With nothing but open sky ahead and the world stretching out in every direction, power hang gliding is the closest I’ve ever felt to flying like a bird. Join me as I take to the skies, capturing the world from an entirely new perspective.
Since we had already explored Maui thoroughly by the time we got married there, we were initially a bit stumped about what adventures to plan for our honeymoon on the island. Then, we came across powered hang gliding—a thrilling combination of free flight and motorized control that allows you to take off and land with ease. We booked with Armin from Hang Gliding Maui because his flights from Hana Airport came highly recommended.
First things first, we made an early morning stop for a road trip snack at Cinnamon Roll Place (if you’re a fan of these delicious treats, don’t miss this Kihei gem). We then began driving east on the Hana Highway, also known as the “Road to Hana”. This legendary winding road is truly a journey in itself, with over 600 curves and 50 bridges leading through tropical forests, past waterfalls, and alongside steep ocean cliffs. Every turn offers a new, stunning vista, and you end up at the beautiful Haleakalā National Park. Little did we know we’d be getting a bird’s-eye view of these stunning places while hang gliding later that day!
Taking Flight
We arrived at the tiny Hana Airport just short of town to meet Armin at his hangar. He was so friendly and excited to share this experience with us, explaining that we would each go up separately. Thankfully, he allowed me to bring my DSLR camera along for the ride to capture aerial photography.
Unlike traditional hang gliding, where you rely on launching from a cliff or being towed, powered hang gliding offers the unique ability to take off from flat ground. As I suited up and strapped into the ultralight trike, a mix of excitement and nerves set in.
Unlike traditional hang gliding, where you rely on launching from a cliff or being towed, powered hang gliding offers the unique ability to take off from flat ground. As I suited up and strapped into the ultralight trike, a mix of excitement and nerves set in.
The small engine roared to life, and within moments, we were rolling forward and gaining speed. Then, with Armin’s gentle pull on the control bar, we lifted off effortlessly, leaving the ground behind.
I expected to feel scared as we raced down the runway, but despite the initial adrenaline rush at lift off, I only felt excitement. There was an incredible serenity to it all—just the hum of the engine and the vast sky around us. Once airborne, I felt an immediate sense of freedom. Unlike being inside a plane or helicopter, powered hang gliding offers a fully open-air experience. The wind rushes past your face, and the view is entirely unobstructed.
Below, the rugged coastline unfolded—black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. The Pacific Ocean stretched endlessly, its deep blues contrasting with the vibrant greens of the tropical landscape. We could even see snow atop Mauna Kea across the water on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Whales swam below us, mothers teaching their babies to breach along the coast.
Like a Bird
We caught glances of the Hana Highway snaking through the dense jungle below, leading to the Seven Sacred Pools and other spots we’d explored before on foot. We flew past Oprah’s land (which is impossible to see otherwise), and saw secret trails and beaches throughout this eastern area of the island that we didn’t know existed. I enjoyed creating a mental map of these areas with a new aerial perspective.
As I captured these photos (and many more), Armin was an excellent guide. He was storytelling all along the way and answering my many questions.
The scenery started to transform dramatically as we gained elevation. We left the coastline behind and soared upward to see the Waimoku Falls, which were sparkling with rainbows in the sunlight. A hidden waterfall came into view, tucked behind the cliff and impossible to see on foot while hiking the Pipiwai Trail.
When we reached 3,500 feet above sea level, Armin turned off the engine to begin our descent back to the airport. The gentle updrafts carried us effortlessly, making the experience feel both peaceful and electrifying. I marveled in the engine-less silence and truly felt like a bird!
As the ground became closer, I wondered how smooth our landing would be. But before I knew it, we had touched down smoothly on the tarmac, and I saw my husband waiting excitedly for us at the hanger, ready to take his turn in the sky.
Book your flight with Hang Gliding Maui!
Powered hang gliding is an experience unlike any other—a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. There’s something truly magical about harnessing the sky with nothing but the wind and a small engine to guide you.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to take in breathtaking views from a new perspective, I highly recommend giving it a try!
Photos by me with some contributions from my hubby, Ronnie Polidoro.
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