Makapu'u is a premier ridge soaring site located on the east end of the island. Due to launch conditions and other considerations the launch at Makapu'u is restricted to Hang Gliders only. A minimum Hang IV rating is required as is an AWCL skill signoff. Access to launch is through two locked gates. Visiting pilots must be accompanied by a local pilot. The site guide and risk management assessment is available here.
While there are other potential hang gliding sites on Oahu, Makapu'u is the only site to which the landowner currently grants access. The site has been in continuous use since the early 1970s purely because of the generosity of the landowner and no violation of the terms of this relationship will be tolerated. The site regulations are expected to be adhered to. Awareness of the risk management policies is also a must.
Haleakala is a 10,000 foot volcano which occupies the entire eastern portion of Maui. The summit of the mountain lies within Haleakala National Park and flying is prohibited. The western slopes of the mountain, the region called Kula, is protected from the prevailing tradewinds and often produces very nice thermal soaring opportunities. The entire area is under private ownership by homeowners, ranchers and farmers.
The HHA formerly had a license to use a launch known as 6K and a large pasture for a landing area, both on ranch property. In 2017 a pilot violated the rules set forth by the ranch resulting in revocation of the license. Ranchland extends all the way to the National Park boundaries. Launching from anywhere along the road to the summit is considered by the ranch to be trespassing as is landing on any of the pastures at lower levels. The ranch has been known to take legal action. We hope to someday regain access to the site but continued disregard for the landowner's rights will make that impossible. As anywhere else, please respect private property, even though it may not look like it, it is.
This is a privately managed paragliding and hang gliding site which offers paragliding instruction.
There are currently no hang gliding schools in operation on Oahu or any of the other islands. Paragliding instruction can be found through the Hawaii Paragliding Association.
HHA
Board of Directors
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Mailing
Address
Hawaiian Hang Gliding Association
45-015 Likeke Place Kaneohe, HI 96744 |
Contacts
Oahu:Dave Goto (808)479-0467 Maui: Dave Neto (808)575-9775 |