Tandem freefall from 14,000 feet over Oahu's North Shore with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and neighboring islands before parachuting onto the beach.
Skydive Hawaii operates from Dillingham Airfield in Mokuleia on Oahu's North Shore, offering tandem skydiving from altitudes up to 14,000 feet above sea level. The jump zone is positioned directly above one of the most visually dramatic coastlines in the Hawaiian Islands, with the Waianae mountain range rising to the south, the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon to the north, and the legendary surf breaks of the North Shore visible below. On clear days, the neighboring islands of Kauai and Molokai are visible from altitude.
Tandem skydiving requires no prior experience. Each participant is harnessed to a certified tandem instructor who controls the entire jump, from exit through freefall to canopy deployment and landing. The ground training and equipment fitting process takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes before boarding. Freefall from 14,000 feet lasts approximately 60 seconds at speeds around 120 mph, followed by a five-to-seven-minute parachute descent to the beach landing zone at the edge of the airfield.
Skydive Hawaii's instructors hold United States Parachute Association (USPA) Tandem Instructor ratings, and the operation holds a USPA Group Member certificate. All equipment undergoes regular maintenance inspections, and reserve parachutes are repacked by FAA-certificated riggers. The company has operated at Dillingham Airfield for over two decades under an FAA-approved Part 105 jump operator certificate.
Participants must weigh under 250 lbs (113 kg) and be in general good health. A medical questionnaire is completed before the jump, and participants with heart conditions, recent surgeries, or who are pregnant are advised not to jump. The minimum age is 18. The total experience, including ground school, gearing up, the flight, freefall, and landing, typically takes three to four hours from arrival.
Onboard video and photo packages are available, with a camera operator jumping alongside the tandem pair or using a mount on the instructor's helmet. The aerial footage of Oahu's coastline and mountain backdrop makes this a popular keepsake for both solo travelers and groups visiting Hawaii.
Activity facts
- Where
- Dillingham Airfield, Mokuleia, North Shore, Oahu
- Duration
- 3 hours
Equipment
All equipment and training provided
Location
68-760 Farrington Hwy, Mokuleia, HI 96791
Highlights
- Tandem freefall from 14,000 feet above Oahu's North Shore with USPA-certified instructors
- 60-second freefall at approximately 120 mph over the Pacific with inter-island views
- Beach landing zone at Dillingham Airfield, Mokuleia, directly on the North Shore
- FAA Part 105-certified operation with over two decades of continuous experience at this site
- Optional onboard camera and video packages to capture the freefall and canopy descent
Tips for visiting
- Book the first jump slot of the day (around 8 a.m.) for clearest skies and shortest ground waits
- Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes; avoid loose scarves, hats, or large jewelry
- Eat a light meal two to three hours before — both an empty stomach and a full one can cause discomfort
- Video packages must be purchased in advance and can sell out separately from the jump slots
- Check the weather rescheduling policy when booking; jumps are wind- and cloud-dependent and delays are common
When to visit
Year-round, with the clearest visibility typically occurring from June through August. Morning slots offer the smoothest air and shortest check-in queues at the airfield.
Accessibility
Dillingham Airfield has paved and unpaved areas around the aircraft staging zone. Boarding a light aircraft via a door step is required, which is not accessible for wheelchair users. The jump itself requires participants to move, crouch, and stand with assistance. Individuals with significant mobility limitations should contact Skydive Hawaii directly to assess suitability before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any training or experience to do a tandem skydive?
No prior experience is needed. A 60-to-90-minute ground school covers exit position, freefall posture, and what to expect during canopy deployment. The instructor handles all technical aspects of the jump.
What is the weight limit for tandem skydiving at Skydive Hawaii?
The standard weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg). Heavier participants may face equipment surcharges or be unable to jump; contact the operator before booking to confirm eligibility.
How high does the aircraft fly before the jump?
Standard tandem jumps depart at 14,000 feet above sea level, providing approximately 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens at around 5,000 feet.
What happens if the weather prevents the jump?
Jumps are weather-dependent. In the case of excessive cloud cover, strong winds, or rain, the operator will reschedule to the next available slot. A full refund is typically available if no suitable window can be arranged.
Can someone who is afraid of heights do a tandem skydive?
Many first-time participants report that the aircraft altitude feels more confronting than the freefall itself. The overwhelming majority of first-time jumpers describe the experience as exhilarating once airborne, but personal anxiety levels are an individual consideration.