Hang Gliding and Paragliding
If you’ve always wanted to know what it feels like to fly, hang gliding or paragliding might be your perfect Maui adventure. You’ll get open-air, bird’s-eye views of the Valley Isle that you’ll likely never forget. And you don’t need to be a daredevil to participate.
Equipment and Lessons
Hanggliding Maui. Armin Engert will take you on an instructional powered hang-gliding trip out of Hana Airport in East Maui. With more than 13,000 hours in the air and a perfect safety record, Armin flies you over Maui's most beautiful coast. A 30-minute flight lesson costs $190, a 45-minute lesson costs $250, and a 60-minute lesson is $310. Snapshots of your flight from a wing-mounted camera cost an additional $40, and a 34-minute DVD of the flight from a wing-mounted camera is available for $80. Reservations are required. Hana Airport, Alalele Pl., off Hana Hwy., Hana, Hawaii, 96713. 808/264-3287; www.hangglidingmaui.com.
Proflyght Paragliding. This is the only paragliding outfit on Maui to offer solo, tandem, and instruction at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The leeward slope of Haleakala lends itself to paragliding with breathtaking scenery and air currents that increase during the day. Polipoli creates tremendous thermals that allow you to peacefully descend 3,000 feet to land. Tandem instruction prices run $115–$225. Solo paragliding certification is also available. 1100 Waipoli Rd., Kula, Hawaii, 96790. 808/874–5433; www.paraglidemaui.com.
