Maui Doctor Convicted of Attempted Manslaughter in Wife’s Hiking Attack

A Honolulu County jury has found Dr. Gerhardt Konig, a 47-year-old anesthesiologist from Maui, guilty of attempted manslaughter. The conviction follows a high-profile trial regarding a violent encounter between Konig and his wife, Arielle Konig, during a birthday hike in March 2025.

The Verdict and Legal Implications

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the jury delivered a verdict of guilty for attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance. While the prosecution had initially sought a conviction for the more severe charge of second-degree attempted murder, the jury did not convict Konig on that higher charge.

The current conviction carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison. Dr. Konig’s sentencing is scheduled for August 13, and he will remain in custody until that date. His attorney, Thomas Otake, has stated his intention to appeal the decision.

Details of the March 2025 Incident

The incident occurred on March 24, 2025, on the Pali Puka Trail in Oahu. According to reports from the Honolulu Police Department, Konig attempted to push his wife off a cliffside hiking trail and struck her in the head with a rock. Arielle Konig was transported to the hospital in critical condition following the assault.

Following the attack, authorities conducted an hours-long manhunt to locate the anesthesiologist before his eventual arrest.

Conflicting Testimonies in Court

The trial featured starkly different accounts of the events from both the husband and wife:

• The Prosecution’s Case: Prosecutors alleged that Konig attempted to kill his wife by trying to inject her with a mysterious syringe and shoving her toward a cliff. When those attempts failed, they argued he beat her with a rock. Although Arielle Konig and two other hikers corroborated the account of the beating, no syringe was recovered at the scene.
• The Defense’s Case: Gerhardt Konig pleaded not guilty and claimed self-defense, alleging that Arielle Konig had attacked him first.

Key Takeaways

• Defendant: Dr. Gerhardt Konig, 47, a Maui-based anesthesiologist.
• Verdict: Guilty of attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance.
• Maximum Sentence: 20 years in prison.
• Sentencing Date: August 13.
• Incident Location: Pali Puka Trail, Oahu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Dr. Konig convicted of attempted murder?

No. The jury did not convict him on the charge of second-degree attempted murder, instead finding him guilty of the lesser charge of attempted manslaughter.

What evidence supported the victim’s account?

In addition to Arielle Konig’s testimony, two other hikers who partially witnessed the assault corroborated her account of the beating.

When will the sentencing occur?

The sentencing for Dr. Gerhardt Konig is scheduled for August 13.