Air Ambulance Provider Sets Timeline for Hawaii Expansion

Life Flight Network expects to launch operations in the state by fall.

Zach Vasile

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 03:58 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A helicopter at Hilo Airport. [Shutterstock/Chris Allan]

Key Takeaways:

Oregon-based nonprofit Life Flight Network is expanding its air ambulance services to Hawaii's Big Island, with operations set to begin later this year.
The organization will invest $27 million to establish three bases in Waimea, Kona, and Hilo, aiming to improve access to timely, high-quality emergency medical transportation.
Life Flight Network will deploy a mix of helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft, in collaboration with the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, to support critical patient transfers.

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Oregon-based nonprofit air ambulance provider Life Flight Network will start operations in Hawaii later this year.

The organization announced plans in March to set up bases on Hawaii’s Big Island in collaboration with the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, which provides equipment and training to the island’s fire department. Life Flight Network said Thursday that it will ramp up operations in the fall from bases at Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea, Kona Community Hospital in Kona, and Hilo International Airport (KITO).