Three dead after helicopter crash near Kalalau Beach in Hawaii

Kalalau Beach, one of the most remote and rugged stretches of coastline on Kaua?i, became the scene of a fatal tour helicopter crash on Thursday afternoon, leaving three people dead and two others injured, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 15:45, when emergency services received a “text-to-911” message reporting that a Hughes 369D helicopter registered N715KV had gone down in the ocean near the beach. The aircraft, operated by Airborne Aviation, was carrying a pilot and four passengers at the time of the crash.

Police said three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. Two surviving passengers were transported to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment. No further details on their condition were immediately available.

A large-scale emergency response was launched involving multiple agencies, including the Kaua?i Police Department, Kaua?i Fire Department, the United States Coast Guard, and other local and state authorities. Search and recovery operations were ongoing late into the day.

The crash comes as Hawaii faces a period of severe weather linked to a seasonal system known as a “kona low,” which has brought heavy rainfall and flooding across several islands in recent days. While officials have not yet determined the cause of the accident, weather conditions and the challenging terrain of the N? Pali Coast may form part of the investigation.

Authorities said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.