REVIEW · HONOLULU
Tandem Skydiving with GoJump in Hawaii
Book on Viator →Operated by GoJump Hawaii · Bookable on Viator
Your feet will not touch the ground. This tandem skydive from 14,000 feet puts you over Oahu’s North Shore for about 50 seconds of freefall, with ocean views that feel unreal.
I really like how GoJump keeps the experience organized, from the wait on the ground to the jump itself. The instruction quality shows up fast too, with names like Derek D and Debby coming up for making first-time nerves feel manageable.
One thing to consider: your day can shift due to weather or airspace issues, and that can affect timing for the photo/video you buy on site.
In This Review
- Key things that make this GoJump skydive worth your time
- Why the 14,000-foot North Shore jump feels different
- Getting to the airfield: Waikiki pickup, schedules, and real-world timing
- Check-in, gear, and meeting your tandem instructor
- The airplane ride up: why waiting is part of the show
- The moment of freefall: weightless sensation over Oahu
- Under canopy: ocean views at a slower, calmer pace
- Photo and video packages: what’s worth it and how to avoid frustration
- Price and value: how $219 fits the bigger picture
- Who this tandem skydive suits (and who might want to think twice)
- Should you book GoJump Hawaii for a tandem skydive?
- FAQ
- How high is the tandem skydive with GoJump in Hawaii?
- About how long is the freefall?
- Is pickup from Waikiki available?
- How long does the whole experience take?
- Do they sell photos or videos?
- What happens if weather conditions are not good?
- What is the cancellation window for a full refund?
- What are the operating hours?
- Is this a small group activity?
Key things that make this GoJump skydive worth your time
- 14,000-foot tandem jump in Hawaii (the highest jump available in the area)
- About 50 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens
- Waikiki shuttle available for a smoother start
- Photo/video add-ons sold on site, including higher-resolution options
- Smallish group feel with a maximum of 50 travelers
- Experienced tandem instructors who focus on clear, calming guidance
Why the 14,000-foot North Shore jump feels different
A tandem skydive is usually sold as adrenaline, but the first wow moment here is height. You’re going to jump from 14,000 feet, and that gives you more time to take in Oahu from above, not just a quick drop and then “pull chute.” The North Shore coastline and ocean stretches look like a map you can’t stop staring at.
The freefall is roughly 50 seconds, and that timing matters. You feel weightless, then the wind and speed turn into a focused, almost loud-in-your-body sensation. Once the parachute opens, everything slows down, and you get to actually look around.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Honolulu.
Getting to the airfield: Waikiki pickup, schedules, and real-world timing
You can go the easy route with an optional shuttle from Waikiki to the airfield. If your hotel is in Waikiki, that’s a big deal because you avoid the “figure out the ride” stress before you’re about to do something intense.
That said, one review mentioned a mix-up when a bus pickup didn’t show up as expected, leading to an extra taxi cost before staff helped sort it out with an Uber. So my practical tip is simple: plan extra buffer time, double-check pickup instructions the day before, and keep your phone ready for updates.
The whole experience is about 3 hours, so you should still treat the day like it has some flexibility. The operation runs in the morning hours (7:00 AM to 2:00 PM), and your exact jump time can shift.
Check-in, gear, and meeting your tandem instructor
You’ll be paired up for a tandem jump, meaning you stay strapped to an instructor who handles the technical stuff. That’s the whole point, and it’s why most people who are nervous still find the process surprisingly straightforward.
On the ground, expect clear instructions on how to position your body and what to do during freefall and under canopy. In reviews, instructor Derek D came up for helping a first-timer stay calm, and Debby got praise for delivering guidance that feels both confidence-building and relaxing. When you have someone who talks you through the steps, you stop spending energy guessing what happens next.
Group size is capped at 50, which usually helps keep things from turning into a chaotic cattle-line. Still, plan to wait some. Skydive days have a rhythm: check-in, briefing, gear up, then waiting for your turn.
The airplane ride up: why waiting is part of the show
Once you’re at altitude, a lot of people expect the moment to feel instant. In real life, you’ll spend time in the aircraft ride while wind and light do their thing above the island.
Waiting matters because it gives you a chance to calm down, ask questions, and get your brain to accept the plan. If you’ve ever tried to do something scary by “rushing into it,” you know how quickly panic can take over. The better instructors here seem to do the opposite: they keep you present and prepared until it’s time.
Also, height changes what “bigger views” really means. At 14,000 feet, you’re not just looking at water and shore. You can spot patterns in the coastline and see the island’s shape in a way you simply can’t from the ground.
The moment of freefall: weightless sensation over Oahu
Then comes the part people talk about most: the 50-second freefall. In a tandem jump, your instructor manages the dive and stability, but you still feel the sensation directly. It’s the moment where your body realizes your feet truly aren’t in charge anymore.
What I like about the way this is described is that the timing is clear. You freefall for about 50 seconds, and only then does the parachute deploy. That means you get a long enough stretch to experience that weightless feeling, not just a brief “drop” before everything turns into a slow glide.
And yes, the view is a major part of the thrill. Even when the wind is loud and your brain is racing, the ocean and shoreline keep showing up in your peripheral vision. It’s the kind of sensory mix that makes people want to do it again.
Under canopy: ocean views at a slower, calmer pace
After the parachute opens, the vibe changes fast. Your breathing usually settles, and your attention shifts to looking. At that point you can enjoy the glide and actually track the shoreline and waves instead of just enduring speed.
One review summed it up as gliding with a breeze and beautiful ocean views. That’s consistent with how canopy time works: you trade motion intensity for awareness. If you want to savor what you’re seeing, this is when you can.
This portion is also where clear communication from the instructor pays off. When they’re steady and calm, you’re less likely to tense up and more likely to enjoy the ride. It’s the best time to think, this is really happening.
Photo and video packages: what’s worth it and how to avoid frustration
GoJump sells high-resolution videos and photos on site, and you can choose add-ons after you land. If you’re the type who struggles to remember details in the moment, video is your insurance policy. A review specifically recommended the outside video experience, saying the footage is something you’ll want to keep.
Still, there’s one practical downside to keep in mind: one guest noted they hadn’t received photos or videos yet after the jump. That doesn’t mean it’s a common problem, but it is enough to make me suggest this approach. Ask when you’ll get digital access, and keep your booking details handy so you can follow up if anything seems delayed.
Is it worth the extra cost? For many people, yes, because you can relive the feeling from the outside and share the results. If you’re trying to keep this at a strict budget, you can always skip upgrades and just enjoy the memory you make in the air.
Price and value: how $219 fits the bigger picture
The price is listed at $219 per person. On paper, tandem skydive pricing can look similar across providers, so the real question is what you get for that money: height, instructor quality, and convenience.
Here you’re paying for a 14,000-foot jump plus the infrastructure that makes it run smoothly: tandem instruction, equipment, and the option to add professional video and photos. If you’re only in Oahu for a short time, the fact that the experience is about 3 hours also matters. You’re not burning a full day, and that’s real value.
Also consider that jump operations depend on weather and airspace. One review mentioned a jump being rescheduled twice because of airspace restrictions tied to military exercises. Even with delays, the upside is that the team can prioritize safety over forcing a jump in poor conditions. You’re paying for a controlled, supervised experience, not just a ticket.
Who this tandem skydive suits (and who might want to think twice)
Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. That helps make it accessible for a wider range of folks, at least in terms of basic participation.
This is a great match if you want the Hawaii view that feels different from snorkeling or a beach day. You’re seeing Oahu from above, over the North Shore, which is a mental reset in a single experience.
It may feel like a tougher fit if you’re extremely sensitive to schedule changes. The operation requires good weather, and airfield access can be affected. If your itinerary is tight with no flexibility, you’ll want to build in buffer time before or after your scheduled jump.
Should you book GoJump Hawaii for a tandem skydive?
If you want a high-altitude tandem jump with serious scenery and practiced instruction, I’d book it. The combination of 14,000 feet, about 50 seconds of freefall, and the option for outside video is exactly what turns a thrill into a memory you can keep.
I’d also go in with eyes open: give yourself time for weather or airspace changes, and be proactive about how and when you’ll receive photo/video. If you do that, you’re set up for an exciting, well-run skydive experience over Oahu.
FAQ
How high is the tandem skydive with GoJump in Hawaii?
It’s a tandem skydive from 14,000 feet above Oahu’s North Shore.
About how long is the freefall?
You’ll experience about 50 seconds of freefall before the parachute deploys.
Is pickup from Waikiki available?
Yes, optional shuttle service from Waikiki to the airfield is offered.
How long does the whole experience take?
Plan for about 3 hours (approx.) total time.
Do they sell photos or videos?
Yes. High-resolution photo and video packages are available for sale on site.
What happens if weather conditions are not good?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation window for a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
What are the operating hours?
The operating hours are 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
Is this a small group activity?
The activity has a maximum of 50 travelers.
