The RNZAF P-3K2 Orion was diverted to help in the rescue of two people stranded in the ocean for 22 hours.

A training exercise turned into a dramatic rescue for a Royal New Zealand Air Force crew who helped save two survivors from a plane crash.

While in Hawaii, the RNZAF P-3K2 Orion was called in to help in the search for two people whose light aircraft disappeared off the radar about 25 miles northwest of Kona, the Big Island.

The Orion was diverted to the search on Friday and the two missing people spent 22 hours in the ocean before they were found and winched to safety by a helicopter about 9.45am on Saturday.

Commanding Officer of No 5 Squadron wing commander Daniel Hunt said it was great for the Orion crew to be able to help their US colleagues.

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"The successful rescue of these two people is fantastic," he said.

"We spend a good number of flying hours each year on such missions and sometimes we don't get the result that we and those at home hoping for good news would like."

The Orion was due to resume RIMPAC activities on Sunday, operating from its US base at Kaneohe Bay.

ABC News reported that search crews were inspecting debris spotted in Hawaiin waters, which they believe could be from the missing plane.