Boston tourist falls 30 feet from cliff edge near Kilauea volcano

In Hawaii, a 30-year-old man from Boston experienced a harrowing incident while visiting the Kilauea volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the night of June 11, 2025. The tourist was reportedly trying to capture an up-close view of the ongoing volcanic eruption when he wandered away from the established Byron Ledge Trail. This led him to the edge of a sheer cliff, where he lost his footing and fell approximately 30 feet downwards. Fortunately, a tree partially broke his fall, which prevented a potentially fatal plunge of another hundred feet down to the active caldera floor where the lava was flowing. His actions, primarily influenced by the desire for a closer view of the eruption, came without proper preparedness; he did not possess a flashlight or headlamp, making his nighttime adventure even more perilous. Rescue teams were already present in the area managing traffic arising from the volcanic activity, which helped them respond promptly to the reports of the incident around 9 p.m. Upon reaching the fall site, the search and rescue teams utilized their climbing equipment to perform a high-angle rescue operation to ensure the safety of the man. Thankfully, he was retrieved with only minor facial injuries, a fortunate outcome given the circumstances of the fall into a hazardous area near one of the world's most active volcanoes. The Kilauea volcano has a long history of eruptions, with its most recent cycle of activity beginning in December 2024. Reports described the remarkable visuals of lava fountains reaching heights of over 1,000 feet during eruptions at the time of the incident. Visitors are especially advised to remain on designated trails and to heed the warnings provided by the park officials regarding the significant dangers posed by the eruptions, which can emit toxic gases and carry volatile volcanic materials. This incident highlights the vital importance of adherence to safety protocols within national parks, especially those with active geological activity like Kilauea. While the park provides basic safety measures such as closed areas and warning signs, ultimate responsibility rests with visitors to stay vigilant and prepared to ensure their own safety during such dangerous encounters with nature's power.