A tour helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, on Friday, March 25, 2026, resulting in three fatalities. The aircraft, operated by a local tour company, went down in the waters near the Na Pali Coast, a popular but rugged tourist destination.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local first responders launched a search and rescue mission after the crash was reported. Authorities confirmed that three individuals were recovered from the scene and pronounced dead. No survivors were found.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into the cause of the crash. The specific tour company involved and the identities of the victims have not been officially released pending notification of next of kin.
This incident highlights the risks associated with aerial tours in Hawaii's challenging terrain. The last fatal tour helicopter crash in the state occurred in 2019, also on Kauai, which prompted previous safety reviews.
