Tourist falls trying to view Kilauea eruption

The man lost his footing and fell roughly 30 feet through thick vegetation, park officials said. A tree broke his fall, preventing what could have been a deadly drop into the caldera below.

A 30-year-old visitor to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park had to be rescued last week after falling from a cliff while attempting to get a closer view of the Kīlauea volcano eruption, park officials said.

The man reportedly left the marked Byron Ledge Trail at night and approached the edge of a steep cliff without a flashlight or headlamp. He lost his footing and fell roughly 30 feet through thick vegetation. A tree broke his fall, preventing what could have been a deadly drop into the caldera below.

Park rangers launched a high-angle rope rescue, rappelling down to reach the man and hauling him back to safety. He sustained minor facial injuries but did not require hospitalization.

Officials say the area he tried to access is closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. Visitors are urged to stay on designated trails and avoid cliff edges, especially in low visibility.

“Do not climb over rock walls, railings, or safety barriers,” the park said. “They are there for your safety.”

The fall occurred the same day KÄ«lauea’s eruption sent lava fountains over 1,000 feet high — the 25th such event since activity resumed in December.

Reporting by TMX.

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