Discover Maui from an entirely new perspective with Hang Gliding Maui at Hana Airport. After experiencing the famous Road to Hana, get ready to soar above the island’s stunning landscapes. Feel the thrill as you glide through the clouds, taking in sweeping, panoramic views of Maui’s lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sparkling waters. This unforgettable adventure combines excitement and serenity, giving you a breathtaking aerial view that will leave lasting memories of paradise.
Hang Gliding Maui: Your Ultimate Guide to Soaring Above Paradise
Discover Maui from an entirely new perspective with Hang Gliding Maui at Hana Airport. After experiencing the famous Road to Hana, get ready to soar above the island’s stunning landscapes. Feel the thrill as you glide through the clouds, taking in sweeping, panoramic views of Maui’s lush forests, rugged coastlines, and sparkling waters. This unforgettable adventure combines excitement and serenity, giving you a breathtaking aerial view that will leave lasting memories of paradise.
Hang Gliding Maui Airport Rd, Hana, HI 96713, United States
- Hang Gliding Maui: Your Ultimate Guide to Soaring Above Paradise
- What does this cost and how long are the flight times?
- When do we have to leave Central Maui to arrive in Hana on time?
- Why Maui is perfect for Powered Hang Gliding!
- About Hang Gliding Maui
- Here’s what you can expect from your Hang Gliding Maui experience, from start to finish
- What was our favourite part of this experience?
- Planning Tips:
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Picture this: you’re soaring over Maui’s east coast, gliding right through the clouds with jaw-dropping views that seem to go on forever. That’s the magic of Hang Gliding Maui, tucked away at the Hana Airport. Yes, you’ll have to tackle the famous Road to Hana to get there—scenic, beautiful, and, let’s be honest, a bit heart-racing—but trust us, it’s worth it. This isn’t just any adventure; it’s a chance to see Maui from a whole new angle. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a totally unique way to explore, you’ve found it. In this blog, we’ll dive into all you need to know before you take off!
What does this cost and how long are the flight times?
If you’re up for an incredible adventure, you’ve got two amazing options: powered hang gliding or flying in an AutoGyro. For powered hang gliding, it’s $240 for a 30-minute flight, $320 for 45 minutes, or $400 if you want a full hour soaring through the skies. The AutoGyro, which gives you a different kind of thrill with its enclosed cockpit, is priced at $260 for 30 minutes, $350 for 45 minutes, and $440 for 60 minutes. To capture the moment, you can add a camera service.
Digital photos from a wing-mounted camera on the powered hang glider cost $50, or you can go for a movie recording for $100 (available for both machines). They accept Zelle, Venmo, and cash, but if you’re Canadian like us, cash is your only option since the other methods don’t work in Canada. And heads up—there’s no ATM on site, so come prepared with cash to make sure you don’t miss out on the experience!
When do we have to leave Central Maui to arrive in Hana on time?
First things first: if you’re planning to fit Hang Gliding Maui into your Road to Hana day trip, we recommend hitting the road early—aim for around 5:30 a.m. This gives you time to enjoy some iconic stops along the way before your flight. We had six people in our group, and our first flight with Armin at Hang Gliding Maui was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. One thing to keep in mind is that this activity is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t ideal for powered hang gliding, you might have to switch to the gyrocopter (which, trust us, is just as awesome!). When we went, the weather was wild—strong winds and plenty of rain—but by 2:00 p.m., everything had calmed down and our itinerary stayed on track. Just be flexible, as weather can shift, and your flight time may need to adjust accordingly.
On the contrary, you could fly from Kahului to Hana Airport for about 80 USD round trip, if you wanted to skip the drive.
Why Maui is perfect for Powered Hang Gliding!
Maui has an unbelievable landscape, from the oceans to the mountainside, everything is so cool to see. Seeing all of this from above is unlike any other. During the flight, you get to see the Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park, the secluded Red Sand Beach. On top of all of that, you get to see countless magnificent waterfalls, that cannot be accessed by foot or vehicle. Armin (The Pilot) will fly low down and close to all of these sites, on the way back is when you go into and even above the clouds! This is such a cool experience to get to feel the moist warm air through the clouds above the turquoise oceans. All the while, getting a private narrated tour by Armin!
About Hang Gliding Maui
To our knowledge, Hang Gliding Maui is the only company on the island offering these unique aerial experiences. Run by Armin Engert, along with his trusted mechanic, Wally, this operation combines decades of expertise with a genuine passion for flight. Armin has been hang gliding since the 1980s, initially taking people for thrilling, non-powered hang gliding flights off Haleakalā in the 1990s. Over the years, his love for hang gliding evolved into powered hang gliding, and most recently, he introduced flights in AutoGyros. With his vast experience and dedication, Armin provides an unparalleled adventure, allowing guests to explore Maui’s beauty from an extraordinary perspective. Armin takes safety very seriously, but there is no boring safety meeting or anything here. We get up right in the air right away, that’s what I appreciate from Armin. No wasted time!
Here’s what you can expect from your Hang Gliding Maui experience, from start to finish
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive about 15-20 minutes before your scheduled flight time. Parking at Hana Airport is easy, with plenty of spaces available. Once parked, walk southwest behind the main building, past the tower, along a short path, and through the fence to reach the hangar where Hang Gliding Maui operates.
Meeting Amber: When you reach the hangar, you’ll be greeted not only by Armin but also by Amber, his beautiful and friendly dog. Make yourself at home in the hangar—there’s a relaxed atmosphere with couches, a pool table, water, and WiFi available.
Washroom Options: Note that there are no washrooms in the hangar itself. As Armin likes to say, “Men go behind the hangar, and the ladies do too!.” However, if that’s not comfortable for you, head back to the Hana Airport parking area. In the terminal building to the east, you’ll find washrooms, and if it’s locked, just ask Armin or Wally for the key. There’s also a Coca-Cola machine right outside the terminal for a quick refreshment.
Pre-Flight Prep: Before your flight, you’ll need to sign a waiver. If you’re flying in the powered hang glider, you’ll suit up in a warm leather jacket to stay cozy in the cooler air. For AutoGyro flights, the leather jacket isn’t necessary, but a sweater or light jacket is recommended to keep warm while up in the sky. Before each flight, Armin will fill up the aircraft with gasoline. These aircraft’s take regular gasoline (neat, right?). Once you get seated in the aircraft, Armin will give you a helmet with headphones and a microphone so you can communicate with him the entire flight. He will make sure you’re buckled in and all ready for flight. Not once did any of us feel unsafe with Armin!
What was our favourite part of this experience?
The entire experience was truly once-in-a-lifetime, but Armin made it even better with his enthusiastic, laid-back approach. His love for what he does is contagious. Armin jokes around, keeps things light, and makes everyone feel safe and relaxed about taking to the skies. From takeoff to landing, Armin narrates the flight. He shares fascinating details about everything you’re flying over while keeping up a conversation. For our group, the highlight was soaring through the clouds and feeling the warm, misty air before rising above them. Once at cruising height and speed, Armin even turns off the engine, creating an incredibly peaceful moment—it’s just you, the glider, and the breathtaking views. The entire experience felt seamless, thrilling, and calming all at once. We have no criticisms—just awe! (You’ll see what we are talking about when you go for yourself!).
Planning Tips:
Check the Weather Forecast: Since the experience is weather-dependent, keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your flight. However, Armin will also be keeping a keen eye on the weather. Don’t be surprised when it’s pouring all morning and come afternoon you’ll be flying, that was the case for us.
Communicate with the Team: Maui Hang Gliding is great at keeping guests updated. Stay in touch if the weather seems uncertain or If you’re running late.
Arrive Early and Relax: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and settle in so you can fully enjoy the experience without rushing.
Bring Medication: If you tend to get motion sickness easily, we highly recommend you bring some motion sickness patches and or gravol to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is prior experience required for Maui Hang Gliding?
No, prior experience isn’t necessary. Armin and the team guide you through every step, making it safe and enjoyable for beginners.
2. What should I wear for the flight?
Comfortable clothing is best. For powered hang gliding, you’ll wear a leather suit provided by the team. For the AutoGyro, dress in layers or bring a sweater, as it can be cool in the air.
3. Is hang gliding in Maui weather-dependent?
Yes, flights depend on weather conditions to ensure safety. If the conditions are not suitable for hang gliding, they may offer you an AutoGyro experience as an alternative.
4. What is the age and weight limit?
Maui Hang Gliding welcomes participants of all ages. People aged 12 to 92 years old experienced this.
5. Is there a restroom at the hangar?
No, the hangar lacks a restroom. However, restrooms are available in the Hana Airport terminal, and Armin or Wally can unlock them if needed.
6. Will I feel motion sickness?
Most people do not experience motion sickness, but if you’re prone to it, you may want to take preventive measures just in case. Motion sickness patches help quite a lot.
7. Can I bring a camera?
Yes, you can bring a camera (phone camera). On the Autogyro, there is a secure place to have your phone. It is not recommend to take a phone camera on the powered hang glider. The team can also take photos for you during the flight for a memorable keepsake.
8. What’s the difference between powered hang gliding and the AutoGyro?
Powered hang gliding is an open-air flight, while the AutoGyro offers a smoother ride with a covered cockpit. Both experiences offer stunning views and unique thrills.
9. What can I expect during the flight?
Armin will narrate the flight, pointing out landmarks, discussing the scenery, and keeping up friendly conversation, making the experience both educational and fun.
10. Can I reschedule if the weather is poor?
If flights are cancelled due to weather, the team will work with you to reschedule or offer alternative options.
