Hikers Rescued Above Anna’s Ranch in Waimea

Thirteen trespassing hikers, including two who suffered minor injuries, were rescued by Hawaii County firefighters after they were caught in a flash flood above Anna’s Ranch in Waimea on Saturday.

The hikers belonged to You With A Mission and came to Kailua-Kona through an organization called University of Nations, said Battalion Chief Michael Grace of the Hawaii County Fire Department.

“It’s all private property,” Grace said. “Honestly, they were trespassing. They accessed the area through Parker Ranch. It’s an area that’s very inaccessible.”

Firefighters were called at 4:18 p.m. and the first unit responded one minute later. Some firefighters used all-terrain vehicles.

The hikers went to a waterfall that ends in a pool and some were washed down stream, Grace said.

Seven people who were trapped had to be rescued.

“Some were found behind the water fall,” Grace said.

Grace said he believes two people suffered minor ankle injuries that did not require hospitalization.