At least three people were killed and two more injured in a tourist helicopter crash on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i.
Shocking footage captured the moments after the helicopter crashed into the ocean near Kalalau Beach at around 3:45pm local time on Thursday, showing the aircraft in the water as several people were being treated on the shoreline.
The helicopter was owned by Hawaiian tourist company Airborne Aviation, and it was being operated with one pilot and four passengers. The identities of those killed and injured have not been released.
The US Coast Guard said the crash occurred approximately 100 yards from the shoreline, and footage showed several other helicopters on the beach near the crash site, suggesting it went down near the company's airfield.
The cause of the crash is not clear. Officials said the two survivors were transported to a local hospital for treatment in unknown condition.
Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami urged residents not to speculate on the causes of the crash, telling KITV it was a 'situation that is continuing to evolve.'
Airborne Aviation offers tourism helicopter rides over the Hawaiian island, and bills itself on its website as a 'thrill seekers adventure tour.'
The website shows breathtaking vistas over the vacation spot, and promises views of 'Kauai’s shoreline, waterfalls, and canyons from the thrilling view.'
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The company says it uses a fleet of Hughes 500 helicopters, a small, lightweight aircraft.
Airborne Aviation says its helicopters have seating for up to four guests 'with no middle rear seat for optimal viewing and photography.'
Local outlet Beat of Hawaii described the company as the one 'visitors trusted most', and said its reputation on the island 'was built not just on tours but on fire response, rescue flying, and government contract work.'
The stretch of beaches where the crash unfolded, the Na Pali Coast, is among the most sought-after routes for helicopter rides on the Hawaiian island, offering aerial views of steep mountain faces and pristine beaches.
The coastline has also been the location of a number of similar helicopter crashes in recent years, including a fatal July 2024 crash that killed a pilot and two passengers.
Months before in February 2024, another crash on the same coastline led to one injury.
Kauai County spokeswoman Meghan Wright said in a statement after the crash this week that authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
'With aloha and heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the three people who died,' Wright said.
'To the two survivors, we are holding you close in our thoughts and hoping for your full recovery. Kauai is a place that moves people deeply, and days like this remind us how fragile the moments we seek here can be.
'Our hearts are with everyone touched by this tragedy.'
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