Helicopter Crash off Kauai Island

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a helicopter operated by a renowned tour company crashed in the waters off the picturesque Hawaiian island of Kauai. The crash took place around 1:20 p.m. approximately a quarter mile from the island’s northern shore, near the breathtaking Hanakoa Valley along the Na Pali Coast.

Regrettably, the crash resulted in the loss of at least one life, with two individuals still missing as search operations continue. The Kauai Police Department confirmed the discovery of one of the passengers who had been on board, sadly found deceased about an hour after the crash.

The helicopter involved in the tragic incident was operated by Ali’i Kauai Air Tours and Charters, as stated by local authorities. Witnesses on the nearby Kalalau Trail reported witnessing the helicopter plunge into the water, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

At the time of the crash, the National Weather Service in Honolulu had forecasted strong trade winds and patches of low clouds across Hawaii, posing potential challenges for air travel.

Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Kauai Fire Department, and the Kauai Police Department, are actively participating in search and recovery efforts. The search operation was temporarily halted at sundown, but the Coast Guard will persist in search efforts overnight.

Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) and the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and any contributing factors.

The tour company, based in Lihue, Kauai, has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Their website showcases private one-hour tours that offer breathtaking views of the Na Pali coastline and the island’s magnificent sea cliffs.

Tragically, this is not the first fatal tourist helicopter crash in Hawaii. In 2019, another incident occurred off Kauai near Kekaha, resulting in the loss of the pilot and six passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board’s analysis indicated that the pilot had continued the tour despite deteriorating weather conditions, ultimately leading to the tragic crash.