check out the status of your desired hikes beforehand. You can also contact Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources if you have questions or concerns about trails and closures. Another option is to search for your planned hike on the Hawaii.gov trails webpage to find out if the trail is listed as open or closed, and whether this status is temporary or permanent. It’s also a good idea to have a backup hiking plan in case you get to a trailhead and find it closed. Whichever hike you choose, make sure you bring all the supplies you need with you. Wear the correct shoes, carry a first aid kit, and bring enough water, sunscreen, and food with you in case you get turned around or stuck.
