The incident happened about noon near Leilani Estates.

The FAA identified the helicopter as Eurocopter EC130 and said it reportedly had engine problems before the hard landing.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, which owns the chopper, said everyone on board is safe.

The County of Hawaii said all the passengers and the pilot were out of the helicopter and ambulatory when the fire department arrived. They were taken to the Pahoa First Station to be evaluated by emergency service personnel.

“A few of them sustained what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, and at the time of this release, 5 of the 6 people were transported to Hilo Medical Center (for further observation and treatment) via Ambulance in good condition,” according to the Hawaii County press release.

The helicopter went down in a mostly rural part of the Big Island, and a rescue helicopter was trying to find it in an inaccessible area, officials in Hawaii said.

“The helicopter had launched from the Hilo base on the ‘Circle of Fire’ tour,” said Blue Hawaiian President Quentin Koch.

“The safety of our passengers and pilot are our always top priority, and the pilot’s decision to safely land the aircraft is always the right decision.”

To read the Hawaii News Now report, click here.