Best Hang Gliding Locations In Hawaii

Hawaii is arguably the most beautiful state in the country, so it’s a no-brainer for gliding enthusiasts. These are the best hang gliding locations in Hawaii.

Planning a Hawaiian dream vacation or the hang gliding trip of a lifetime? In either case, you’ll want to know the best places to go hang gliding in this little slice of paradise. The Hawaiian Islands are gorgeous, so you really can’t go wrong in terms of picking a place to hang glide. But, there are some places that you definitely don’t want to miss while you’re there. So what are the best places to go hang gliding in Hawaii?

The places hang gliding locations in Hawaii are Waikiki (Oahu), Makua Valley (Oahu), Ko’olau Mountain Range (Oahu), Hanauma Bay (Oahu), Kailua-Kona (Big Island), Mauna Kea (Big Island), Haleakala (Maui), Kahului (Maui), and Lihue (Kauai). You really can’t go wrong in Hawaii!

Hawaii is a collection of islands that you could pretty much boil down to as paradise. The weather is amazing year-round. The culture is lively and welcoming. The beaches and oceans are to die for. And of course, the views from high above are absolutely breathtaking. Hang gliding in Hawaii is without a doubt one of my favorite things to do on earth, especially if you fly in the right locations. These are the best ones.

Here at Flight Notch, our number one goal is to provide you with only the best, most helpful content that you can find on the web. The only way to do this is to combine our own opinions and expertise with input from other enthusiasts and experts from all over. Hawaii is a popular place, so lots of enthusiasts have gone hang gliding there over the years!

‍Is Hawaii A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

This one’s an easy question to answer. Hawaii is without a doubt one of the best places to go hang gliding in the entire world! Known for its perfect weather year-round and gorgeous views in all directions, Hawaii is a no-brainer when it comes to ideal places for hang gliding. But if you know where to go, it’s even better.

Hawaii is a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean, made up of four main ones:

• The Big Island (Hawaii)
• Oahu
• Maui
• Kauai

You read that right, one of the islands is actually called Hawaii while the entire state as a whole is also called Hawaii. That’s why it’s come to be known as the Big Island over the years. To make it even more confusing, the capital of Hawaii is Honolulu, which is actually located on Oahu!

I was so confused myself the first time I visited the state, but you’ll quickly get used to the island names and what’s what once you arrive. And it’s without a doubt one of my favorite destinations in the world for any sort of vacation, but especially for hang gliding. Just hop aboard a flight from California and you’ll be here in no time.

As you’ll see shortly, there are great places to go hang gliding on each of the four main islands, so if you have other things you want to do or places you plan on visiting, don’t worry. You won’t have a problem finding an amazing place to go gliding.

That said, if you’re planning your trip specifically for hang gliding, I recommend going to Oahu. In fact, four out of the nine places listed below are located on Oahu. So you could pick a new location every day and have a heck of a gliding vacation. That said, it’s easy enough to hop from island to island anyways, so feel free to check out as many of these locations as you want.

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Hawaii

Now that you know that Hawaii is, in fact, an incredible place to go hang gliding in general, let’s dig a little deeper. As I mentioned above, you can’t really go wrong here, because the state is just so amazing just about everywhere. While you can’t go wrong, you certainly can go right by checking out the location below!

Waikiki, Oahu

If you're looking for a place to go hang gliding in Hawaii that has world-renowned views, Waikiki is the spot. Located on the island of Oahu, Waikiki is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets and landscapes in the world. When you're hang gliding here, you'll be able to see the famous Diamond Head crater, as well as incredible views of the city and beaches below.

The average weather in Waikiki is pretty consistent year-round, with temperatures usually sitting in the low 80s. However, trade winds from the northeast can cool things down a bit in the cooler months. If you're looking to go hang gliding in Hawaii when it's a bit warmer, spring and summer are of course going to be your best bet.

In addition to being one of the best places to go hang gliding in Hawaii, Waikiki is also home to some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife on the island. If you're interested in a place to relax after your flight, this is the spot.

Makua Valley, Oahu

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, Makua Valley is where you need to go hang gliding in Hawaii. On a clear day, you'll have stunning views of the entire valley as well as the Pacific Ocean. The lush green vegetation and rolling hills make it feel like you're flying through paradise itself.

The weather is usually good here in the spring and summer, although it can get a little windy. In the fall and winter, the temperatures are a bit more mild but you may experience some rain. That said, you can't really pick a bad time of year to visit, much like the rest of Oahu!

Makua Valley is located on Oahu's western coast, just north of Waianae. There's plenty to do here when you're not hang gliding, like hiking, swimming, and exploring the many tide pools and little beaches all over the place.

Ko’olau Mountain Range, Oahu

If you want to go hang gliding in Hawaii and see some of the best views on the islands, then head to the Ko’olau Mountain Range on Oahu. The mountain range is located right next to Honolulu and offers stunning views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and the Pacific Ocean.

The weather is usually great here in the spring and summer, but can get a little cloudy or windy in fall and winter. During the warmer months, the temperatures tend to hang around the mid- to high-80s, so you can't really pick a bad time to come. Just watch out for rain on occasion!

There are plenty of other things to do in this area as well, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. The capital city of Honolulu is also nearby if you want to check out some of the nightlife or grab a bite to eat.

Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Hanauma Bay is my personal favorite location to visit on Oahu because the views are just incredible. You'll be able to see the whole bay as well as the cityscape in the distance. For my very first trip to Hawaii, I actually printed out a picture of Hanauma Bay and hung it on my fridge for the weeks leading up to the trip. But I digress!

It’s also great for hang gliding too, of course! The average weather in spring and summer is perfect for hang gliding, with temperatures in the low 80s and plenty of sunshine. During the rest of the year,  the temperatures are still mild with highs in the 70s, but it's a bit more likely to rain.

There is also plenty to do in the area when you get finished hang gliding. You can visit other beaches, go hiking, check out some of the famous restaurants and bars, or just relax and enjoy the beauty of the area. Hanauma Bay is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous locations in the state, regardless of if you’re hang gliding or just taking it all in from the ground.

Kailua-Kona, Big Island

Kailua-Kona is another great place to go hang gliding in Hawaii. The views here are some of the best in the state. You can see for miles and miles, all the way from downtown Kailua-Kona to the Kohala Coast. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is also a great place to go for other activities.

The weather is also perfect for flying year-round. Spring and summer are especially good times to visit because the trade winds make flying conditions ideal. However, fall and winter are also great times to visit because you avoid the crowds and still have great flying conditions.

When you get done spending the day hang gliding,  there are plenty of other things to do in Kailua-Kona. You can go snorkeling or diving, take a boat tour, visit a museum, or just relax on the beach. You’re in paradise baby, take advantage!

Mauna Kea, Big Island

The Mauna Kea volcano on the Big Island is one of the most popular spots for hang gliding in Hawaii. This is for a few reasons. First, the views are absolutely incredible. You'll be able to see the coastline, the ocean, and other mountains in the distance. Second, the weather is usually great here. It's not too hot and it's not too cold — perfect for hang gliding.

Finally, there are other things to do in the area. If you're not into hang gliding, you can go hiking, swimming, or just exploring the island. There's plenty to do on the Big Island, so you won't be bored.

Haleakala, Maui

If you want to go hang gliding in Hawaii with a view that will absolutely take your breath away, then you need to fly at Haleakala. Located on the island of Maui, Haleakala is a dormant volcano that offers some of the most stunning landscapes in all of Hawaii.

While hang gliding here, you'll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the islands of Lanai and Molokai. The weather at Haleakala is usually good year-round, but it's especially nice in the spring and summer when the temperatures are mild.

If you're looking for something to do before or after your flight, Haleakala National Park is a great place to visit. The park features hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the crater. It's also home to some rare wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes open while you're exploring!

Kahului, Maui

Kahului is one of the best places to go hang gliding in Hawaii. The views are breathtaking, the weather is amazing, and there's plenty to do in the area. Kahului is located on the island of Maui, which is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii.

The average temperature in Kahului is in the low 80s, making it perfect for hang gliding year-round. Spring and summer are especially good times to visit because the weather is warm and dry. However, fall and winter are also great times to visit because you'll avoid the crowds and still have good weather for flying.

Other things to do in Kahului include visiting Haleakala National Park, going on a whale watching tour, and taking a helicopter tour of the island. There's also plenty of shopping and dining in Kahului, so you'll never be bored.

Lihue, Kauai

Kauai is Hawaii's fourth largest island and is often called the "Garden Isle" because of its lush, green landscape. It's also one of the wettest places on earth, which means that the weather is almost always perfect for hang gliding. The Lihue Airport is located in a central location on the island, making it easy to get to any of the popular hang gliding spots.

The views from Kauai are incredible. You'll see everything from waterfalls to rainforests to beaches. And if you fly during sunset, you'll be treated to some of the most beautiful colors in the sky. In short, you'll find some of the best views in Hawaii while you’re soaring above Kauai.

The average temperature in Kauai is in the mid-80s. However, it's important to note that the trade winds often make it feel cooler than it actually is. So, if you're looking for really warm weather, Kauai might not be the best place to go hang gliding.

Other than gliding, Kauai is a great place to explore the island. There are some beautiful hikes, like the Na Pali Coast Trail, and plenty of activities for the whole family.