UPDATE: 3 dead in Kalalau Beach helicopter crash, Kaua‘i police say

Update at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026: Three people are dead and two are injured after a tour helicopter crash on Kauaʻi, Thursday afternoon.  Island police received a text-to-911 message at approximately 3:45 p.m., that a helicopter had crashed into the ocean near Kalalau Beach. The Hughes OH-6 Cayuse helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation and had a pilot and four passengers aboard.  

Good Samaritans and Kauaʻi Fire Department crews rescued and medically evacuated two survivors to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe. 

“We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals’ families and friends,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator with the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We are also keeping the survivors in our thoughts as they begin their recovery. We remain grateful for close coordination with our partner agencies throughout this tragic incident.” 

Response to the incident continued into the evening hours.

Personnel and resources from the Kauaʻi Fire Department, the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, the US Coast Guard, American Medical Response, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Kauaʻi Police Department are actively involved in the response.

Pevious post:

Update at 6:31 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026: Five people were injured in a helicopter crash Thursday afternoon, March 26, at remote Kalalau Beach on Nā Pali Coast in northwest Kaua‘i.

Kaua‘i Fire Department says a preliminary report shows an Airborne Aviation helicopter carrying one pilot and four passengers crashed shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday at the beach.

First responders were dispatched shortly after the crash was reported.

Personnel from Hanalei Fire Station, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, US Coast Guard, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, American Medical Response and Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources responded to the crash.

Additional updates will be provided when more information is available.

Story originally posted at 5:32 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026: Injuries are being reported following a helicopter crash Thursday, March 26, at the remote Kalalau Beach on Nā Pali Coast in northwest Kaua‘i.

Kaua‘i first responders were dispatched Thursday afternoon to a reported helicopter crash at about 3:45 p.m. at the beach.

Personnel with Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Hanalei Fire Station and Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, U.S. Coast Guard, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency and Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources responded.

A preliminary report says the helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers when it crashed at Kalalau Beach.

Kaua‘i Fire Department reports updates will be provided when additional information is available.