Missing Hiker Found After 24 Hours in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

A 70-year-old man identified as David Arai was found safe after disappearing for more than 24 hours in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Arai was last seen on Monday, October 19, and was reported missing around 12:16 p.m. by his son.

Arai, who is from Oʻahu, was described by his son as familiar with the park's hiking trails and accustomed to hiking alone. Authorities believed he was at risk due to his age and other gathered information.

His rental car was located empty within the national park. A search was launched involving Hawaii Island police, National Park personnel on the ground, and a Hawai'i Fire Department helicopter. K9 Trina, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever trained to track people by scent, joined the search with her handler, Officer Christopher Ross.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., Trina successfully located Arai on a trail about two miles from where his car was found. Officer Ross reported that Arai was lying on his back in bushes just off the trail when discovered. Trina approached Arai and licked his hand.

Arai was safely assisted back to the trailhead and then transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment of dehydration and exposure. The Hawaii Police Department confirmed the details of the rescue.

This marks the second time in two months that K9 Trina has located a missing person. The Sweden-born dog is trained to assist in locating missing children and endangered adults throughout Hawaii. Last month, Trina helped authorities find an endangered teenager in Waikoloa.