Tourist helicopter carrying seven people goes missing off coast of Hawaii

US Coast Guard launches search after helicopter fails to return from excursion

The US Coast Guard has launched a search for a missing helicopter with seven passengers onboard that failed to return from a trip to the Na Pali coast in Hawaii, officials said.

The owner of the helicopter contacted the Coast Guard about 45 minutes after the aircraft was due back from a tour of Kauai's Na Pali coast on Thursday evening, according to a news release.

The helicopter has an electronic locator, but no signals have been received, the bulletin read.

It was reportedly carrying a pilot and six passengers, two of whom were believed to be children.

"The weather conditions are challenging”, Robert Cox, a petty officer first class with the Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Honolulu, said in a statement. "We have trained crews responding and on scene searching for any signs of the helicopter and those aboard."

According to the news release, clouds and rain rendered visibility at 4 miles (6.4 kilometres), with winds at 28 mph (45 kph). Friday's forecast predicted winds of around 23 mph (37 kph).

A helicopter was launched from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, and additional support was provided by the US Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 at Kaneohe Bay.

A Coast Guard cutter was also launched from Honolulu.

Further searches with a search-and-rescue airplane and fresh helicopter crew were scheduled for first light, if necessary.

According to the news release, helicopter tours are common above the island of Kauai, much of which is a state park.

The Associated Press contributed to this report