Tragic Helicopter Crash in Hawaii Claims Three Lives

Fri Mar 27 2026 18:59:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A helicopter crash near Kauai, Hawaii, results in the deaths of three individuals, while two others are rescued. The incident raises concerns about the safety of tour helicopter operations in the region.

A tragic helicopter crash off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, has left three people dead, prompting officials to investigate the circumstances of the incident. The helicopter, operated by Airborne Aviation, crashed approximately 100 yards from Kalalau beach, while two survivors were taken to a nearby hospital. Eyewitness accounts and local authorities have expressed their condolences, emphasizing the communal connection felt towards both visitors and residents in the aftermath of the accident. The crash underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding helicopter tours and their operations amidst scenic but hazardous locations.

Three people have died after a helicopter crashed off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, police said.

The helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers, police said in a statement. Two survivors were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, a company whose website advertises 'a doors-off thrill seekers adventure tour' of the picturesque island's waterfalls, canyons, and beaches.

The US Coast Guard said the helicopter crash-landed about 100 yards off Kalalau beach. Authorities have not yet identified the victims.

Police said they responded to an alert of the crash at around 15:45 local time (01:45 GMT), along with the coast guard and fire department.

Kauai's Mayor Derek Kawakami praised the recovery effort, telling local media: Here on Kaua'i, whenever somebody puts their feet on our soil, they are one of ours. We treat them like one of ours, they are a part of our family, and our first responders respond with that spirit in mind.

Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator for the coast guard in Honolulu, said: We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals' families and friends. Helicopter tours are a popular way for visitors to tour the island, which is known for being the filming location of the blockbuster movie Jurassic Park.

Airborne Aviation's 50-minute tour of the island offered a maximum of four passengers and costs $348 each per passenger, according to its website.

The incident is the latest fatal crash in Kauai involving a tour helicopter. Three people were killed after a helicopter operated by a different tour company crashed in July 2024 due to turbulence from downdraft winds, resulting in an inflight breakup, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board.