Dillingham Airfield - Image 1
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Dillingham Airfield Oahu

4.5
·62 reviews·Waialua, United States

Oahu's North Shore hub for thrilling skydiving, serene gliding, and unparalleled stargazing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for flights

CrowdLow
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Dillingham Airfield - Image 1

Dillingham Airfield Oahu

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for flights

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Oahu's North Shore hub for thrilling skydiving, serene gliding, and unparalleled stargazing.

4.5
(62 reviews)

"Love this place! Took a glider up, the views are incredible in each direction."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Flights in Advance

Secure your skydiving or gliding adventure early, especially on weekends!

Check Weather for Flights

Wind conditions are key for a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skydiving Over Oahu

Skydiving Over Oahu

Dillingham Airfield

Experience the ultimate thrill with a tandem skydive, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Oahu's North Shore.

Glider Flights with a View

Glider Flights with a View

Dillingham Airfield

Soar silently in a glider, enjoying serene aerial perspectives of the coastline and lush landscapes.

Stargazing Paradise

Stargazing Paradise

Dillingham Airfield

Witness a dazzling night sky, perfect for meteor showers and astrophotography, far from light pollution.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sky High Adventure

Dillingham Airfield is your gateway to thrilling aerial experiences like skydiving and gliding. Book in advance, especially for popular activities, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check weather forecasts as wind conditions are crucial for flights.

Beyond the Blue: More Than Just Flights

While known for aviation, Dillingham Airfield offers incredible stargazing opportunities away from city lights. Pack essentials like water, snacks, and camera gear if you plan to stay for the celestial show. Consider visiting during meteor showers for an unforgettable night.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for flights
Crowd
Low
When
Clear nights
Why
Best for stargazing
Crowd
Low
When
During meteor showers
Why
Spectacular celestial events
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

getting snow puffies is ALWAYS a must when we go north shore 😋 #snowpuffies #northshore #waialua #oahu #oahuhawaii #hawaii #hawaiitiktok #hawaiifyp #hawaiieats #hawaiifavorites
@hiitsmissmaaris
15.7K likes • 183.1K views

Book Flights in Advance

Secure your skydiving or gliding adventure early, especially on weekends! Instagram

Check Weather for Flights

Wind conditions are key for a safe and enjoyable flight experience. Instagram

If you’re planning a day on the North Shore, kick off your morning at this cozy café 📍 Mele Mele Bakery 🍵✨ Waialua’s historic Old Sugar Mill. Treat yourself to their delicious matcha lattes, made with organic uji matcha and hojicha sourced from Yamasan in Kyoto, Japan. They use natural syrup for their matcha and coffee and strive to source local ingredients for their food. It’s the perfect spot to...
@marosehicks
14.8K likes • 218.1K views
🪂 Dillingham Airfield #skydive#hawaii#mokuleia #realtorlife #oahu#northshore #daredevil #islandlife #fun#activity#goforit
adamsandcompany808
0 likes • 1.4K views

Stargazing Prep

Use weather apps and bring tripods for optimal night sky viewing. Reddit

Watch Planes Land

A cool, free activity for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Reddit

Great day to fly with @louisjeovannyrodriguez and @rachlmaloy . Went west to Kaena Point and over to Dillingham airfield. Not too bad for a Wednesday. - - #hawaii #luckywelivehawaii #oahu #flight #flightgram #wheresimran #flying #altitude #milehigh
wheres.imran
107 likes • 8.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Flights in Advance

Secure your skydiving or gliding adventure early, especially on weekends! Instagram

Check Weather for Flights

Wind conditions are key for a safe and enjoyable flight experience. Instagram

Stargazing Prep

Use weather apps and bring tripods for optimal night sky viewing. Reddit

Watch Planes Land

A cool, free activity for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Reddit

Pack Hydration & Snacks

Essential for hikes and long stargazing sessions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(62 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Dillingham Airfield for its thrilling skydiving and serene glider flights, offering breathtaking views of Oahu's North Shore. Beyond aviation, it's a hidden gem for stargazing and a peaceful spot to watch planes. Some note the lack of amenities, advising visitors to come prepared.

"Wow, what an awesome hike I just did! The views from the top were absolutely stunning, totally worth the climb. I'd recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks to keep your energy up. The trail itself was pretty well-maintained, which made it a lot of fun. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, I can't wait to go back!"

Brandon Boyster

"Love love this place! We drove here a while back and took a glider up in the air with an instructor. It was amazing! The views are incredible each direction you look! The airport location is great for gliding, great winds and great views! If you are adventurous and like flying, this is a perfect spot to do it! The beach is near by as well, I love the fact that there are so many turtles in this area, because it is not too populated with people."

Diana luxuryretreathawaii Vacation Rental Hawaii

"Very cool to come in the parking lot and watch the planes and gliders land. Highly recommended!"

Jean-Francois LeBlanc

What People Like

Incredible skydiving views
Peaceful glider flights
Amazing stargazing

What People Dislike

Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dillingham Airfield is located on Oahu's North Shore, near Mokuleia. Driving is the most common way to get there. It's about an hour's drive from Honolulu. Follow the signs for Dillingham Airfield once you're in the Mokuleia area. Instagram

Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors. It's often used as a staging point for activities like skydiving and for accessing nearby trails. Reddit

Public transportation options are limited for reaching Dillingham Airfield due to its remote location on the North Shore. Renting a car is highly recommended for ease of access. Instagram

From Honolulu, take the H-1 West, then H-2 North, and finally Highway 99 North towards the North Shore. Continue on Highway 83 and then turn onto Farrington Highway (Route 930) towards Mokuleia. Follow signs for Dillingham Airfield. Instagram

The airfield itself is generally accessible, but specific activity locations might have varying accessibility. It's best to check with individual operators for skydiving or gliding tours. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no general admission fee to enter Dillingham Airfield and watch planes. However, you will need to purchase tickets for specific activities like skydiving or glider flights. InstagramReddit

Prices for skydiving vary depending on the operator and package. It's recommended to check directly with skydiving companies operating at Dillingham Airfield for current pricing. TikTok

Yes, glider flights are a popular activity at Dillingham Airfield. You can book these through operators like Paradise Air Hawaii. Reddit

The airfield itself operates during daylight hours for aviation activities. Specific businesses operating at the airfield will have their own hours. It's best to check with them directly. Instagram

Discounts can sometimes be found through online booking platforms or special promotions offered by the activity providers. It's worth searching online before booking. TikTok

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

Dillingham Airfield is famous for skydiving and glider flights. It's also a fantastic spot for stargazing, watching planes, and accessing nearby hiking trails like the Kealia Trail. Reddit+2

Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, aircraft in action, and stunning night skies make it a photographer's dream. Bring your best gear, especially for astrophotography. Reddit

Yes, watching the planes and gliders take off and land is a popular and free activity for visitors. The parking area offers a great vantage point. Reddit

The Kealia Trail starts near Dillingham Airfield, offering a scenic hike with ocean views. Be prepared for a moderate to challenging trek. Reddit

Clear nights are essential. Check the Hawaii Now Weather App for satellite weather to avoid clouds. Weekends might be busier, but weekday nights offer more solitude. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dedicated restaurants or food vendors directly at Dillingham Airfield. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to stay for stargazing or hiking. Reddit

The nearest dining options are in the towns of Haleiwa or Waialua, which are a short drive away. These towns offer a variety of local eateries and cafes. Instagram

Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are open areas where you can enjoy your own food and drinks while taking in the views. Reddit

Bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking or spending a long time outdoors. Snacks like sandwiches, fruit, and energy bars are also good choices. Reddit

Food trucks are not commonly found directly at the airfield. Your best bet for food trucks would be in the nearby towns of Haleiwa or along the North Shore scenic route. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture thrilling shots of skydivers and gliders in action, dramatic coastal landscapes, and the expansive night sky. The airfield itself with its planes is also a great subject. InstagramReddit

For daytime, a versatile zoom lens is useful. For stargazing, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture and a sturdy tripod are essential for astrophotography. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for landscapes. Midday is great for capturing the action of the aircraft. Nights are unparalleled for astrophotography. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals. For commercial photography, permits might be required. Instagram

Yes, if a C-17 is present, it can make for an impressive photographic subject. Be ready to capture its massive scale against the Oahu landscape. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dillingham Airfield offers a unique experience for families. While skydiving might be for older teens, watching the planes and gliders take off and land is a free and captivating activity for all ages. It's a fantastic way to spark an interest in aviation. Reddit

Consider packing a picnic to enjoy with a view of the airfield. The nearby less-populated beaches also offer a chance for kids to play and potentially spot sea turtles. Reddit For a truly memorable family adventure, a tandem glider flight could be an option for older children, providing a gentle introduction to flight with incredible views. Reddit

🌌 Stargazers and Astrophotographers

For those who love the night sky, Dillingham Airfield is a must-visit. Its remote location on Oahu's North Shore provides exceptionally dark skies, ideal for observing stars, planets, and meteor showers. Reddit Bring your telescope or camera with a tripod to capture the celestial wonders. Reddit

To ensure the best experience, check the weather forecast for clear conditions and consider visiting during a known meteor shower. While there are no amenities, the peace and quiet, combined with the stunning cosmic display, make it a truly special destination for amateur astronomers and photographers. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

Dillingham Airfield is a haven for anyone fascinated by flight. You can spend hours watching various aircraft, from small planes and gliders to larger military planes that occasionally visit. InstagramReddit The dynamic environment of an active airfield provides constant visual interest. Reddit

For the ultimate immersion, consider booking a tandem skydive or a glider flight. Experiencing flight firsthand from this unique location offers a profound connection to aviation. TikTokInstagram Even if you're not participating, the airfield's operational buzz is a treat in itself. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the Thrill: Skydiving and Gliding

Dillingham Airfield is a premier destination for adrenaline junkies and aviation enthusiasts. Skydiving here offers an unparalleled perspective of Oahu's stunning North Shore, with operators providing tandem jumps for beginners. The feeling of freefall followed by a peaceful parachute ride over the coastline is an unforgettable experience. TikTokInstagram

For a more serene aerial adventure, glider flights are also a major draw. Soaring silently with an instructor allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the landscape without engine noise. The consistent winds at Dillingham Airfield make it an ideal location for both skydiving and gliding, providing a stable platform for these exciting activities. InstagramReddit

When booking, it's crucial to research operators thoroughly, read reviews, and understand what is included in your package. Weather is a significant factor, so be prepared for potential rescheduling if conditions aren't optimal. Instagram

A Celestial Spectacle: Stargazing at Dillingham

Beyond its daytime aerial activities, Dillingham Airfield transforms into a stargazing paradise after sunset. Far from the light pollution of Honolulu, the dark skies here offer a breathtaking view of the cosmos. It's particularly renowned for its potential during meteor showers, like the Perseids, where you can witness shooting stars streak across the sky. Reddit

To maximize your stargazing experience, check the weather forecast using apps like Hawaii Now Weather to ensure clear skies. Bringing a sturdy tripod is highly recommended for astrophotography, allowing you to capture the Milky Way and other celestial wonders with your camera. Reddit A comfortable chair and warm layers are also advisable for a long night of observation. Reddit

While there are no facilities for food or restrooms at the airfield itself, the remote location contributes to its pristine dark skies. It's a perfect spot for a quiet, awe-inspiring night under the stars, making it a unique draw for visitors seeking experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions. Reddit

Exploring the Surroundings: Trails and Beaches

Dillingham Airfield serves as a gateway to some of Oahu's natural beauty. The Kealia Trail begins near the airfield, offering a moderately challenging hike with rewarding ocean vistas. This trail is a great option for those looking to stretch their legs and experience the rugged coastline. Reddit

While not directly on a beach, Dillingham Airfield is situated near the less-populated shores of Mokuleia. These areas are known for their natural beauty and are often less crowded than other Oahu beaches. Visitors have reported seeing sea turtles in these quieter coastal areas, adding to the charm of the region. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for any hiking or beach exploration. The North Shore's natural environment is best enjoyed when you're prepared for the elements. Reddit

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