Second largest Hawaiian island, Maui is famous for its top-class beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, migrating whales, and ethereal sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Also known as “The Valley Isle,” this Hawaiian island has been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler readers for over 20 years.
Maui is home to the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala, which towers over the island of Maui and is visible from any point. At 10,023, this volcano is the setting of magnificent landscapes and skyscapes.
The name of Haleakala stems from the Hawaiian language and it means “house of the sun.” The name stems from a legend that tells that the demigod Maui diverted the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano's summit, and therefore it slowed its descent and made the day last longer.
The Haleakala Visitor Centre attracts numerous visitors who flock to the volcano to watch what many have referred to as the most spectacular sunrise on earth. As the sun starts to appear over the horizon, a range of colours and light dance across the sky, which was described by Mark Twain as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.”
Although the sunrise and sunset are a good reason to visit Haleakala, visitors also flock to the volcano to admire the otherworldly landscapes that range from deserts to rock gardens near the summit to lush waterfalls and streams in the park's coastal Kipahulu section, near Hana and the beautiful Pools of Oheo.
There's no better to explore this magnificent volcano than by paragliding off its slopes.
Proflyght
Paragliding has daily flights taking off from the slopes of Haleakala, which at 10,000 feet is the highest peak on Maui. You don't have to start with the highest peak, but begin with the shorter 1,000-foot descent. Those more experienced can try the 3,000-foot option features up to 15 minutes of airtime over the island's lush tropical landscape and lavender farms.
Proflyght Paragliding is owned and operated by Advanced Tandem Instructor Dexter Binder. All of their instructors are certified by the United States Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association. They are the oldest and only full-time paragliding school in Hawaii.
Located on the lee side of Mt. Haleakala, Polipoli Flight Park is protected from the trade winds and is flyable around 330 days a year. Its unique geography allows pilots to fly for about two to three hours in the morning until the clouds begin to appear.
The “Ferns” launch consists of 3,000 feet descent to landing zone. On good days, you will have the chance to launch two to three times from Ferns before the clouds shut down the launch. On these flights you can expect to get lift at 300 fpm to 600 fpm.
“Echoes” launch is 1,000 feet to landing zone. “Echoes is simply the top of our training hill,” organisers state on Proflyght website. “With a thousand feet of grass, and numerous top-landing spots, it is the perfect pace to hone your skills. Cloud base is usually above the launch, so it's possible to get multiple flights in one morning!”
There are also other Maui flying sites are maintained by local hang gliding and paragliding pilots, but they are not affiliated with Proflyght Paragliding.