Hang Gliding and Paragliding in Maui

Hang Gliding Maui. Armin Engert will take you on an instructional powered hang-gliding trip out of Hana Airport in East Maui. With more than 7,500 hours in flight and a perfect safety record, Armin flies you 1,000 feet over Maui's most beautiful coast. A 30-minute flight lesson costs $130, and a 60-minute lesson is $220. This is easily one of the coolest things you can do in Hana. Snapshots of your flight from a wing-mounted camera cost an additional $30, and a 34-minute DVD of the flight is available for $70. Reservations are required. Hana Airport, Hana, 96713. 808/572-6557. www.hangglidingmaui.com.

Maluhialani. The name means "beautiful serenity" in Hawaiian, which is appropriate for an airborne trip taking off from Kula in Upcountry Maui, and soaring as far as the West Maui Mountains. Dwight Mounts, your pilot, built a grass runway on his scenic Upcountry property that serves as home base for his powered hang-gliding lessons. The cost is $125 for a 20- to 30-minute Mini Intro Flight, and $200 for a 50- to 60-minute Full Intro Flight. 808/280-3307. www.maluhialani.com.

Proflyght Paragliding. Proflyght is the only paragliding outfit on Maui to offer solo, tandem, and instruction at Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The leeward slope of Haleakala lends itself perfectly to paragliding with breathtaking scenery and Upcountry air currents that increase and rise throughout the day. Polipoli creates tremendous thermals that allow one to peacefully descend 3,000 feet to the landing zone. Owner-pilot Dexter Clearwater boasts a perfect safety record with tandems and student pilots since taking over the company in 2002. Ask and Dexter will bring along his flying duck Chucky or his paragliding puppy Daisy. Prices start at $75, with full certification available. Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, 96790. 808/874-5433. www.paraglidehawaii.com.

Word of Mouth

"The only planned and paid activity [we did] on Maui was when my husband flew in a powered hang glider (trike) over Hana. I'm not sure I have seen a bigger smile and grin on his face since he caught his first salmon.. Memories to last a lifetime." -iceeu2