Are we ready?

Visiting paragliding pilots preparing for their first flight off the South West Launch on Mauna Kea. Elevation: 11200f.

Paragliding Student after take off from Pu'u Loa Hawaii

Located at the base of Mauna Kea, Hawaii at 7200 feet Pu'u Loa makes for one of the best paragliding and hang gliding training sites in the State of Hawaii or anywhere else I can think of
in terms of conditions, terrain and beauty. This site turns a student into a complete mountain pilot in very short order. Conditions are usally calm in the morning and then build to strong with great xc potential. Our club has permission to use several hundred acres of pristine wilderness flying sites.
This clinic is great for Novice/Intermediate pilots who want to try mountain flying in moderate to strong conditions with huge landing areas and also enjoy relaxing flying.
Great chance for experienced pilots to access some of the more remote parts of Mauna Kea with high altitude wilderness take offs and strong xc conditions.
Very beautiful sites with lots of wild life. Wilderness Camping is available at the base of Pu'u Loa.
For more infomation contact Achim Hagemann at 808 895 9772

Hang glider pilot getting ready for launch at Pu'u Loa, Hawaii

Pu'u Loa is a great location to learn hang gliding and paragliding Our training sites are the best in the State of Hawaii.
Call Advanced Air Tech at 808 895 9772

Last paragliding flight of the day at Pu'u Loa. Hawaii. Making it down before the clouds roll in. Pilot: Achim Hagemann

time to go, Pu'u Loa, Hawaii.

Mauna Kea Paragliding And Hang gliding Guide Service Achim Hagemann 808 895 9772

Pilot: Glen Lockwood
Guide service, 4wd transportation, retrival.
Wilderness high altitude xc flying. The best
xc site in the State of Hawaii. Pilot: Glen Lockwood

The drive from Hilo to the S. W. launch on Mauna Kea takes about 3 hours followed by a 30 minute hike from 11000 t0 11500 f. A flight to Kona from launch would be 60 miles. The Hawaiian State record is 29 miles. The longest flight from this site has been 15 miles but flights of 100 miles should be possible.
Bring everything you need for high altitude xc flying.
Fee: 125.00 includes 4wd transportation, guide service, retrival and membership in the Big Island Soaring Assoc. USHGA membership is required.

Craters early morning on the way to SW launch Mauna Kea Hawaii

Hike up to SW launch on Mauna Kea

Mauna Loa early morning

 

Steven flying off SW launch during 2005 Mauna Kea Thermal Clinic in Hawaii

Glen, Steven, Frank ,Sergei, Achim, Taeko on SW launch, Mauna Kea Hawaii Paragliding Clinic

Frank getting ready to launch his paraglider Mauna Kea, Hawaii, Big Island

Steven launching

 

Paragliding Clinic, Mauna Kea Hawaii Sergei 6000 feet over Girls Scout Camp

above the clouds after launch from SW launch Mauna Kea.

 

SW launch Mauna Kea

not so fast, first dust devil of the day on launch