Hang Gliding Maui: Your Gateway to the Skies

Armin Engert

My name is Armin Engert, and I'm the owner of Hang Gliding Maui, a passion that stems from a lifetime dedicated to airborne adventure. In the early 1980s, I ventured into extreme sports, initially owning windsurfing and diving schools in Sri Lanka. During this time, I discovered my love for hang gliding, winning multiple Hawaii State Hang Gliding Championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Outside of flying, my interests include sailing, windsurfing, wing foiling, bicycling, hiking, and scuba diving. I began hang gliding in 1982, captivated by the freedom of flight. As my skills grew, I felt compelled to share this exhilarating experience with others, especially newcomers to the sport.

In October 1990, I founded Hang Gliding Maui, starting as the sole operator. The inspiration came after a transformative summer in Germany, where I flew tandem hang gliders over Castle Neuschwanstein. Determined to bring a similar awe-inspiring experience to Maui, I initially operated non-motorized hang gliders over Haleakala. I set a record for the highest vertical descent in a tandem hang glider, descending 10,000 feet from summit to sea level. Challenges with wind conditions at Haleakala's peak led me to innovate our operations with motorized hang gliders.

At Hang Gliding Maui, I strive to introduce the joy of free-form hang gliding to as many people as possible. We operate from the most stunning airport in the U.S., offering breathtaking flights over rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the endless blue ocean. As the company's sole instructor and pilot, I am dedicated to providing a safe, unforgettable adventure in the skies above Maui.