Footage shows smoke rising from a plane crash that killed two people onboard in Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon.

The pilot on the training flight was heard over the radio saying 'we're out of control here' before the light aircraft smashed into an empty building near the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Horrified passing drivers on the adjacent highway watched as smoke rose into the air. The two people onboard the Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Kamaka Air were both killed at the scene of the crash in Honolulu.

State officials said the plane was on a training flight when it crashed into a vacant, government-owned building that was being prepared for demolition.

Radio communications show that the pilot was advised to land as safely as they could on 'any runway, any place you can do'.

'You're turning right, right?' the tower was heard asking the pilot.

'We are... we have... uh... we're out of control here,' the pilot responded.

'Okay, if you can land, if you can level it off, that's fine. Any runway, any place you can do,' they responded.

Local media named one of the victims as Hiram Defries, a Punahou School graduate in his 20s, who was a pilot in training.

First responder agencies, including the Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department, arrived at the incident.

One witness said: 'I was working and all of a sudden had a loud, one big boom, and I looked out and there was just some freaking clouds of smoke and my coworkers told me a plane crashed right next to our building.'

Resident Nancy Timko added: 'I was sitting at my desk and all of a sudden, I saw a small plane fly past my office window, which is on the seventh floor. And I went, ‘Oh, he's really, really low,' and he started banking and going back towards the airport, and then I heard a loud bang.'

Kamaka Air operates as an inter-island airline and logistics company that provides air cargo services such as charter service and per-pound service.

Director of Honolulu Emergency Services, Dr Jim Ireland said: 'This is a tragedy today and our thoughts are with the family.'

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi added in a statement: 'I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash on O'ahu this afternoon that claimed the lives of two employees of Kamaka Air. On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those we lost.

'This heartbreaking incident reminds us of the dedication and risks taken by those who help keep Hawai'i's essential goods moving. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragedy during this incredibly difficult time.

'We also extend our gratitude to the first responders who swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance.

'The City stands ready to support Kamaka Air and all those affected in any way we can.'