He experienced every Hiker's WORST CASE Scenario (and he's not alone)

[@alexismichaelis9522]

I’m actually jesses niece! Thank you so much for getting his story out there it means a lot to our family :)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I sure hope it makes a difference for y'all!

[@ronkent9258]

I pray a answer comes soon for your entire family and friends. I'm sorry to hear the fears and stress all is under.

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

Praying for your family.

[@justiceforMarvel]

Prayers😢

[@louisepetrodelport7622]

Plz don't walk alone

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I live on Maui. I want to warn all visitors that it can be sunny and dry where you are hiking near the ocean, but all the islands are steep, and rain higher up, where you don’t even see it, can result in a flash flood of the stream you are in. A wall of water can appear in seconds, and carry you downstream, all the way into the ocean. Also, if you are ever carried away in the ocean by a current, do not swim against it. Go across it perpendicular, and you can get out.

[@CoolCucumber710]

My daughter contracted Rat Lungworm Disease while in Maui in 2017. The Hawaiian CDC told me she was the 14th case for that year. It has damaged her gastric, heart and CNSystems and she will never be the same. I wish I could say Hawaii seems like paradise, but to me it only represents pain and much anger. And the reason there’s not more warning regarding this dangerous parasite? Good old tourism 😡😢

[@therockbottom5256]

Terrifying. This could be what happened to him.

[@Cherrysmith2809]

@@therockbottom5256 It kind of looks like it to me. He had his day camp spot, probably near water. Not like he would hike away from all that stuff and go fall.

[@danielspoon1234]

honestly if you get washed away, i think you have worse things to worry about than swimming back to land as you would not survive more than a few thousand feet being washed away down a mountain

[@thehiddenyogi8557]

Getting crashed and dragged across all those boulders.

[@fromsawdusttoglory3527]

I lived in Hawaii for 9 years and learned two things, one, hikers go missing all the time on all the islands to never be seen again and two, Hawaii police are incompetent, lazy and even somewhat corrupt

[@angelmartin7310]

I would never visit after all the evil things I've heard

[@pharris6875]

Look what they allowed in Lahaina! Total corruption.

[@josephforest7605]

You mean book em Danno , is corrupt?

[@heide-raquelfuss5580]

Organ traffiking? It happens in many countries over the world, where adult people, children disapear for their organs, to be sold.

[@judywright4241]

Anyone that watched them block the roads so fleeing LaHaina residents couldn’t get away from the fire. The Fire Chief wouldn’t turn on the hydrants. That place is corrupt up the wazoo!

[@Minister_of_Magic_1997]

My grandfather grew up in the rural parts of Samoa and then moved to Hawaii. He always talked about legends and curses and how you must always be respectful on the islands.

[@kaheakruse4310]

😊

[@rfabsulous]

Also the Police could do their f*cking job.

[@jenh7004]

It could also be psycho humans

[@URsooomad8613]

Yea no it's definitely just some crazy Hobos living in the woods, this is probably how they get their money to get by

[@cfG21]

​@@jenh7004 cosign on that

[@ms.steps_6664]

I lived on Oahu for many years. The islands are beautiful but can be dangerous. Don’t underestimate the sketchy people you may encounter out there, who are very unwelcoming to visitors.

[@rooknado]

Any stories?

[@seandalton2580]

don't you think you might be a little unwelcoming too if people came and stole your land and turned it into tourist traps?

[@powerpuff4200]

@@seandalton2580 you can't blame everyone that's just mindless

[@1722blackbart]

When I was a young man I tried to live in Hawaii but the cops and locals didn't like haoles and made it very clear. I got the heck out of there. They want your tourist dollars but they don't want you there.

[@canisrex5142]

​@@1722blackbart Last day of school every year is "Kill Haoli Day" easily the most racist state in the country.

[@FiddleSticks800]

It is a beautiful trail. Take a buddy. I have done it a couple of times. There were a lot of crazy people (literally, clinically speaking) squatting there the first year I went 2010ish. It is much more cleaned up now. The waves on that coast can be absolutely ginormous. One year I went, the waves were crashing so hard at the bottom of crawlers ledge (hundreds of feet down) that the spray was making it all the way up to the trail. That day, the waves were crashing so hard on Kalalau beach that they were splashing up into the trees. Another year I went, I had to wait hours at one of the river crossings because it was raining so hard that there was a flash flood. In short, there are many ways a solo hiker could go missing there and the overgrowth is so think that a persons body could be feet from the trail and never be found.

[@J_Klutch]

Did you try to help the crazy people out with a small donation at least?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@J_Klutch What did they need, money?

[@scottw5315]

@@J_Klutch Why do I want to pay people who drop out of society and set up their tents in our most beautiful public places? That is not normal and shouldn't be encouraged. And many or most stay drunk or high and occasionally rob, steal and do worse to the public.

[@Synthetic-Rabbit]

@@J_Klutch Why? I wouldn't lol

[@kylehome8818]

​@@J_Klutch JK is the initials of the guy who threw the woman off the cliff on the trail: Justin Klein... just saying...

[@glitchlife4639]

I am from Hawaii, grew up on Maui, lived on the Big Island, and on Oahu. There is a lot of shady things that happen, and a lot of cultural things that occur as well. There are big clans that live in the islands and they will get into fights and sometimes kill each other and there is not so much as an investigation. There are mainlander tourist who disappear and end up fed to the pigs, there are ritualistic things that occur that are bad medicine. There are colonies of users everywhere. There are places that are cursed that you do not go, there are places that you can go if you show respect and deference for the the things that live there. There are flash floods, rip tides, tiger sharks, ManoWar, Vana, Giant Centipedes, Scorpions. Then there are the Menehune, and not all of them are friendly. I am str8 up Haole with native descent, but I have a deep understand of my islands and a healthy respect for all the things that happen that you don't see that lay under the surface. Hawaii is not a joke, do not take it lightly if you decide to visit, and be respectful of the land, the water, the traditions, and the people.

[@B1GJOHNSTUD]

rajah dat kanaks!! cheeehuu 🤙🏾

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

You claim to be full white, but then say you have native ancestors which means you're not fully white.

[@miadel5846]

Respect is so key

[@lindac6919]

Yep. I live on Big I. I don't go any place where I even THINK they may not want me. Kapu. And I really, really do NOT want to encounter a Night Marcher.

[@Nullianak]

@@lindac6919 What the hell is a Night Marcher?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I went to high school with Jesse and his siblings. Really hits home remembering when he went missing. Such a sad situation for a great family.

[@noelleirina5628]

this type of discourse is always interesting. as if people from broken families have less worth

[@krknife]

⁠@@noelleirina5628That isn’t implied in any way in the comment. You’re projecting. Besides, if you want your input to be taken seriously you should learn to punctuate your sentences and capitalize the first letter of the first word.

[@isabellind1292]

@@noelleirina5628 What on Earth are you talking about? And it's unfair for Kyle to put the onus on the cops as if they have the resources to go searching for adults who've been missing for YRS! What the heck is he talking about? It's not the cops fault when adults go missing. People have to use their heads before they suggest the cops as having dropped the ball! I didn't hear Kyle mention that the family has been conducting searches for their loved one in these intervening yrs. So if not, why not? They're just as capable as anyone else to keep searching. Cops have crimes to solve and missing children/endangered people to prioritize!

[@fiedelmina]

I was gonna say the same: So if he was from a broken family, it wouldn't be so bad? @@noelleirina5628

[@jennbati6277]

@@noelleirina5628I get what you’re saying and I don’t think it’s any offense to the original comment. It’s a fair thought .

[@BarelyNoticedADD]

Sounds less like a curse and more like a situation with many chances for something to go wrong with little to no margin for error.

[@bundy0716]

I agree. Hundreds of people have died in and around the Grand Canyon to the point that there's a book on it - but no one calls it cursed.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

of course, no educated person actually believes in superstitions

[@camposvazquez]

​@@cagneybillingsley2165 you must be uneducated then

[@Waiakalulu1]

Exactly! I live in Hawai`i, and I feel that cursed is maybe not the right word unless you're trying to be edgy. Basically, the trail is dangerous to the extent that you shouldn't travel it alone.

[@kathyinwonderlandl.a.8934]

Bingo

[@RealTuckered]

Ambiguous loss is perhaps the single most tragic way to lose a loved one. Being deprived of the much needed emotional closure can have a lasting impact. I truly feel for Jesse’s family, and Jesse himself. As a hiker, I personally have found that you tend to encounter more sketchy and dangerous people the farther west you are. The only time I’ve ever feared for my life was when hiking south of San Francisco near Big Basin and being followed on a trail for 2 miles by two ominous men who appeared to have lived in the woods for some time. I’m only thankful I was making my way out and not the other way around.

[@duchessedeberne3909]

Omg! How scary, I‘m happy you are safe

[@Heavyisthecrown]

Jesus! That must have been horrifying! They were probably sizing you up. Men that hunt people hide in the woods waiting for a lone person… Happy you make it out okay. Never go alone again

[@codycarabotta5621]

​@@HeavyisthecrownSeconded, sounds like wildmen or "squatters" to put it loosely that were likely sizing them up, weighing the possibilities of a successful assault, which I would guess is most likely for food/water/general reasources. Do yourself and better yet the people that care about you a favor, DO NOT hike alone if you can bring someone. It only takes one mistake, or fateful encounter with the wrong entity, or bad weather in the wrong time or place. A million things can go wrong and as history and humans themselves have proven, if something *can* go wrong, it eventually will. Stay safe and always be aware of your environment when isolated, especially especially when alone God forbid.

[@Heavyisthecrown]

@@codycarabotta5621 never go in the woods alone! And either way be armed and with a satellite beacon and some storm resistant fire starter and a hatchet.

[@codycarabotta5621]

@@Heavyisthecrown Absolutely. I would 100% have my firearm with me, and I need to get a better gps device because mine broke and was also void of a help button. And cell phones are notoriously unreliable in these heavily wooded areas even when within miles of cities. And I almost never go out anywhere alone. Especially wooded areas. Too freaky. I just wish people, especially elderly, would reconsider being alone in places like this, doubly especially with the way the world is nowadays. I know its not like your odds of running into a murderer are 50/50 when alone in the woods, but the odds are still there regardless and it breaks my heart wide open when I hear about stories of victims of blind murder simply because they were vulnerable, caught off guard, alone, etc. And its even more heartbreaking when those that suffer the loss of a loved one cant even know how they lost that person or recover the body for closure and a proper burial and put that poor soul at peace. It is truly a horrific trajedy that impacts even a complete stranger like myself who is simply hearing the story told. And dont worry, I know a firearm is not the one-stop solution to self defense. It is merely a last resort weapon or something to scare someone or something off if need be.

[@hawynbabe]

I'm sorry this happened. I'm Hawaiian and I have heard some locals do not like tourists or haolis. All of this man's belongings were left at his camp he probably came across the not so nice locals.

[@Heavyisthecrown]

Def could see this happening. Could of drunk men found him and had to act tough and things went out of control from there. I’ve seen this happen at bars where there are people to break it up. If no one does it gets ugly

[@MaryBeth94]

They hate tourists but love their money. Make it make sense.

[@hawynbabe]

@TheCaucasianPersuasion it's called respect we all need to make a living. I am respectful every place I travel too. There's no need to get injured or act a fool in paradise. Honking is illegal there too. All the trash on the beach. Tourists getting hurt or lost or messing with our native creatures.

[@loganstroganoff1284]

​@TheCaucasianPersuasion it's impossible to understand if you don't live in a tourist destination. Up until about 15 years ago my little Florida beach town was a hidden gem that wasn't well known. Then it was featured on hgtv and it's been downhill ever since. Lots of tourists are disrespectful, entitled pricks, plain and simple. You also have to understand not all locals love the tourist money. We were fine in my town without it. Fishing was the primary industry. I'm sure lots of ppl in Hawaii are the same. They dont need tourist money to survive. Generally speaking that money primarily benefits rich outsiders that come in and buy up land and open hotels and what not. Locals get all the negative aspects and very little to none of the positive. Bottom line just be respectful and nice when you travel. It may be a weeks vacation destination to you but it's home to someone else.

[@endthefederalreserve8866]

​@loganstroganoff1284 if you think we don't need tourists money to survive youre smoking crack.

[@shybie2798]

I like these videos, like a lot of hiker youtubers tend to glamorize hiking but in reality it's an experience that seem to require a lot of prep and knowledge and your videos do help by highlighting the worse case scenario (While also tipping what they could've done cause 90% these cases are purely avoidable if they didn't push it) but you're also very sincere when it comes to hiking, hiking seems genuinely fun! And a beautiful experience but by sharing these it can be a tale of making sure of being prepared and always try your best to be ready for the unexpected when you venture into the unknown. And along with that, you also helped give voices to hikers who are missing or were killed that deserves to be remembered. And you giving info for contact for the missing is honestly an extra mile you did not have to do but you did and that's honestly one of the coolest things ever.

[@sovereignbrehon]

River crossings are best done with backpacks uncapped and with using poles. Being stuck face down with a clipped pack is a coffin. Even though it sucks to navigate moving water with a floppy pack on wet, unstable rocks, it sucks more to be absolutely stuck face down under a full pack you can't remove.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

agreed, I always unclip my backpack before I cross. Did it on this particular trail a few times

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

@@KyleHatesHiking By "unclipped" do you mean to unclip the chest strap? Or do you mean just carry it on one shoulder?

[@Mr.Dobalina113]

​@@dtaylor10chuckufarle chest and waist strap

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

@@Mr.Dobalina113 Thank you so very much, Sir!!!

[@GypsyGirl317]

@@dtaylor10chuckufarle unclip waist and chest straps, and still keep it on both shoulders. That way if you do get into trouble you can wriggle out of the straps easily and save your life. The backpack can be retrieved after.

[@kaylahjames1093]

Honestly the way you tell these more unknown stories is a great way to not only keep there memory alive but to keep future hikers alive as well, even with being an experienced hiker the different changes in humidity and climate from country to country without giving your body a chance to adjust can be so life threatening in itself.

[@davidsmeisner]

Hiked it 20 years ago on what was the wettest day in Kauai hx at the time. Trail was getting washed out by flash flooding all across the trail. The first river just 2-3 miles in was a fast, dangerous churning torrent of water that washed into huge crashing waves below on the beach at high-high tide. The river was impassable and death defying yet people were wading in to try. Many people!! I yelled at people to stop though one guy slipped and nearly got washed away to his death in the giant surf below. At least 20 people were trapped on the far side of the flash flooding river. Ran back to entrance of trail where there is an Emergency Services public phone. Got ahold of the police to inform them that there were people trapped on the far side of the river. The response from the Officer was, “What do you want us to do about it?” In an annoyed, frustrated voice. He went in to say in an almost angry voice, “Look! This is not the mainland! We don’t have helicopters to fly In and rescue people. Everyone on that trail knew what they were getting into and they’ll have to wait at least 24-48 hours for the river to go down!” I don’t doubt the Officers do get very frustrated at countless requests for help from unprepared hikers and doubt they have the resources to have a near full time rescue crew. Though their frustration and refusal to assist people, I hope, has been addressed in the last few years because they knew what they were signing up for when they entered public service. Be careful out there! Ya probably will be all on your own if things go sideways.

[@bradsanders407]

Hawaiians are notorious for hating mainlanders. Many parts of the islands outsiders can't even go to let alone live in without "disappearing". It's a well known fact to live there you have to have the locals permission or else they will make you and the person who rented or sold you the land regret it.

[@suzannemccoy9610]

Kyle you’ve hit your stride with these investigative reports of missing hikers. Keep doing what you’re doing. 👍

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks Suzanne, appreciate you watching and I hope you've learned some things

[@audraberreth7632]

In 2008 KPD had just been through an FBI investigation that exposed corruption and brutality. The resulting loss of officers meant they were short handed. Also, there was the mindset that tourists were on their own when they stepped out of the resorts. Having lived there, I can say it’s not Disneyland and Mother Nature is not forgiving on Kauai.

[@supercoolyguy]

Being shorthanded on corrupt and brutal police sounds like a win.

[@joeremus9039]

I began a hike by myself of this trail around 1993 or 1994. I had some hiking experience in colorado about fifteen years earlier, but not enough for this trail. Before I began I bought a new pair of boots at a store near the beginning of the trail and asked how much water I needed. An employee there said about a liter of water was sufficient. He may have not understood what I had wanted to do. So anyway I started the hike and I remember the first wide stream crossing. I saw the way an experienced hiker had managed to get a throw line across it and bring his gear across it above it to keep it dry. I started to realize how little I knew about hiking. Anyway I continued the hike. The up and down and the heat were really getting to me. I was running out of water. I did see water running across the trail but was afraid to drink it. I came across someone returning. I asked him how hard it would be to continue and he told me that it's very hard and that I should turn around and go back. But it was so beautiful and such a new experience that I continued on. After a while I noticed a young couple that came out of some brush on my right, that being the side toward the ocean. They were smiling and I figured they having fun there. The guy said I should go there and take a look. I thanked him and jumped through the brush. I realized I was on the very edge of a cliff about 800 feet above the ocean. The drop off extended almost 360 degrees around me and I was right on the edge. I started getting dizzy and backed up terrified that I was going to die. After this I turned around to hike back. I was out of water and kept falling down from exhaustion. I've thought about doing this hike again, but because of its popularity one has to get a permit way in advance. I haven't been to hawaii since 1995 and have gotten old, so I may never do it. I've had several other scary hiking experiences but this was the worst, except possibly a 35 minute standoff with a mountain lion alone and at 11PM. It got within 10 feet of me before deciding that I wasn't worth the effort. My advice: try to find out the difficulty of a hike before you attempt it. Note the water and clothing requirements, bring the 10 essentials and do not hike alone. Good luck and enjoy the experience.

[@mikaross4671]

The Police's reluctance is pretty infuriating. Thank you for sharing Jesse's tale.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Lives up to my expectations for cops.

[@vivianpatton5692]

Here's the the thing with the police . They R a business . If they can't make $$ or some kind of fame they R not going to put themselves out much . Cut & dry that's the real truth .

[@xwhite2020]

​@@jeffhildreth9244rampant drug problems, homelessness, poverty, constant push for low taxes and therefore minimal police resourcing. It's a symtom of all of that.

[@JanalynVoigt]

When I lived on Oahu, the locals I knew spoke of the west coast of Kauai as a dangerous, no-man's land where nefarious things could happen. I pray that somehow, some way, Jesse's family will find answers.

[@lizm.4628]

This story is very concerning to me. I hiked trails on this island a few months ago. It was unseasonably rainy. I did several hikes solo while I was there. It gives me goosebumps to hear this. I felt very safe when I was out there, but safety should be a priority. I am sad for the family of these individuals.

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Glad your doing these trail videos. Nice move in direction. Keep the trail danger/missing/trail crime stories coming.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'll keep doing these in addition to my regular backpacking content!

[@therockbottom5256]

@@KyleHatesHiking that’s how you’re gonna convert chronic KZbin watchers into hiking… if the horror stories don’t keep us away🥴

[@admrizzo1]

I have hiked in Hawaii... never go off the trail without being very cautious... there are hidden lava tubes in the ground that get covered with plants that will make you disappear forever... and there is more crime in Hawaii than people realize...

[@Heavyisthecrown]

You aren’t kidding about the crime and mental health crisis over there. I’ve seen video and it looks like a 3rd world country. Truly scary

[@Scarrbarrr]

I hiked this trail about 15 years ago and became severely hydrated after hiking on the way back-if it wasn’t for some kind hikers heading the opposite way, I don’t know what would have happened….also the current on the first beach is so strong, it’s true. I was in knee-high water and had a very difficult time getting back to shore while coming in.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'm glad you made it out okay!

[@AlphaQHard]

Being severely hydrated, been there. Had to drain the snake constantly

[@justsayin3600]

I went to the side of Kauai where the tobacco fields are. It's that beach that has a natural reef that somewhat protects the beach from the big chaotic waves. The waves were so big that when they hit the beach, I could feel the powerful shock through the sand. The beach was steep and when the wave washed on the beach, and back to the ocean it would wash around my ankles, and in less than 2 seconds I'd be buried past my calves in sand. I knew if I got swept in, it would be very bad. The guy at the resort said there was an Olympic swimmer that drowned at that beach.

[@bobbrereton135]

Hydrated? You mean dehydrated?

[@peterjerchel4603]

So you too much water to drink ?

[@7FAFO]

Having lived on Kauai for 27 years, I have hiked the Kalalau Trail a few times. The last time we needed to evacuate due to rain. At the first stream coming back the KT, was completely flooded. The rope crossing was at least 3ft under water. We. Held on for dear life and crossed. The whole 11 mile trail was a stream. It was a terrifying. I had one leg slip off the cliff as I clung to the trail. My BF saved my life from falling. People do come to Kauai to dissappear and in facf many do. In 1988 two Dr,s went missing in Kokee. And yes KPD rarely investigates anything because everyone is related. We had a serial killer in 2000 on the West side beaches. He killed 3 women, both local and tourists a 4th survived the attack. No one ever held responsible to date. I even had a local boy, a patient working at Walmart just go missing. The police never even talked to me, his MH SW. Very sad. I would definitely never hike alone. People do live in Kalalau always haved.

[@Heavyisthecrown]

Scary… be careful ❤

[@lochnecee]

I know your channel isn’t really about these kind of stories but you really have a knack for telling them. You can tell they are well researched and from an objective pov. Thanks for the content :)

[@qatestbrian1]

I am originally from Massachusetts where there aren't really any forests so deep that hikers can get "lost" in them. If you point in any direction and walk for an hour or two at the most you'll hit a road, house, fast food restaurant or other piece of information. Having moved to Oregon I was struck by how many people go missing in the forests here (and of course Washington state and the other much bigger, wilder states). It is all too easy, so it would seem, to go missing when we're in the wilderness.

[@saltpeter7429]

I'm up north in New Hampshire. In the White mountains. I have had similar ponderings on this. Back home here, if you get lost it will all be ok, usually if you dont lose your head and have cold weather gear in fall or winter. But like you said, walk in one direction long enough and you will come to civilization. Rivers and streams are good to follow. That poor woman Geraldine who passed away off the AT up in Maine was very sad. If she had only hoofed it a bit more she would have found something, or the searchers probably would have found her. I wish she had someone with her. That was the issue. Up until she got lost she had been accompanied by a friend.

[@grayantihero6059]

​@@saltpeter7429 many people have been lost and succumbed to the schizophrenic weather patterns of the white mountains.

[@qatestbrian1]

@@grayantihero6059 That is a thing right? Looking at a weather report before hiking in the White Mountains, or anywhere really, is essential and prepare for unreported weather up in the "Whites". I remember one July hiking up Mt. Washington and seeing a a group of four people who were, evidently, sick of living. They were up near the summit dressed in shorts, sneakers and t-shirts carrying nothing but a couple of partially consumer six-packs of beer. The sunny weather held so I can only assume they made it down in one piece but it was stunning to see them so ill prepared.

[@valleypioneer]

The Berkshires definitely get so deep that you could easily get lost in them.

[@ohane1]

So true. I was shocked hiking in Europe after living in the PNW, you can't get lost when there's a pub 20 miles from about any trail. Here we drive farther than that to start walking into real wilderness.

[@hawaiiansnowwhite]

That was awesome! I couldn't believe it when you pronounced Na'Pali correctly,that was sweet! Really sorry for these families and for their heartbreaking stories,and for these men who are missing! That's must be awful,the sense of loss,but not able to put the pieces in their proper place. I feel your pain and I'm sorry. I hate to say it,but he probably is deceased,or he surely would have contacted you by now. I hate to think it was murder,but it is a possibility in these,troubling times. It is possible though,that he could have slipped off the trail,or gotten swept out to the ocean by either groundwater running off,or by the super large surf on North Shore,especially in wintertime. I grew up on Kauai,and I have hiked that trail often. Even at night with only the moon for light. That was 20 years ago,I guess it was a different time. Back then you could trust whoever you met,cuz they were trusting that their family,going holoholo to the other side of the island at that time without them,were in trustworthy hands. That's how we were taught,you take care of strangers,just like they were your own family. You could have faith that your family,wherever they were,in the Islands,were being taken care of the same way. That was Aloha! That was Ohana. That was Malama Pono. That was how! ..I guess that's gone now,too. ... I'm so sorry,there's just not words.

[@thefisherking78]

You mentioned that it's a rainforest, but here's a fun fact: Mount Waialeale, the spot with the highest annual documented rainfall on Earth at appx 400 inches, is uphill from there. When I hiked that trail, the reason we didn't make it to the end was the rain.

[@gabe-po9yi]

Hearing about the police dept refusing the cadaver dog request, it sounds to me like if you have a hiker in the family it’d be a good idea to keep a current list of organizations that will assist with searches and the resources they have. Some only assist at law enforcement request, but you’d be able to ask that they be called. You’d also be able to offer to pay for their services, such as a cadaver dog, as most depts don’t have them and so contract with a resource that does.

[@jimmysmith8231]

We hiked this trail in the 1990’s - it started to rain just as we hit the first water crossing. We met a group coming back who cautioned us not to continue due to the high probability that we couldn’t safely return. We heeded this advice and we’re lucky to do so as we probably would have been stuck if we had crossed. We even had a section of the trail on our return where a waterfall came out on the brush to the side of the trail and was landing on the trail - it was enough that it could easily sweep your feet our from underneath you if you weren’t careful and pull you down the cliff.

[@steveshea7725]

Being swept out in a rip on the Hawaiian Islands isn't like pulling a rip off the CT coast ... water depths go to thousands of feet right off shore, and beaches and safe landings are few while cliff faces miles long catch the full power of deep ocean waves which will grind you into mincemeat for the sea life.

[@pguth98]

I think you're doing a really great thing for the community with these more serious videos. These people deserve to have their stories told. Also, your subscribers have more than tripled since I started watching. Keep it up.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thanks so much Peter. I couldn't have done it without the support and viewership from folks like yourself. I appreciate you tuning in!

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

I'm from Hawai'i, and my family has been in Hawai'i for over 100 years. The annoying thing is the tourist thinking of an adventurous Hawaiian lifestyle that actually doesn't exist and then getting into situations like this.

[@halfdome4158]

Great comment.

[@DamienLucier]

Yeah I hear people talk about it and I really do respect their love for the outdoors but they should be trained and at least go camping somewhere else before they try shit like this.

[@thisbeem2714]

I hear that tourists are annoying and unwelcome. I didn’t experience it while I was there. It makes sense that folks native to the islands would feel this way, it also makes sense that folks from the mainland would want to see this beautiful place. On the comment about people getting in “situations like this”. Well that happens on every major hiking trail everywhere. It isn’t special to Hawaii. Even experienced hikers disappear on trails. I hiked this trail to the first beach and loved it. I had thought about going back and doing the whole thing someday. I later learned that it’s dangerous and now hearing about folks living along the trail who might be adverse to seeing a white girl on it, I sadly feel it isn’t a place I’d be welcome even if I wanted to tempt the physical danger. I suppose it is my lot for being a white person. The dislike and resentment of my race is more than warranted. Best to respect that.

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

​@thisbeem2714 It actually happens a lot in Hawaii both on land and in the ocean. 1-2 die nearly every week in Hawaii because they don't want to listen. Also you seem to have an issue with another culture so maybe it's you who needs to stop looking down on someone who doesn't look like you. Also where in my original comment did I say it was only special to Hawaii tbh we like tourists but we dislike them when they have your attitude.

[@thisbeem2714]

@@wanderlustandsparkle4395 oh dear! I have no problem with other cultures. I’m so ashamed it came across that way. Honestly I feel like there are so many valid reasons that white people are disliked that I want to be sensitive to that and not intrude someplace I don’t belong. I don’t blame folks for not wanting me sacred places. I do want to avoid being someplace unsafe for me because I am white. Why wouldn’t I? If I’m intruding AND I’m not safe because people are angry why wouldn’t I want to respect that?

[@yvonnesmith8245]

I hiked the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail in 2015 after a rainstorm and vowed never to go back. Way too steep, sketchy river crossing, and much too scary for me. Very sad that quite a few people have disappeared from the trail. Stay away if you have even a modicum of fear of heights!

[@vespertinecat]

Important re: potential corpses. I was watching your channel on TV; switched to phone to comment here. I do recall cadaver dogs can still pick up traces of a human corpse long after it's been covered up by rain or whatever; might be worth a try. When the son of one of the prime suspects in the Black Dahlia case grew up, he had good reason to suspect his father; cadaver dogs alerted to human remains on the property of his old home, but unfortunately since it no longer belongs to his family he couldn't pursue further investigation (there's a Buzzfeed Unsolved episode if you so desire a quick summary of this). Obviously this was decades after any potential crimes. It might be worth bringing a dog around, perhaps, where the old campsite was. Disclaimer of course that I'm no expert on any of this stuff.

[@638Benj]

I hiked it 50 times since 1992 the main reason he could of gone missing is Swolen rivers, lost up valley, rip currents, or crazy people down their.. This is horrible 😢

[@christopherwolfe4692]

I know it’s a stretch, but having dealt with them, the police in Hawaii, they only really pour in the resources when it deals with native Hawaiians. I dated a woman from there and I’ll tell you, they, the Hawaiians, thumb their nose at those of us from the CONUS part of the country. Can’t say I don’t blame them though. People come in and just trash it, but it might be a reason why the police didn’t follow up on some of these cases.

[@7thlady]

Bingo. Especially in a rural area like this, many of the residents do not like tourists. At all. Also, it sounds like it is a very dangerous trail and the footing look precarious, and so the police likely are not interested on taking their dogs on that.

[@pazza4555]

The US wasn't exactly invited to take over to start with

[@vivianpatton5692]

I thought a lot of Hawaii's relied on the tourists . Don't know why they would hate them . Doesn't make sense .

[@niaram]

@@vivianpatton5692most of Hawaii from what i’ve seen don’t like tourist. they polute the land, leave trash, and disrespect everything. most don’t realize it’s not just a vacation island, it’s a island that houses many cultures and real people.

[@Pewnhound112]

Honestly, good. Haole tourists have turned their home into Disneyland. I, too, don’t blame them.

[@mr.halloween87]

I'm an old man now, but after all my travels and thinking I was an experienced backpacker and outdoorsman, turns out that I was just lucky! There's your mystery. Just bad luck! No curse! Remember how many times you got up knowing just how lucky you were not to die? Maybe hundreds of times. A little slip. Wrong turn. Bad timing and worst of all arrogance, over confident and under prepared! Yet you got away with it! Good luck to you and hope you don't have bad luck that then turns into a mystery and eventually a curse. Just an old man jabbering into the wind! A very lucky old man..

[@harryknights694]

VERY WELL PUT SIR

[@nicksaveka5078]

😂😂

[@EricPhillips-qv3wx]

It's called life.

[@mr.halloween87]

@@EricPhillips-qv3wx talking about backcountry experience versus luck. Life you have to carry more weight!

[@Itried20takennames]

Great wisdom. We like to think we are too smart to run into trouble, but on a trail trouble is just one fall, one unexpected medical event away. Even just going off trail to pee can be fatal….so some think if they can see the trail, others might see them, so go off a little more, change their socks after, and suddenly…..every direction looks the same. One wrong choice and you are now lost. That is all it takes.

[@evanpelaccia1772]

Great investigative journalism! You’ve put out some very interesting hiking stories. Hopefully someone can provide some additional information in order to give his family some closure. Where’s flossy?

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Flossy is in Maine! I'm moving back north pretty soon, at least for a few months so you'll see him at some point I'm sure

[@katlinharaldson9209]

Kalalau didn't feel cursed to me when I hiked out there in 2016. It may have been because I didn't know about all the disappearances before going.I was welcomed deeper in the valley where the longterm folk stay. Everyone I met was very kind and generous. They showed me the secret gardens and great waterfalls/swimming holes. Although I did end up leaving a couple weeks early after catching wind of someone getting beat up on the beach. Closer to the beach I found a few different camp setups that looked like they had been abandoned for a long time.. I wasn't sure if it was sketchy or if some campers were just disrespectful and not wanting to carry out what they brought in. Thanks for spreading the word of these cases and info about the trail. In hindsight Im thankful to have survived considering I didn't know much about it before I hiked it. Plus I overpacked and hiked barefoot :/

[@JbirdL2233]

More great information and interesting stories. Love your channel. Thanks! ❤

[@ashleykiss1285]

I was suppose to hike the trail in Dec 2012, and when we arrived at our hotel, the concierge informed us of the incident with the Japanese tourist. They had just closed the park that day. It didn't open up again for a few weeks, I believe. They also made everyone already in leave. I finally made it back to Kauai last year and hiked the trail and it was amazing!

[@evilspyke5760]

he was killed. i had a sister live out there, she was a squatter in a cave, she used to talk about how nice it was living in nature. but the people she met out there would be the types of people who would kill you for your shoes.

[@Jane-oz7pp]

I think maybe the lady who got hurled off a cliff faced the REAL worst-case scenario tbh

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

For real.

[@ArtByKarenEHaley]

Yeah, that sounds terrifying

[@krknife]

Not really, considering they survived. Worst case scenario is death.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

@@krknife Death is not the worst case scenario.

[@krknife]

@@Eidolon1andOnly other than being S/A’d or kidnapped or tortured, which she wasn’t, yes, it is. This guy will never see his family. She is back home and cozy right now.

[@AnitraKAcuna]

You're very kind for helping this family.

[@kfraserfwb]

These hiker stories have finally made me hit the subscribe button. Good job

[@AtomicExtremophile]

It seems worldwide that police aren't interested in doing their jobs! Mile five seems the main possibility if hikers smelled "death", especially with his possessions in the environs. If the cops did their job, they'd potentially have found his remains. If they did, then if his money and phone were with him, it was probably natural causes, if not found, a third party. That guy throwing the Japanese lady off the trail is just mad! It goes to show that any stranger could mean danger.

[@Tom_Emody]

I encountered a flash flood in the badlands of Dakota. I hiked out into a hilly area…the weather was nice. But there was a storm that day upstream. When I was trying to return to the vehicle….I came up on a now raging river basin that was dry hours earlier. I braved it! It was sketchy because lots of trees and debris were coming down at me. It was only knee high, and it was a challenge to keep my footing in the moving sand floor. Nowadays we could just check our weather app.. this happened in 1995 after Grateful Dead tour ended. I was trying to be in wild places to comfort myself. It worked pretty well. Be safe everyone.

[@surfergirl2943]

As someone who was born in Hawaii , this is no joke. People need to be so careful hiking thru some of the areas. The curse is super real to people - prayers to his family❤. Respect da islands always 🌺🌊.

[@williamrainville5794]

why is it dangerous?

[@zakkmiller8242]

As someone who was not born in Hawaii, I agree this is no joke.

[@Evergreen1400]

I grew up on Oahu in the 90’s and was lucky enough to cover almost all of the major trails growing up and almost all of them had signs and pictures of people that went missing on the trail. There were numerous occasions where I just had the overwhelming feeling that I wasn’t alone out there even tho I couldn’t see anyone around. There’s obviously very little violent crime on the islands compared to the mainland but there are ways that a sick person could get away with killing people , getting them on a boat is one of the ways a sick person could get away with hurting someone or disposing of them, catching someone alone in the middle of the rainforest is another so it’s important to always have a knife with you at least and to be aware of your surroundings

[@williamrainville5794]

@@Evergreen1400 oh, yeah I know that intuition. I live in s. oregon and got that before way out in the forest like someone evil is watching me and in the same area some dude went missing that same year. I think it's dope growers.

[@surfergirl2943]

Lol so I grew up on Oahu as well- I gotta laugh tho because people think Hawaii is always a grand paradise and IT IS - in certain places. But the danger lays in the certain cities and areas and also natural areas. Where I grew up both in Waianae and also Haleʻiwa aka the North Shore- you don’t wanna f around with locals or do disrespectful things basically. Full beat downs and shit. And as far as the nature and the danger - just be cautious. A lot is common sense but also being respectful to the island is super serious there. Hard to explain I guess 😂just trust. Use common sense and don’t do things that are disrespectful. I just got back like a week ago I couldn’t believe that amount of rude and stupid people - but it’s always funny to see people get schooled by locals. Anyway great video Kyle since this is what we are talking about essentially! 🤙🏼🌺☺️

[@earthlingannie3426]

Great video! I love that you talked with the family and shared their thoughts. And OMG thrown over a cliff!!?? 😲

[@31Alden]

Kyle, you excel at commentary and investigative reporting. Clear and concise; your humanity shining through. New Subscriber.

[@pdxdude6428]

How frustrating that the police wouldn't do more in the search for Jesse, I wonder why they declined to search.😢

[@AdamFaruqi]

"serve and protect" is just a motto. Police in the USA are under no legal obligation to help people. Another among a litany of reasons there is such disdain for the police in America.

[@joinjen3854]

Fear.

[@gladysover5368]

He was a haole

[@rfabsulous]

Lazy incompetence.

[@thekamotodragon]

I think in this case it just has to do with the local culture of Hawaii, esp a more remote island like Kauai. It's VERY laid back there, and i'm assuming in this place specifically, probably an active desire to actually discourage people from showing up, basically a distain for outsiders, like in in certain Japan areas how the police won't help you if you're a foreigner. They probably see these guys and go "ehh" and since there's not really any regulations there, there's really no punishment for not investigating every case. It's messed up but you see this kind of thing in a lot of unregulated island environments.

[@camillecarnevale]

Aloha! I live on Oahu and I've previously hiked several dangerous trails including the Kalalau trail on Kauai. Many of these trails are kapu (forbidden by the locals) and are not only dangerous because of the terrain but also because the locals will not be kind to you whatsoever if you are caught on their ancient hawaiian 'aina (land). I have heard of coconuts being thrown at peoples heads lol. I have a friend who's husband died on Kauai right before hiking the Kalalau trail and the circumstances were suspect to say the least. He happened to be drinking, had a heart attack and fell off a lanai. He was 33 years old. Sounds like a curse to me! The police treated the situation as if he was a stupid irrisposible haole and had no business being on the island in the first place. It's unfortunate, but white people are not treated very kindly in the islands due to the oppressive history we imposed on the Hawaiian people (rightfully so). The sad truth is that it sounds to me like Jesse Pinegar is being treated as one of those disrespectful, white haoles hiking on their sacred native lands and causing "trouble" for the kanaka. I'm not saying it's justified, but people who have Hawaiian blood in them do not always appreicate or respect foreigners because, again - historically they've acted like total idiots. If you want a perfect example, google Mark Zuckerberg's controversial 1500 acre estate and his "north shore kalo LLC". Another important thing to note about Kalalau is that the permit system is extremely strict and heavily enforced. If you don't accuire the proper camping permit you will likely be asked to leave and escorted off the trail by DLNR (department of land and natural resources). These authorities are no joke and act like the nature police but in the form of big, scary, Samoan body builders who will do pretty much anything to protect the land. Don't even think about digging a cat hole, you might be shitting on someone's ancestral burial ground. Also, the back of the valley if like a commune. People who have been living back there for over 20 years, growing their own food and surviving in homeless encampments. It's lawless and rugged af. The authorities do nothing. It's like the wild west out here. If you choose to venture out into wild island territory you should absolutely know the risks involved. Sharks are the least of your problems. Angry locals protecting their parking stalls, centipedes, flash floods, rip currents, falling off cliffs and leptospirosis are just a few terrifying troubles you might encounter in paradise.

[@gladysover5368]

Camille you are spot on. I previously lived in Hawaii and you are absolutely correct. Too many haoles arrive with an obnoxious attitude ( and most of them have no cognizance of how they are perceived by the locals) and thus it does not end well for them. People need to realize that there is danger in paradise

[@evilspyke5760]

i dont know if you are aware, but our ancient ancestors have repeatedly tried to warn us, but we never listen. curses are real. the Kalalau trail is absolutely cursed. i have first hand experience with this, because, get this, the whole entire world is actually cursed. i cant get into the details here but Earth is cursed. so many bad things happen on Earth and so many people have died, you wouldnt believe it. and some of the ways people have died there is unbelievable that you would not even believe it. curses are sooo real. believe it.

[@planetaryion]

No harm is ever "rightfully so". Ever.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@planetaryion I thought she meant the “rightfully so” for the white people have not been nice to the Hawaiians so they’re not treated too kindly in return.

[@Vexx_Line_]

No, not rightfully so. Hawaii is part of the US, thus people from inland are not "foreigners". Disrespecting people who get lost there isn't righteous in any way & if the police or locals there are acting in this manner they need to be reprimanded, replaced, held accountable. Perhaps get angry at the owners where the trails lie, or the people that gave permission for a trail to be made in the area. I'm sure the "locals" like & enjoy the money tourism brings to their families, so treating tourists or fellow Americans like they don't matter, or throwing objects at their heads to harm them etc is pretty disturbing & disingenuous.

[@RIBill]

There is NO curse on the island or the trail. The trail (all trails on the north and west shores of the islands) is subject to extensive rains, high winds and high surf. Flash floods are common and even a trivial sprinkle can turn the red dirt trails into a deadly water slide. Add in the potential for year-round outdoor living and you get a large number of vagrants. The bigger risk than some supposed curse is that your car will be broken into at the trailhead.

[@GunkTVRecords]

Literally when my family visited Oahu in late 90s, Our rental car was broken into and my mothers purse was stolen. Be careful.

[@BlueCyann]

We always rent some beater car from a local instead of something that looks obviously "rental" and haven't had a problem yet. The last car we rented the locks didn't even work. Don't leave valuables in your car and do your best to make it obvious visually that there's probably nothing valuable in there. Leave the windows open even.

[@RIBill]

@@BlueCyann That's the standard advice... Leave the car unlocked, windows open and nothing visible anywhere. Even in places like Boston, street parking, never, ever leave things visible on the seats at all.

[@5ve1e79]

Your so smart

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Yiur take on these is awesome. prayers for the family 🌻

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks Cindy! RIP Jesse

[@thesecretshade]

I don't know if you ever covered the case of another missing hiker on Oahu. I don't remember the name just now, he was 17 and had a grandmother, both native. He went up the stairway to heaven in Oahu and took some pics and uploaded while there and then disappeared. I read different things from people heard someone yelling for help around that time and also on one of the pics seems to be a person lurking around. In one article it said the person came forward and was cleared. But I don't know what's the truth. Pretty sure he fell.

[@surrealistgirlx]

Kyle has a video on that. I can't find the exact one but I think it was one of three separate stories. As in this story he went on site and hiked it.

[@FaeriePrincex]

I live in New Zealand and so many tourists underestimate bush and rainforest, and how exhausting moving and navigating in those areas, as well as the different skills required to florish in them.

[@FaeriePrincex]

If you come to somewhere like NZ or Hawaii, do some easy trails and walks, just getting used to the terrain, get used to navigating etc, because the terrain, weather etc varies massively between islands in this whole chunk of the world.

[@dougdaniels]

There are wild boar on Kauai. They leave no trace when they kill and eat.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

interesting

[@Classickoolcars]

That’d explain the teeth….🤷‍♂️

[@beneficent2557]

@@KyleHatesHiking they dont eat money

[@dougdaniels]

@@beneficent2557 They eat clothing, why wouldn't they eat money?

[@kathycasey9153]

How heartbreaking!!!! I hope his family finds peace someday.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

me too. They were a pleasure to speak with, and very appreciative that his story was finally getting some attention.

[@kathycasey9153]

@@KyleHatesHiking ❤

[@GmaT1776]

We lived and did boat tours in this area of the valleys from 1997 to 2003 those valleys were filled with squatters it was dangerous and scary then😱 lm inclined to believe he was attacked for what he had how those people worked very bad people went off the grid out there the lived off the goats & boars also praying on innocent hikers bad MOJO there bad people out there 🙏🏼

[@supercoolyguy]

Keep it Real & Pack that Steel. Then the floods can take the trash out to sea.

[@Heavyisthecrown]

100% always carry.

[@froggynutz]

my mom used to live in hawaii, she’s native born and lived there her whole childhood. the stories she used to tell me about how unforgiving the land could be at times still haunt me to this day.

[@mikebel74]

Too bad. He was way too young. If you have to go, I can’t think of a better place. I hiked there in 1986, and will never forget it. I remember bathing in a pool right under a waterfall. I’ve never had an experience like that. It was like swimming in a champagne glass, caressed by thousands of tiny bubbles. At that time, clothes were optional. and most people declined the option. I can see why he was drawn to this place. I had never heard of the dark side of the trail. The curse. I just thought it was paradise on earth. Very disappointed in the police inaction. Were they afraid tourism might be affected negatively? Who knows. Hopefully something definitive will show up. The family deserves that.

[@lillieberger2883]

My home security guy used to live in Hawaii, loved it, loved his mostly native neighbors. He lived on the big island and his neighborhood was destroyed by the volcano eruption. Slow burn he called it. He said the police are corrupt. One dead hiker was found in Volcano’s National Park area hung up in a tree, his travel partner was never found. It was obviously foul play and the police did nothing. They don’t want to investigate their own.

[@gammaanteria]

I hiked the Kalalau Trail solo in May 2010. I was blessed to have good conditions (sunny and dry throughout), the Hanakapiai stream at Mile 2 was easy to cross going in and going out (but I knew and respected its deadly reputation). I got to Kalalau Beach (Mile 11) and set up my tent. There were a couple of folks who had set up there for the long-term (I think one old guy was called the 'Mayor' of Kalalau Beach?). Funny story: a young guy approached me at one point and asked (very politely) if I had any squash. I thought I misheard or misunderstood him, but he again asked if I had any squash. I said I did not and asked why. He responded he had heard there was someone on the beach with whom you could trade gear for fresh fruits and vegetables (I would've asked for mango or something like that). And I don't think this was 'code' for drugs or anything, I think he was serious. I hiked in the woods around the trail and briefly got lost--that was scary--thank goodness I was able to find my way back. On the hike back to the trailhead, at Mile 3 (the highest altitude on the trail, it's called 'Space Rock'), I found a couple underneath a rock. I thought they were picnicking or something, but it turns out the woman was overcome by the heat and the man didn't want to leave her. He asked me what was further into the trail, any place of getting water or supplies, etc. I was thinking, "You've got to be kidding me." I told him politely there was nothing of the sort, but that I was going back to the trailhead and would fetch help. I did alert another hiker at Mile 2 who was hiking into the trail (she looked competent, fit, etc. and said she would help the couple out). When I got to the trailhead, I went to the adjacent beach and reported about the couple to an authority there, and he couldn't have responded with greater disinterest and boredom (though he did say they would handle it). I was naively upset at his response, then realized afterwards they probably get such reports multiple times each day.

[@eringemini7091]

Aloha from Kauai! I only recently found & subbed to your channel. I wish I had seen this video back when it came out. First, my condolences to the Pinegar family on the disappearance of Jesse. I have only hiked the trail to Hanakapiai, (and that was enough for me)! I have heard so many stories about the Kalalau trail as well as the Kalalau valley. One story I heard a few years back was of a guy, a Camper who was there camping alone and he wasn't feeling well. Allegedly, he was sicker than he thought. He died in his tent from Pneumonia. It took several days sadly before he was discovered. I don't know if this Gentleman's body was the source of the smell that so many people reported. Another thing that is well known is that there has always been somewhat of a "criminal" element present along the trail & in the Valleys. I lived high in the Mountains of Kokee State Park in a charming old cabin for 20 years. I believe that in the late 60's & early 70's (both up in Kokee & in Kalalau valley) the Hippie movement/ Weed Growers began to establish themselves. There was an area at the end of the road there on the North Shore called Taylor Camp. It consisted of a group of locals & outsiders who built their own shanty tree houses/Coconut- Bamboo huts. In fact, I think there's even some KZbin videos about it still. Taylor Camp no longer exists, but those Weed Growers, and now possible Meth manufacturers could be present there in Kalalau and other remote parts of the island. I myself was born on Kauai, & raised here. One thing that raises its unattractive head here occasionally is Racism. I don't know if any Hawaiian extremists are living in the Valleys leading to Kalalau, and Kalalau valley itself, but its possible. These folks are of mostly Hawaiian ethnicity. They quite rightly are angry about the way Hawaii was taken ( stolen) from the Hawaiian monarchy to become annexed as a territory of the U.S. These folks make up a tiny portion of our population. They have a deep-seated resentment of all other outsiders mostly called the derogatory term " Haole" pronounced "Howl-lee." Which loosely defined means "White People" but, in the Hawaiian context means "Outsider." Its possible that Jesse may have run into these rype of characters and got on their bad side. With that being said, I am of White ethnicity, my family arrived here from England in 1892. That actually makes me & my relatives the actual WORST type of outsider( those with deep family roots. Those deep roots often mean land ownership making us the most unacceptable to the "Kanaka Maoli" ( Native Hawaiian) movement. I agree there are squatters there, as well as dyed in the wool full-blown criminals and possibly a few extremists. SO many people running from the law come to Kauai. They know that they can easily hide here, I unfortunately have met more than a few. I myself have been interested in missing persons cases since someone I briefly met went missing here on Kauai in 1999. In that case, the Police did not begin to search for her until 3wks after she was last seen going hiking in Kokee. The Police looked for her (imo), for less than a week. When I asked one Officer why they would not be continuing the search for her he said Quote; These people often die of exposure, especially in Kokee, when they have been missing for awhile there's a good chance that they're no longer alive. We don't attempt body recovery due to the overpopulation/ infestation of the Wild Boars" He went on to explain that Boars 🐗 eat EVERYTHING! He said they "root" around the bodies, causing the clothing and belongings to be caked with and buried in Mud. They quite literally consume EVERY part of the body, including bone which they grind up and swallow. Sorry, this is an awful thing for the loved one of a missing person to read. It does however neatly explain (for searchers/law enforcement anyway), how and why they give up so easily? There was a famous case on the mainland of the help going missing on a Woman's Pig farm. Later, once investigators were speaking to her, they saw what looked like a Human bone poking out of the Pig Pen. From the last research I have done, there are still over 100 missing persons cases on Kauai. I think the Police here are used to people coming here to disappear on purpose. I think they assume that most of these cases involve that mind-set, as well as those types that think they will go to Kalalau and "live" off the land, grow vegetables, forage for fruit, drink stream water, sleep in their tent, and swim in the sea. These people may run against already established populations in Kalalau ( or along the trail), that don't want competition. Its hard to say what ( if anything), is actually going on there now. Whatever you do, don't watch the thriller movie; "Perfect Getaway" filmed entirely on the Kalalau Trail. Its starring Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant and Mila Jovovich. The plot of the movie is not far fetched at all considering what has already REALLY HAPPENED there!😔😳

[@hi...itsthe329guy9]

It was mostly filmed in Puerto Rico and some parts of the Na Pali Coast.

[@adultishgambino6831]

Been loving these videos. Definitely keep it up. Unfortunately I'm sure there's millions of these stories from across the world

[@hunterxiden19]

I grew up there in the 70’s and 80’s. Hiked that trail about 50 times starting when I was 12 years old. There’s nothing brutal about it! People have been growing weed there for decades. Could be foul play. Biggest threat in my opinion is bad weather slip and fall which ends in the Pacific if you survive the fall.

[@davidhollis3510]

Love these investigative/analysis videos. Great work, Kyle!

[@ruadhan6707]

I'm from Utah where this family comes from. Their last name is pronounced PIN-uh-gurr, not PINE-gar. It is a very large family, indeed. Thank you for keeping awareness of this case alive.

[@sheilaathay2034]

Thanks! I'm from Utah too. I was about to say the same thing!!😉😊

[@michaelkeith1409]

Ditto. Pinegar rhymes with vinegar. That doesn't detract from the quality of the video though. Well done, Kyle.

[@michaelkeith1409]

Also, my buddy's son was Jesse's best friend. Tragic story.

[@bucky716]

Almost 150k already! You're crushin it with these different types of videos.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thanks!!

[@jujutrini8412]

If the “squatters” are indigenous people just living peacefully on the land some might say they’re not even “squatters” in a moral sense.

[@EmmaDilemma039]

Yeah, I'm not going to watch this channel after that. If you're more disgusted by homeless people than the people who enforce poverty, then you're the one who has a problem.

[@everydaywithsandra]

True

[@LLC808]

They are not people born and raised here. They are dirty transits with no respect to our Aina. They come here for food stamps and free medical. Druggies. Most crime here is from these transits from the 48 states.

[@knotdoingit8460]

"Squatters" = meth-heads/tweakers

[@halfdome4158]

No.

[@CodeGrayHere]

So sad to lose someone you love, especially so far from home.

[@BxCortez2050]

thanks for this story .. May the families find closure in all this ..

[@jeanniepiller3421]

After watching a few of these videos I'm starting to wonder why anyone would hike, at least by themselves, at all! Yikes!

[@no_peace]

Hiking is safe. Certain types of hiking are much riskier alone. Driving a car is more dangerous

[@EmsLionheart]

That’s crazy how many times clothing and such are found but not remains…and some times, bodies turn up weeks later, in places that were searched heavily. Idk which is creepier. 🕊️

[@theresahaines2647]

Keep Jesse and his family in your prayers.

[@bunnybgood411]

I just discovered your channel and I love it. I'm subscribed.

[@Occult_Detective]

There are lots of very dangerous hikes in Hawaii. The beauty of them are Beyond description as well. Some of them are no longer accessible. On the big island of Hawaii. The Waipio rim trail, which goes along the top edge of the waipio valley is staggering. I remember standing looking down the cliff which disappears, you can't see the bottom of, then looking out across to the other side of the valley, which is miles away, and not being able to see the bottom of that valley cliff either, it is so high up.

[@quran_wrh]

Any chance you could elaborate on what you know of the no longer accessible trails?

[@Occult_Detective]

@@quran_wrh Waipio Rim trail, from white road, or the hike to twin falls, at the base of the valley. Bryan's Mysteries & Adventures on Trail just did a vid on the Z trail, which is along 9 to 13 of the valleys waipio to waimanu valley. Some good footage of the area. You can look up pics of spots of these trails.

[@quran_wrh]

@@Occult_Detective thank you kindly, that's great information. I appreciate it

[@MandieLynneReview]

Obsessed with this channel! Incredible content ❤

[@garyblack2858]

Very cool video. Especially since you had just hiked it and referenced it as you told the stories. Congrats on almost reaching 150k! You've found your nitch.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks so much Gary!

[@SherwinR89]

*Niche

[@jamesordwayultralightpilot]

Niche*

[@martinschulz9381]

"Curse" superstitions are always fun, but the trail is dangerous with possibly some bad people on it. When people are away from home doing things they enjoy, they are often in a happy meeting people trusting mood. Good video.

[@neist]

Random thoughts. I've smelled quite a few rotting things in my life, and I'm not sure if I could specify if something was a pig, goat, or anything else. It is a very distinctive smell, though.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

fair enough

[@neist]

@@KyleHatesHiking It is a bit surprising the cops wouldn't look into it. Very few things smell like that.

[@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380]

I asked a hospital nurse about this, because I've smelled things like rotting wild birds, dumped carcasses of chickens, sheep, wild deer, foxes etc. She said a decomposing human smells much worse and once smelled you never forget it. That said, a mortician said that bodies that have been in water smell worse than other corpses, a fireman told me burnt bodies smell worse and another mortician said that infected boils smell worse than human decomp. So it seems to be fairly subjective.

[@msbeecee1]

​@cleoldbagtraallsorts3380 omg I just got an unexpected PhD on corpse smells... TMI !

[@annec781]

Human decomp has a very distinct odor.

[@edgit69]

145K subscribers.. Your channel is blowing up fast 👍.. Congrats

[@KyleHatesHiking]

couldn't of happened without awesome viewers like you Bob!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@KyleHatesHiking I'm here too Kyle and I am your old demographic! These cases that you are keeping alive are really incredible and I thank you for them.

[@estebansaavedra6325]

Great video as always man!

[@stephanieann622]

Just found your channel and I am Hooked! This is such a sad story. I wish there was a gps locator of some kind that all hikers could carry so this horrible situation could stop.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great video Kyle, thank you for sharing it. All the best to you. Stay say safe out there.

[@devakolb8045]

Decades ago I iived on the Islands. I have not been to this island but a few of the other ones. I was shown hidden trail that was once part of the Royal progression Funeral trail. I was also informed of all the taboos that had to be observed at all ties or you could die, disappear, etc. Hawaiian culture has many superstitions. It has also been said that the Islands were once part of Lemuria. I felt I was beig watched and judged by a thousand eyes. I could feel the presence of other-worldly things. but I contued to walk and also observed all taboos. I thought I was gone for 20 minutes, but when I came out, 8 hours had passed and the people I was with had left hours ago so I had to hitch, alone, to get home. I believe there are thigs we don't understand there and the place has a magical feeling.

[@msbeecee1]

That's is so creepy!! Especially abt the "time warp." Weren't ur friends concerned abt u ??

[@Lismarie33]

Thanks for drawing attention to these missing hikers. I can’t imagine what the families are going through.

[@nicklesdonofrio9439]

Worth the risk. Love that hike. I learned how to hike on that trail and in the valleys. I try to go every six months or so.

[@BlueCyann]

I've hiked the first couple miles of that trail, to Hanakapi'ai. The mud is intense! Definitely makes it a harder hike for the distance/elevation changes than it would otherwise be. So slippery in places that it feels like you have to do every step twice. That end of the trail gets so much rain that it never dries out. It's not super sketchy despite that as the trail is very worn down into the mountainside so it doesn't feel very exposed very often. (Unlike some sections later on.) I don't get the whole idea of creepiness. I was there in 2005 which must have been the height of squatters and, I don't know. They're just people. The most unique (to me) experience I had there was when we came up upon a dozen or more loose dogs about a mile in, seemingly with no owners around. We finally decided to continue on among and around them, and it turned out they were hunting dogs. The trail turned back into the mountain and crossed a small stream, and two guys were resting there with more dogs. They had a boar that they had killed, and were carrying out. it's a beautiful place.

[@reginablue7954]

I found you back before 50k subs randomly because of a search I did for a backpack review and subscribed to help get you to 50. Love all your videos and happy to see your momentum 🎉 Cheers 😁

[@KyleHatesHiking]

that's so awesome, thank you Regina!

[@yelloworangered]

Why else does a person suddenly decide to change plans, fly to another location, and rent a car? That person met someone who seemed like a new friend and was led by the deceptive person to at least a bad experience.

[@Tom_Emody]

It seems that if you took a wrong step on those cliffs, that you may not recover. Whoever does this trail, you are one brave soul. I’m not that brave. I do love a good hike, but I’m afraid of heights.

[@XRP747E]

Thank you, Kyle. Your narrating style and piecing together of the story is really engaging. I hope that your video results in some positive information. Thank you.

[@nor2082]

The PCT is going to be a literal killer this year. Too many carefree all in hikers these days with very little experience. The swell on the waterways is going to be immense.

[@YOUR-LOCAL13]

True.

[@lunaazul3000]

This is so sad. I feel for the family. Such a young bright man, dissapears and the police don't do so much as to investigate if there was any criminal activity. Just the fact that his money was not found and that campsite looked so neatly set up. it makes you wonder but prayers for the missing including Jesse Pinegar need to continue so that the family finds him and have closure.

[@juliam7056]

No curse here. Just really dangerous.

[@Crowwalker100]

As someone with a lot of outdoor experience having severed 22 years in the Army, and avid hiker. It always seemed to me that the majority of people that end up dying, hiking and many other things like swimming are those with lots of experience and the people you would lest expect to die doing it. And a lot of the people portrayed here that died are always described as pros, experienced etc.

[@kc3810]

I did the Kalalau trail! It's not for wimps! Almost fell down a cliff, my brother almost got swept away. We're strong athletes and stubborn as hell. Otherwise don't go.

[@michaelinegrant5136]

Could listen to your stories all day. Keep up the great work 👍 👏