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Mauna Loa Observatory complex

Fire/Rescue crews responded to a 6:30 p.m. alarm Thursday evening (July 9) for missing hikers on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Saddle Road side.

The overdue hikers, a 26 year-old man and 31 year-old woman, both from Carteret, New Jersey, were hiking and went off the trail. They became disoriented and separated on rough terrain. The woman called emergency after her boyfriend failed to relocate her.

Chopper One located the missing woman but was unable to pick her up due to darkness. Using the GPS coordinates from Chopper One ground crews rescued the woman and brought her to the command post at Mauna Loa Observatory parking lot at the 11,500 foot elevation. The man was able to hike out on his own to the command post.

Both parties were good but cold conditions and did not require medical assistance. Involved with the rescue were nine Hawaii County Fire Department personnel and two military personnel from Pohakuloa Training Area. Equipment taking part in the rescue where an engine unit, helicopter, PTA fire truck, two utility trucks and a fuel truck.