Tragedy Strikes as Tourist Helicopter Crashes off the Coast of Kaua’i, Leaving One Dead and Two Missing
A tourist helicopter associated with Ali‘i Kaua‘i Air Tours and Charters crashed off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i on Thursday, resulting in one fatality and two individuals still missing. The helicopter went down about a quarter mile offshore along the picturesque Na Pali Coast, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
The crash was reported by hikers on the Kalalau Trail who witnessed the helicopter go down and alerted Kaua’i Police Dispatch around 1:20 p.m. local time. One body was recovered from the ocean at 2:25 p.m., but the identities of the passengers have not been released. The search and recovery efforts were paused at sundown for the safety of first responders, with the U.S. Coast Guard continuing the search into the evening.
Kaua’i Police Chief Todd Raybuck emphasized that the search and recovery operation will be a multi-agency response, with local efforts set to resume at first light on Friday. A temporary flight restriction has been put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration in the search area while the investigation remains active.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami expressed his sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of those involved. Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke also offered her deepest sympathies and gratitude to the agencies involved in the response efforts.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation. As the community mourns the loss and hopes for the safe recovery of the missing individuals, the focus remains on supporting the families impacted by this tragic event.
