Maui: Top Gun Paragliding Tandem Flight

If you’re dreaming of soaring like a bird over Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes, the Maui: Top Gun Paragliding Tandem Flight offers a solid, safe, and exhilarating way to do just that. This experience promises stunning bi-coastal views, the chance to fly off a volcano, and a feeling of pure freedom, all wrapped into a two-hour adventure. While the cost might seem steep at $414 per person, our review highlights why many find it worth every penny — especially given the quality of guides and the sheer thrill of the flight.

We really appreciate how this tour keeps the experience genuine — no noisy motors, no artificial thrills, just the simple joy of gliding under the wings with expert instructors. One thing to keep in mind: weather plays a big role in whether you’ll get to fly, so flexibility in rebooking is a definite plus. This tour is ideal for those who love adventure, striking views, and are comfortable with a little bit of physical activity — running down a hill before takeoff might not be for everyone, but it’s part of the fun.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Maui Paragliding Experience

2 Weighing the Value and Considerations

3 Final Thoughts

4 FAQ

Key Points

Stunning Views: You’ll fly over Maui’s lush central valley and get a rare perspective of neighboring Hawaiian islands.
Expert Guides: Instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled, making safety and comfort a top priority.
Flexible Flight Options: You can choose a peaceful glide or opt for some exhilarating high G maneuvers.
Photo Opportunities: Your instructor will capture inflight photos, providing lasting memories at no extra cost.
Convenient Location: Launch from 6,500 feet atop Mount Haleakalā with a scenic drive through ranchland and preserve forest.
Excellent Value: While pricey, the combination of views, safety, and personalized experience offers good value for an adrenaline-filled day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Maui Paragliding Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Maui.

How the Tour Begins

We loved the way the tour starts with a scenic drive up Mount Haleakalā’s slopes. Passing through ranchlands and the Haleakalā Watershed Preserve, the journey itself is part of the charm, offering glimpses of Maui’s natural beauty before you even take off. Your meeting point is at the Alii Kula Lavender Farm, marked clearly with flags and a friendly green picnic table with a red umbrella — convenient and easy to find.

The Takeoff and Initial Ascent

Once at the Ferns launch site, perched at 6,500 feet elevation, you’ll get a brief safety overview and some instructions. The actual run, where you launch yourself off the grassy slope, feels surprisingly natural. Your instructor will guide you through the process, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. The key here is that there’s no jumping off a cliff — just a gentle run that turns into a smooth, controlled flight.

What You Fly Over

From this vantage point, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll see the vast central Maui valley spreading out beneath you, dotted with patches of farmland and small towns. In the distance, three other Hawaiian islands populate the horizon, giving you a feel for how isolated yet interconnected these islands are. The panoramic scenery is perfect for photos, and your instructor will photograph your flight, so you won’t miss a moment of this aerial adventure.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Flight Itself

Depending on your preference, your flight can be a serene glide or include some high-G turns for a more adrenaline-pumping experience. The instructors are happy to tailor the flight to your comfort level and desire — a feature that many reviews praise. One reviewer remarked, “It was a great experience. The instructors are awesome, friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly skilled.”

Here's some more things to do in Maui

Duration and Flight Length

The actual flying time isn’t specified in minutes, but the entire tour, including transportation and pre-flight briefing, lasts around 2 hours. The flight itself offers plenty of altitude and time to soak in the scenery, making it a worthwhile investment of your day.

Photos and Memories

One of the biggest perks is the free inflight photos. Your instructor will take shots during your flight, giving you souvenir-quality images of your Maui adventure. This thoughtful touch makes the experience even more memorable without adding to the cost.

Additional Perks and Nearby Attractions

Following your flight, you’re also given access to the nearby Alii Kula Lavender Farm. It’s a tranquil spot to relax, walk among the fragrant lavender, and reflect on your flight. The tour also includes a visit to this beautiful farm, making the overall outing more enriching.

Weighing the Value and Considerations

While the price of $414 per person may seem high, it’s important to consider what you’re getting: a professionally guided flight from a high-altitude launch, breathtaking views, personalized options, and free photos. Many satisfied travelers, like Ulrich, felt it was “well worth the time and money,” especially given the quality of instruction and the spectacular scenery.

A key factor is weather dependency. The reviews mention that flights may be rescheduled if conditions aren’t ideal, which is standard for such outdoor activities. The flexibility to rebook without penalty adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who crave adventure and don’t mind a bit of physical activity — running down a hill to take off. It’s also perfect for those eager to see Maui from a unique perspective and capture stunning photos. However, it’s not suitable for children under 14 or anyone over 300 pounds, so check those limits beforehand.

Final Thoughts

The Maui Top Gun Paragliding Tandem Flight offers a remarkable way to experience the island’s natural beauty from the sky. With expert guides, flexible options, and truly breathtaking views, it stands out as a memorable highlight for adventure seekers. Yes, it costs a premium, but the blend of safety, scenery, and personalized service makes it a worthwhile splurge for many.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply want a peaceful glide over Maui’s lush landscape, this tour delivers authentic, high-quality memories. The instructors’ friendliness and skill combined with the stunning vistas ensure you’ll leave with a story to tell — and photos to prove it.

If you’re comfortable with the physical part of running down a hill and want a genuine bird’s-eye view of Maui, this is a fantastic choice. Just keep an eye on the weather, be ready for a unique adventure, and prepare for the unforgettable feeling of flying like a Hawaiian bird.

FAQ

How do I find the meeting point?
Enter ‘Alii Kula Lavender Farm’ into your GPS. The tour flags and a green picnic table with a red umbrella are located just before the farm entrance, making it easy to spot.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity is recommended. Think layers, as the temperature can vary with altitude. Sunscreen is also a good idea to protect against the sun.

Can I take my own photos during the flight?
Yes, bring your camera or phone. Your instructor will also take inflight photos, which they will give you after landing at no extra cost.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a tandem paragliding flight, instructor-taken photos, and access to the nearby lavender farm.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 14 or those over 300 lbs (136 kg).

How long does the entire experience last?
Expect around 2 hours, including transportation, pre-flight briefing, flying time, and photo sharing.

What if the weather isn’t good on my scheduled day?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, you can rebook for another day.

Is this activity safe?
The guides are described as knowledgeable and skilled, emphasizing safety and comfort. The run-off approach and tandem setup are designed to make the experience safe and controlled.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, stunning views, or a bit of both, the Maui Top Gun Paragliding Tandem Flight promises an unforgettable day in paradise.