Paragliding in Maui: The Ultimate Guide to Flying Off a Volcano

The first day in a new place, especially one you’ve only ever dreamed of as “paradise,” comes with a certain electric energy.

After landing in Maui, with the air thick with the scent of tropical flowers and the promise of adventure, the last thing on my mind was rest.

I wanted to dive in, to experience the island from every possible angle. And what better angle than from above, soaring like a bird off the side of a volcano?

That’s how I found myself with Proflyght Paragliding, about to run straight off the grassy slopes of Haleakalā.

That incredible first flight, a mix of pure bliss and thrilling adrenaline—including an unforgettable spiral dive—was the kind of experience that sticks with you. It’s more than just a story; it’s a feeling.

This guide is designed to take you from that initial spark of curiosity to your own moment of flight, answering every question you might have about paragliding in Maui.

Is Paragliding in Maui Worth It? An Honest Review

Let’s address the main question: is it worth it? In a word, absolutely.

Paragliding offers a perspective of Maui that is profoundly different from any other tour.

It’s not the thundering roar of a helicopter; it’s the peaceful, almost silent glide through the air. There’s no motor, no boat, just you, your certified instructor, and the wind.

The experience is often described as surprisingly serene and peaceful, even for those with a fear of heights. You aren’t jumping off a cliff; you’re simply running down a gentle, grassy slope until your feet lift off the ground.

The sensation is one of floating, not falling. For many, it’s the highlight of their trip—a unique adventure that provides a bird’s-eye view of Maui’s central valley, the lush upcountry, and the coastlines on both sides of the island.

The Only Choice: Proflyght Paragliding (Paraglide Maui)

When it comes to paragliding in Maui, the choice is simple. Proflyght Paragliding, also known as Paraglide Maui, is the only full-time, certified paragliding school and tour company in all of Hawai’i.

With a history spanning nearly 30 years and an incredible safety record of over 30,000 tandem flights without a single major incident, their expertise is unparalleled.

All instructors are certified by the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (USHPA), ensuring you are in experienced and safe hands.

Choosing Your Flight: A Breakdown of the Options

All flights are tandem, meaning you fly securely harnessed to a professional instructor who handles all the technical aspects of the flight. Paraglide Maui offers three main experiences launching from the slopes of Haleakalā.

Flight Option	Launch Altitude	Descent	Approx. Flight Time	Approx. Cost	Best For…
1 K Flight	4,500 ft	1,000 ft	~4 minutes	$195–$220	A quick taste of paragliding; ideal for first-timers, large groups, or those on a tighter budget.
Double K Flights	4,500 ft	2x 1,000 ft	2x ~4 minutes	$295–$330	Getting comfortable on the first flight to fully relax and enjoy the second.
Top Gun Flight	6,500 ft	3,000 ft	~12 minutes	$395–$440	The most popular and longest flight, offering the most spectacular views and airtime.

The Experience: From Meeting Point to a Perfect Landing

Your adventure begins not at the airport, but in the beautiful, rolling hills of Upcountry Maui.

• The Journey to Kula: The meeting point is a green picnic table on Waipoli Road, just a stone’s throw from the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm. The drive itself is scenic, taking you away from the coastal resorts and into the cooler, crisp air of Maui’s agricultural heartland.
• Briefing and Launch: Once you meet the friendly and professional crew, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing. They’ll fit you with a helmet and a comfortable, chair-like harness. The instructions are straightforward: when your pilot says to run, you run down the grassy hill for about seven seconds. You don’t jump; you simply run until the wing gently lifts you and your instructor into the air. The scariest part for most is the launch, but the rest is pure bliss.
• Soaring Like a Bird: The moment your feet leave the ground is surreal. The world goes quiet, and you are simply floating. From this vantage point, you get a panoramic view of Maui’s central valley, the West Maui Mountains, and the coastlines stretching out to the deep blue of the Pacific. You’ll glide over treetops, farms, and the purple fields of the nearby lavender farm. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can ask your pilot for some thrilling maneuvers like turns, banks, or even a spiral dive! Many instructors will even let you steer the glider for a few moments yourself.
• The Landing: Just as smoothly as you took off, your instructor will guide you in for a gentle landing in a designated grassy field.

Essential Planning Guide

Here is what you need to know to prepare for your flight.

What to Wear & Pack (Checklist)

Dressing in layers is key, as it’s cooler at altitude than it is at sea level.

• Long Pants: Jeans or athletic pants are recommended.
• Long-Sleeved Shirt or Jacket: A light jacket or windbreaker is perfect for the cooler air during the flight.
• Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: You’ll need shoes you can comfortably run in for a few seconds during takeoff. Sneakers or hiking shoes are ideal.
• Sunglasses: Highly recommended to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.

Safety & Requirements: What You MUST Know

• Safety Record: Paraglide Maui has as close to a perfect safety record as humanly possible, with nearly 30 years of operation and over 30,000 flights.
• Age Limit: You must be at least 14 years old to fly.
• Weight Limit: The approximate weight limit is 225 lbs.
• Physical Requirements: You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be in reasonable physical health and able to run for about seven seconds for a successful launch. Pregnant individuals are not permitted to fly.

Paragliding vs. Parasailing: What’s the Difference?

It’s a common point of confusion. Parasailing is when you are tethered to a boat and pulled into the air, essentially becoming a human kite. Paragliding is a free-flight experience. There is no motor and no boat; you launch from a slope and glide on natural air currents, making it a much quieter and more serene adventure.

So, what next? To head down the volcano on a bicycle that is what! And then a hike of The Mahana and Honolua Ridges. Fantastic.