My trip to Kauai started as an add-on to a work conference, turning into a solo mission to explore the island’s waterfalls along the rugged Napali Coast. I was ready for an adventure, but unaware that it would turn into a dangerous ordeal. That day, I learned the undeniable value of being prepared with comprehensive travel insurance. It also taught me that I was foolish to ignore best practices and countless warning signs, by going solo.
On a clear early morning, I set out to hike the Kalalau Trail, aiming to reach the remote Hanakapi’ai waterfalls. The hike was tough—three very steep miles along the coast, followed by another two miles inland through dense rainforest. This was a demanding test of endurance.
I spent a couple peaceful hours at the waterfall, swimming and taking photos. But as I prepared to head back, a sudden downpour transformed the trail into a muddy, slippery mess. The journey back, intended to be a careful retracing of steps, became a perilous situation, even losing the trail on a few occasions.
Navigating a particularly narrow part of the trail, I faced the real possibility of severe injury—or worse. My foot slipped, and in an instant, I was airborne, with only a bamboo shoot between me and a 40-foot drop into a rocky stream. Miraculously, I was able to get a strong grip, the shoot held, saving me not once, but twice from what could have been a fatal fall. It was a stark reminder of how quickly adventure can turn into calamity.
Today, remembering my grip on the bamboo, I realize how vulnerable and alone I really was. If things had gone differently, after another hiker found me, the cost of emergency services alone could have devastated me financially. From potential helicopter evacuation to extensive medical bills and possible repatriation back home, the expenses would have been staggering.
Once I made my way back, about 14 hours after I began, I headed straight to the hospital. The unsurprised yet very attentive doctors stitched up a wound, treated me for severe dehydration, and reset a couple dislocated fingers I had to do myself on the hike back. They mentioned how fortunate I was as helicopter evacuations from the trails of Kauai are all too common. Every year, they see many hikers, whose adventures ended in far more serious injuries.
This experience underscored a critical lesson: never underestimate the importance of planning and travel insurance. The evening at the hospital ended with a $3,500 bill, which was entirely covered by my insurance. Had this situation been more serious requiring a medical evacuation, the expense would have started $15,000 for only the transportation.
While adventure calls to us all, it is our responsibility to prepare for the unforeseen. Comprehensive travel insurance isn’t just a security measure—it’s a necessity that allows us to embrace the adventure without risking our well-being or our finances.
Word to the Wise: Before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to consider your preparedness. Review our plans to find the best travel insurance that assures you are covered in every step of your journey, because sometimes, the difference between an adventure and a disaster is a bamboo shoot and the support you have lined up when things go wrong.
Footnote: Always remember to hike with a buddy and check the weather forecast. Always have a what-if plan. And wear good boots. Oh, and water. If you plan on an 8-hour hike that turns into 14 you’ll be glad you have extra.