It took an hour of driving to get to Haleiwa where the glider air field is located, but that gave me the opportunity to take in some of the inland scenery. We took the highway straight through both of the mountain ranges on Oahu, giving me excellent views of the ridges.
Upon arriving and checking in with the very personable (and attractive) receptionist, I got a pleasant surprise: since I had booked a 30 minute excursion but there are really only enough sights for 20 minutes, as part of the same cost they threw in some hands-on flight training! Ten minutes later I met my pilot/instructor Scott and we got towed into the air in an orange and yellow glider dubbed the Bird of Paradise. After pointing out the major landmarks, including the highest peak on Oahu, Scott turned the controls over to me (sans rudder) and with only minor instruction I spent the next twenty minutes banking and leveling my way along the coast and mountain ridge. Scott complimented me on my smooth maneuvering and even suggested I look into getting my glider license :-)
Yes, Nate, this time I avoided trying to pull an Immelman Turn, after our last experience stuck upside down in the flight simulator in Seattle ;-)
I am definitely glad I chose the glider instead of the helicopter, besides getting to pilot the craft it was incredibly peaceful up there, and you really felt the tangible reality of soaring on a cushion on air. Certainly a recommended experience for anyone looking to have a little additional adventure on their island getaway.
On the long road back to Waikiki now, just lunch and more relaxation on the beach before my Polynesian sunset dinner cruise tonight.
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