What is the minimum age to fly?

Tandem flights require participants to be at least 14 years old.

How long is the flight?

The tandem glide is approximately four minutes from launch to landing.

Is prior paragliding experience necessary?

No—rides are tandem with USHPA-certified instructors and require no prior flying experience.

What is the weight limit?

The typical maximum is about 250 pounds; call the operator if you are near or over this limit.

How much hiking is involved?

Expect about a 30-minute paved uphill walk, gaining roughly 1,000 feet while carrying a provided 23-pound pack.

Can flights be canceled for weather?

Yes—operations depend on wind and thermal conditions; morning windows are common and schedules can shift for safety.

Hike-and-Fly Haleakala: 1 K Tandem Paragliding Above Kula | Hiking | Air Activities

On the slopes of Mount Haleakala above the town of Kula, The "1 K" Hike & Fly Adventure delivers a compact, high-adrenaline aerie that blends a brisk mountain walk with a peaceful, motor-free paragliding descent. Located on Kaonoulu Ranch pasture land, the experience begins at roughly 4,500 feet elevation at the Echos launch and finishes back at a grassy landing zone below. Participants hike a paved ranch road for about 30 minutes, gaining approximately 1,000 feet while carrying a 23-pound backpack supplied by the operator. The climb is straightforward but steady — a short burst of effort that primes the legs and sharpens the view: volcanic ridgelines, pasture fences, and wide ocean vistas that frame West Maui.

The flight itself is a quiet counterpoint to the hike. Paired with a USHPA-certified instructor, riders run briefly with the wing and then settle into a four-minute tandem glide that feels like stepping into a slow-motion bird’s-eye portrait of the island. There are no motors; thermals and gentle lift sculpt the descent. The site’s volcanic terrain creates reliable lift patterns and dramatic sightlines, making this one of the few places on Maui where a short uphill approach converts so quickly into aerial perspective.

This adventure stands out because it stitches two very different experiences into a single hour: focused exercise and serene flight. It’s approachable — no prior paragliding experience is required — yet it asks for baseline fitness: participants must be at least 14 years old, able to run briefly for launch, and typically weigh less than 250 pounds. The operator’s attention to safety and their use of certified instructors mean the technical burden rests with guides, while riders get to savor the view.

Practical notes land on the trailhead: plan for strong UV exposure and wind that shifts with elevation; breathable layers and sturdy shoes make the climb comfortable. Bring a light pack, hydration, and a camera with a secure strap — the ridge and launch are prime viewpoints. Weather can alter operations, so book early and expect flexible timing around morning wind patterns.

Why book it? If you want the visceral lift of flight without cliff jumps or engines, and a short, rewarding walk that amplifies the payoff, this is an efficient way to experience Haleakala’s vertical personality. It’s a local favorite for photographers, first-time flyers, and anyone who values quiet aviation and immediate island-scale perspective.

Bookings are typically scheduled in morning windows to catch stable thermals; confirm start times and carry identification. Operators provide harnesses and backpacks; specific meeting point details are provided at booking or on check-in. If you have mobility concerns or weigh over the posted limit, contact the provider directly to discuss accommodations and safety options.

About Paraglide Maui

Paraglide Maui is a tandem paragliding operator based in Kula, Hawaii, offering guided flights from high-elevation launch sites on Maui.

Founded to share safe, motor-free flight experiences, Paraglide Maui runs certified-instructor tandem flights from 4,500 feet and from Mount Haleakala at 6,500 feet. Flights are offered for families, groups, and individual adventurers; no prior experience is required. Guests travel by scenic drive to launch points, complete a short run down the hill to takeoff, and soar in a controlled, tandem harness with an instructor. The standard "1 K" Flight features one flight from a 4,500-foot launch site and is tailored to first-time flyers and family groups. The "Double K" Flights package includes two separate takeoffs from 4,500 feet for extended airtime and varied views. The "Top Gun" Flight departs from 6,500 feet on Mount Haleakala and delivers bi-coastal panoramic views of Maui and neighboring islands, with options for photography and either calm glides or dynamic maneuvers. Safety procedures include tandem-certified instructors, pre-flight briefings, and motor-free flight operations. Paraglide Maui focuses on clear communication, professional equipment, and documented launch elevations to deliver predictable scenery and flight profiles. Booking options accommodate individual reservations and group outings. Paraglide Maui is transparent about launch locations, flight formats, and what to expect, helping guests plan for weather, camera gear, and transportation needs. On-site staff provide pre-flight instruction, harness fitting, and photo opportunities while maintaining safety standards; flights vary with weather and visibility, and schedules depend on daily conditions at Kula and Haleakala launch sites locations.

Hike-and-Fly Haleakala: 1 K Tandem Paragliding Above Kula

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Paraglide Maui

Reserve a Tandem Paragliding Flight Today

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear