Three Killed, Two Injured After Tour Helicopter Crashes Off the Kauai Coast [WATCH]

Three people were killed and two others injured when a tour helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii, on Thursday afternoon, according to local authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

The helicopter, carrying a pilot and four passengers, went down near Kalalau Beach along the island’s northwest shoreline at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time, the Kauaʻi Police Department confirmed.

Emergency responders were alerted to the crash through the department’s text-to-911 system.

3 dead, 2 injured in tour helicopter crash on Kauai’s Na Pali coast via @staradvertiser https://t.co/8syNdUkaSZ

— AP (@AP_Honolulu) March 27, 2026

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Officials said the aircraft, operated by island tour company Airborne Aviation, crashed roughly 100 yards offshore near the Nā Pali Coast, an area known for its steep cliffs and remote terrain.

The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in responding to the incident, according to reports.

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Authorities confirmed that three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Two survivors were transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately disclosed.

“This is a situation that is continuing to evolve,” Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami told KITV. He urged the public to avoid speculation as investigators work to determine what led to the crash.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The helicopter involved was part of Airborne Aviation’s fleet, which offers aerial tours of the island.

The company advertises its flights as a “doors-off thrill-seekers adventure tour,” providing passengers with panoramic views of Kauaʻi’s coastline, waterfalls, and rugged canyons.

According to the company’s website, the tours typically last about 55 minutes.

Airborne Aviation operates the Hughes 500 helicopter, a lightweight aircraft designed for speed and maneuverability. The model is commonly used in both civilian and commercial aviation settings.

At least 3 killed, two injured after Airborne Aviation helicopter crashes off Hawaii coast

Source: Kaua’i Police Department/Unverified footage from upuknews pic.twitter.com/WD6RiGl5m3

— RT (@RT_com) March 27, 2026

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