Novato man, tour guide hurt while riding mules on Hawaii trail

WAILUKU, Hawaii - Two mule riders had to be airlifted from a trail in Molokai island after they fell off their mules and were injured, a Hawaii fire official said.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto told the Maui News that a man suffered a head injury and lost consciousness after he fell off his mule on the Kalaupapa Trail Thursday morning.

The 54-year-old man of Novato had been on the Molokai Mule Ride when his mule hit a second mule in front it, causing the man to fall.

The 36-year-old female tour employee that was riding the second mule also fell and suffered torso injuries, Taomoto said.

Three Kalaupapa National Historical Park rangers, a fire crew from Hoolehua and Maui Police Department responded to the incident. A fire crew from Kaunakakai and a rescue crew from Kahului also responded to the rescue.

The two victims were treated for their injuries and were individually airlifted off the trail by a Maui Fire Department helicopter that took them to a landing spot on Kalae Highway.

The man was taken to the Molokai Airport and flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center in serious condition, Taomoto said. The woman was taken to Molokai General Hospital in serious condition.

Their current condition was not immediately known Sunday.