HONOLULU — On Tuesday, the Hawaii Department of Health recommended closing a section of the Kalalau Trail in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai due to reports of “acute gastrointestinal illness” experienced by 24 hikers since Aug. 14.

What You Need To Know

  • One camper who got sick hiked out Monday saying others who were “seriously ill” left earlier by boat

  • The DLNR Division of State Parks has closed the trail for the next seven days starting Sept. 4

  • On Wednesday, a team of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is headed to the park

  • The suspected illness is Norovirus based on reported symptoms but confirmation is pending the outcome of lab tests

One camper who got sick hiked out Monday saying others who were “seriously ill” left earlier by boat, according to a news release.

Following a discussion between DOH and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the DLNR Division of State Parks has closed the trail for the next seven days starting Sept. 4.

DSP sent notices to people who had confirmed overnight permits informing them of the park’s closure due to “an undetermined gastrointestinal illness in Kalalau.” People with permits for the closed dates can request a refund or reschedule to a later date by emailing DLNR.DSP.Permits@hawaii.gov.

Per DSP, the closure is subject to change pending additional guidance by DOH.

On Wednesday, a team of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is headed to the park. One will be stationed at Hanakapiai informing hikers of the trail closure beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Two others will hike into Kalalau to check on the welfare of campers still at the site and call for medical assistance if needed. The Kalalau camping area can accommodate up to 80 people.

“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extreme remote nature of the Kalalau Valley. We appreciate the DOH guidance in helping manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in the hope no one else is exposed or gets sick,” said DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell.

“Acute gastrointestinal illness” includes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea experienced by the 24 hikers, one of whom was evacuated and none hospitalized according to DLNR. The suspected illness is Norovirus based on reported symptoms, but confirmation is pending the outcome of lab tests.

The DLNR release says that anyone who has been on the trail should monitor themselves for symptoms. The reported illnesses have been self-resolving, but if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours, or if symptoms are severe, individuals are urged to seek medical care.