HANALEI, Hawaii (TNND) — Three people died and two were injured when a tour helicopter crashed Thursday near Kalalau Beach on Kauai, authorities said.
The helicopter carrying 1 pilot and 4 passengers crash-landed on a sandbar about 100 yards off Kalalau Beach at about 3:50 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, according to the Coast Guard.
Good Samaritans and Kauai Fire Department crews rescued two survivors, who were medically evacuated to Wilcox Medical Center, officials said.
The Coast Guard, Kauai Ocean Safety and partner agencies responded. The Coast Guard identified the operator as Airborne Aviation.
Authorities did not release the victims' identities or the cause of the crash. Further details were not immediately available.