Commercial and Tandem Skydiving to Open in Kona on the Big Island – “Island Skydiving”

A few months ago I mentioned that the folks from Skydive Hawaii did some exploratory jumps to see about the the feasibility of starting up  a commercial and tandem skydiving business on the Big Island.

Today, the Hinshaw family, from Skydive Hawaii, is pleased to announce that Island Skydiving, LLC., a family owned partnership, will begin skydiving operations at Upolu Airport on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 6:00AM.

Frank T.K. and his Father Frank Hinshaw at the Upolu Airport

Skydiving operations will be conducted from a Cessna 182 or 206 with Airvan support, all with a 10,000’ target exit altitude.

Skydiving operations will be conducted from a Cessna 182 or 206 with Airvan support

The memorable view from the aircraft and in freefall can be spectacular at Upolu Airport as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa loom behind Kohala volcano. Waipio Valley and the Hamakua Coast are on the East side of Upolu Airport and often in clear view. With blue skies on Maui, the sacred volcano on Haleakala can be also be seen reaching up from Hana. Mo’okini Heiau and Kamehameha Akahi Aina Hanau, the birthplace of Kamehameha the Great are also visible within the Upolu Airport area.

The view from 10,000' is breath taking to say the least

Tandem skydiving will be offered with hourly arrival times between 6:00AM and 9:00AM. Due to the strong winds conditions at Upolu Airport reservations are limited within these hours. The tandem skydive is priced at $329 per person and included photos and video taken by the tandem instructor. Customers should plan on spending 2 hours at Upolu Airport.

Tandem skydiving will be limited to those over the age of 18 and under 200 pounds. The customer will be required to sign the company’s standard liability release. Upolu Airport is in a remote part of Hawaii island and emergency medical services may take time to respond.

Sport skydivers are required to hold a USPA class C or D license with 250 jumps and jump with their own gear

Sport skydivers are required to hold a USPA class C or D license with 250 jumps and jump with their own gear. A wing loading of more than 1 to 1 is required.

Reservations can be taken at this time or more information obtained at 808 949-4852 for reservation dates beginning May 5, 2012. www.islandskydiving.com is expected to be operational soon. You can “Like Us” on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-Island-Skydiving/173920866012443

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