Arashi Chartered Makani Kai A-Stars

The Japanese boy band, Arashi, chartered both of Makani Kai Helicopters' AS-350BAs, to take them from HNL to their Ko Olina concert site, where the helicopters landed behind the massive staging. N6077H (msn 2693) [top] and N9511 (msn 1324) [above] had the Arashi Blast in Hawaii decals affixed to the fuselage.

Hawai‘i Five-0 Cameos

In tonight's episode, "Ho‘i Hou",  a US Air Force C-17A, 09-9207 (c/n 50231 [F-230/P-207]) from the 436th AW and TransAir's N306AL (above) made cameo appearances after the first commercial break.   Only the interior of N306AL was used, to simulate the interior of the C-17A. H50 fan blogs noted that film crews were working around the 737-2T4C, parked on the South Ramp.

The "Kamekona Air Tours" AS350, from Makani Kai Helicopters, also appeared in the episode.

"Loha Ke Kahi I Ke Kahi"

In tonight's season four premier episode of Hawaii Five-0, "Loha Ke Kahi I Ke Kahi", Makani Kai Helicopters' N6077H makes an appearance as a TV news helicopter for the fictional TV station KHMJ. N6077H is seen above on the 50-yard line of Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium, where a part of the episode was filmed. The production company spent the entire day filming a few scenes inside the stadium, and out in the Hālawa parking lots.

Also making an appearance in the episode, is Kalitta Air's 747-221F, N748CK (c/n 21744, l/n 392), that scene was filmed on HNL's South Ramp.

Kamekona's N6077H

Makani Kai Helicopters' AS-350BA, N6077H (msn 2693), has been transformed into another helicopter charter company for the CBS TV series "Hawai‘i Five-0". This time, the fictitious charter company is based on the recurring character, Kamekona (played by actor Taylor Wily), and another new business venture for his enterprising character.

N6077H was photographed late last month, but we were asked not to run this photo until last night's episode aired. In the meantime, this AS350BA still has the decals affixed.

Magnum Helicopters' N369MH

This is NOT an "HNL RareBirds Classic"!

Makani Kai Helicopters has created a special helicopter charter company called Magnum Helicopters, which features an Hughes 500D, N369MH (c/n 380287D), painted in the same colors as the Hughes 369 in the 1980s CBS TV series "Magnum, P.I.". It's seen above, shortly after it was re-assembled, and being readied for a test flight.

Kekipi Island Tours' N6077H

Kekipi Island Tours is the fictional helicopter company in the CBS-TV series"Hawai‘i Five-0". N6077H (msn 2693) is actually one of the two Eurocopter AS-350BA Ecureuils in the Makani Kai Helicopters fleet. The AS-350BA had the Kekipi decals applied to both sides of the fuselage, as the hit TV series began filming episodes for its second season this week. The Kekipi N6077H made a few appearance last season. The yellow and black rails on the skids are for camera mounts.

Mahalo to the folks at Makani Kai Helicopters for allowing me to photograph N6077H.