Missing 70-Year-Old Hiker Found Near a Volcano Thanks to a Heroic Dog — Now He Wants to Adopt Her

A 70-year-old man who disappeared near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was found alive thanks to a specially trained police dog whose extraordinary tracking skills helped bring a frightening search to an end.

David Arai, an experienced solo hiker from Oʻahu, was reported missing on October 19, 2026, after he had not been seen for more than 24 hours. Because of his age and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, authorities classified him as endangered and launched an extensive search.

Investigators eventually located his rental vehicle inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Police officers and park personnel searched the surrounding area, with a helicopter from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department assisting from the air.

But it was a three-year-old Labrador retriever named Trina who ultimately led rescuers to the missing man.

A Dog’s Nose Makes the Difference

Trina, a scent-tracking canine with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, joined the operation alongside her handler, Officer Christopher Ross. Ross used a pillowcase belonging to Arai to give the dog his scent.

The search was complicated by darkness, rain, mud and rocky terrain. Despite the difficult conditions, Trina followed the trail and located Arai at approximately 7:30 p.m.

He was found about two miles from where his rental vehicle had been discovered. Rescuers brought him back to the trailhead and transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment for dehydration and exposure.

Ross later praised Trina’s work, describing her as an extraordinary partner whose skills had helped make the rescue possible.

A Life-Saving Partner With a Growing Record

Trina, originally from Sweden, joined the Hawaiʻi Police Department in February 2026 with the help of a $25,000 donation. She is trained to locate missing children and endangered adults across Hawaiʻi Island.

The rescue was not her first successful search. Just one month earlier, Trina had helped locate a missing 13-year-old girl in Waikōloa.

Her ability to follow a person’s scent through challenging conditions has made her an important member of the department’s search efforts.

The Hiker Has a Special Request

After being found, Arai expressed deep gratitude for the people who had searched for him and especially for the dog who helped bring him to safety. According to PEOPLE, he even said he would consider adopting Trina when she eventually retires from police work.

For now, Trina continues working alongside Ross, helping search teams find people who may be lost or in danger.

What began as a worrying disappearance ended with a successful rescue—and a reminder of how the extraordinary abilities of a trained dog can make all the difference when someone’s life is at stake.

Source: PEOPLE