Helicopter Crash Off Hawaii Leaves 3 Dead, 2 Injured

Authorities say the helicopter was carrying a pilot and four passengers when it went down off Kauai's remote Kalalau Beach.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:48am

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A helicopter crashed on Thursday afternoon off a remote beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, killing three people and injuring two, authorities said. The helicopter was carrying a pilot and four passengers when it went down about 100 yards offshore at Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast.

Why it matters

Helicopter tours are a popular way to explore the scenic Na Pali Coast, which is otherwise only accessible by hiking or boat. This tragic incident raises concerns about the safety of these aerial tours and the potential risks involved in flying over remote, rugged terrain.

The details

According to police, the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation. The three people who died and the two who were injured were all aboard the helicopter when it crashed. The injured were transported to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment.

  • The helicopter crash occurred on Thursday afternoon.

The players

Airborne Aviation

The company that operated the helicopter involved in the crash.

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What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and will work to recover the helicopter from the water.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of helicopter tours, especially in remote and rugged terrain like the Na Pali Coast. It will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols and regulations governing the aerial tour industry in Hawaii.