Life Flight Network Brings Critical Air Medical Services to Hawaii Island

Emergency air medical services have expanded to Hawaii Island with the arrival of Life Flight Network. The organization began operations there on 7 November 2025, bringing critical care directly to patients in need. A new Airbus H145 helicopter, funded by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, now supports this lifesaving work.

Life Flight Network was founded in 1978 in Portland, Oregon, with a clear goal: to save lives by transporting patients to the right medical care. Over the decades, it has grown to serve more than 15 million people across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. Each year, its teams carry out over 15,000 patient transports.

The expansion to Hawaii Island follows a major investment of over $37 million in aircraft, equipment, staff, and facilities. Three bases are planned for the island—Kona, Hilo, and Waimea—with the Hilo location opening in November 2025. The Waimea base is expected to follow later in the year.

In its first three months on Hawaii Island, the service transported over 140 patients. The organization works closely with local hospitals, emergency services, and community partners to improve healthcare access. Each flight operates like a mobile intensive care unit, staffed by skilled medical and aviation professionals.

Ben Clayton, the chief executive officer, leads the network as it strengthens Hawaii's emergency response system. The new Airbus H145 helicopter, provided through the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, plays a key role in these efforts.

The launch of Life Flight Network on Hawaii Island marks a significant boost for emergency medical care in the region. With three planned bases and a fleet of advanced aircraft, the service is now fully integrated into the island's healthcare network. Over 140 patients have already benefited from its rapid response in the first few months.