Call us at (808) 699-3300 with any questions or to book via phone.

What to Expect

First-Time Skydiving on Oahu:

Your first tandem skydive is designed to introduce you to freefall with an experienced instructor handling the parachute system and guiding the process. This page explains how to prepare, what happens after check-in, and which requirements to review before booking.

Before You Book

It's normal to have questions

Nerves before a first jump are common, and most of them come down to not knowing what to expect. This page walks through the process step by step — from check-in to landing — so you know what's ahead before you arrive.
Tandem skydiving carries inherent risk, like any aerial activity, and no operator can promise a risk-free experience. What we can tell you is exactly how the day works, what our instructors handle, and what's expected of you — so you can make an informed decision about booking.
Flag for ops: confirm this risk-acknowledgment language matches your waiver/legal team's approved wording before publish.
Step by Step

What happens on jump day

Plan for roughly 2–3 hours total, start to finish.
Step 1

Arrival & Check-In

Arrive at your reserved time and check in with our front desk.

Step 2

Waiver

Sign your waiver and watch the required waiver video (~30 min or more, depending on group size).

Step 3

Briefing & Gear

Your instructor gives a ground briefing and helps you into your harness.

 
Step 4

Aircraft Climb

Board the aircraft and climb to altitude, taking in the North Shore views.

 
Step 5

Freefall

30–50 seconds of freefall, harnessed to your instructor the entire time.

 
Step 6

Canopy Ride

A few calmer minutes gliding under the parachute together.

 
Step 7

Landing

A controlled landing — most first-time jumpers land on their feet.

 
Step 8

Wrap-Up

Debrief with your instructor, and pick up any photo/video package if ordered.

Requirements

Age, weight & health guidance

Age & Weight

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs or less
  • Jumpers over 200 lbs: additional per-pound charge applies
  • Weigh-ins are done on arrival

Health Guidance

You should be in reasonably good general health. Conditions that may affect eligibility include fainting spells, blackouts, heart conditions, and respiratory issues that make it difficult to equalize ear pressure at altitude.

Very few people are actually prevented from jumping. If you have a medical question, we recommend checking with your physician before booking, and our staff is happy to talk through any concerns.
Packing

What to wear and bring

Bring

  • Photo ID
  • Cash or card (checks not accepted)
  • Comfortable athletic clothing
  • Closed-toe sneakers — no sandals or flip-flops
  • Water and a light snack

Leave Behind / Avoid

  • Loose jewelry or dangling accessories
  • Sandals, heels, or open-toe shoes
  • Bulky or baggy outerwear
  • Alcohol within 8 hours of your jump
Capturing the Jump

Personal cameras & photo/video packages

Personal Cameras

For safety reasons, tandem passengers are not permitted to operate personal cameras or wear photography gear (GoPros) during the jump. This is for your safety, keeping your hands where they need to be during the jump. Paradise Skydiving Hawaii manages all in-air filming. Ask when you check in.

Our Photo & Video Packages

Professional photo and video packages are available so you can relive the jump without needing your own gear. Ask our staff about current packages when booking or at check-in.
See package options & pricing →
Planning Ahead

Time commitment, groups & spectators

Time Commitment

Plan for 2–3 hours total at the facility, including check-in, waiver, briefing, and the jump itself. Experience time may vary with weather or group size.

Groups & Spectators

Jumps are booked in one-hour blocks, up to 4 jumpers per block — larger groups can add additional slots at checkout. Friends and family are welcome to come watch, and some groups bring tailgating supplies.
Flexibility

Weather, delays & rescheduling

If Conditions Change

Skydiving depends on safe weather. If conditions aren't suitable on your scheduled day, we'll delay or reschedule your reservation and reach out with available options.

Rescheduling

Call us at least 72 hours ahead if you need to change your date or time. Note: all sales are final.
Full cancellation policy →
Getting Here

Where to go on jump day

Check-in at
Paradise Skydiving Hawaii
Kawaihapai Airfield (HDH) formerly Dillingham Airfield on Oahu’s North Shore
69-415 Farrington Hwy, Honolulu, HI, 96791
Free/on-site parking is available.
📞 (808) 699-3300Get full directions & contact info →
Quick Answers

First-timer questions

18 is the minimum age for skydiving in the United States. This is federally regulated by the FAA.

When you leave the aircraft, you are moving horizontally at the same speed as the aircraft, typically 90 mph. During the first 10 seconds or so, a skydiver accelerates up to roughly 115–130 mph straight down. A tandem jump pair uses a drogue chute to keep them from falling much faster than this.

Once under canopy, descent rates of 1,000 feet per minute are typical; however, the parachute is designed with steering controls and “brakes” to slow you down for a soft landing when the time arrives.

While falling at an accelerated rate, you’ll be able to see what skydiving is about with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.

The canopies used today bear little resemblance to the classic round canopies of years past. Today, nearly all jumpers and jump schools use “square” canopies for parachuting. These canopies are rectangular and, when they open, act like an airplane wing — more like a glider than an umbrella.

The aerodynamics of the square canopy provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing jumpers to land almost anywhere they wish. This wing shape also provides tip-toe soft landings for even the novice jumper, so the days of landing like a sandbag are history. In fact, you will likely land standing up, even on your first jump.

Remember to bring your photo ID and cash or card for upgrades, wearables or additional charges. We do not accept checks. 

For your jump, wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Shorts or pants are recommended.

Bring snacks and water as it is important to eat and stay hydrated the day of your jump.

Spectator friends and family are welcome, and some groups bring tailgating supplies. Just remember that anyone expecting to skydive cannot jump if they appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or the jump is within eight hours after the consumption of any alcoholic beverage. And remember to have a designated driver to get everyone home safely!

For a complete pre-jump checklist, clothing recommendations, and tips for first-time skydivers, visit our First-Time Skydiving Guide.

Paradise Skydiving books jumps in one hour blocks, with a maximum of 4 jumpers per one hour block. Groups with more than 4 jumpers may book additional slots for more jumpers after booking your first slot. Just click the “Add Another Slot” button on the reservation confirmation screen before checking out. For best results, please choose adjacent slots (i.e. 7AM & 8AM), we will try to keep groups together whenever possible. 

Prices vary depending on your jump package and any optional upgrades. View our current pricing, available packages, and optional add-ons on our Pricing & Packages page.

Yes. Paradise Skydiving provides professional demonstration jumps for events, promotions, and special occasions.

Read the complete FAQ →

Still have questions?

Book your spot online in minutes, or give us a call — we're happy to help.