Maui Parasailing: Ka'anapali Boat Ride & 1200ft Flight

Summary

Soaring above Maui’s blue water with laughter and a little fear

You’ll feel your heart race as you lift off from Ka'anapali beach for a parasailing flight over Maui’s coast. Enjoy a smooth boat ride with a small group and guidance from friendly local crew. Soar up to 1,200 feet above the Pacific — then touch back down with salt on your skin and maybe a new story to tell.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I was more nervous than I let on as we shuffled barefoot onto the UFO Parasail boat at Ka'anapali. There was this salty breeze mixed with sunscreen and engine oil (not unpleasant, just honest), and everyone kept glancing up at the sky like we were all pretending not to care how high 1,200 feet actually is. Our captain, Tiare, had this calm way of explaining things that made me trust her instantly. She joked about how even locals get butterflies their first time — which helped. I think my hands were sweating before we even got the harnesses on.

Taking off felt nothing like I expected. It wasn’t jerky or wild; it was almost quiet, except for someone giggling (might’ve been me). Suddenly Maui’s coastline looked tiny and the water below was this impossible shade of blue — you know when you see something so bright it doesn’t look real? The wind tugged at my shirt and there was this weird sense of floating, not flying. For a few minutes I forgot about being scared. We spotted a turtle down near the surface; our guide pointed it out later when we landed back on deck (which was smoother than getting into my own bed after a long day).

The whole parasailing thing only lasted maybe six or nine minutes in the air, but time got strange up there. My friend tried to film but mostly ended up laughing because she dropped her phone case (don’t worry, it stayed in her pocket). There were families with kids on our boat too — one little girl shrieked “I’m a bird!” when she took off. It made everyone smile. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that view and how small everything felt for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Maui parasailing adventure

• Arrive at Maui parasailing location
• Board the USCG certified boat
• Receive safety briefing and harness fitting
• Parasail up to 1,200 feet above water
• Enjoy bird’s-eye views of Maui coastline
• Land smoothly back on the boat
• Cool off with a dip in the Pacific Ocean

Top questions

How high do you go during Maui parasailing?

You can choose between flying up to 800 feet or 1,200 feet above Maui’s waters during your parasailing experience.

How long does the Maui parasailing tour last?

The total boat ride is around 45-60 minutes, with about 6-9 minutes spent in the air depending on your flight option.

Is there an age limit for parasailing in Maui?

The minimum age to parasail or be an observer on the boat is 5 years old; anyone under 18 needs parent or guardian consent.

What should I wear for parasailing at Ka'anapali?

Shorts and t-shirts are recommended since you might get wet during takeoff or landing.

Are there weight restrictions for Maui parasailing?

You generally need to weigh at least 160 lbs to fly solo; tandem or triple flights have a combined max weight of about 450-550 lbs.

When is parasailing available in Maui?

Parasailing operates seasonally from May 16 to December 14 each year at Ka'anapali Beach.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet directly at Ka'anapali Beach for your scheduled departure time.

What’s included

Your outing includes approximately 45-60 minutes on a USCG-certified boat departing from Ka'anapali Beach, all taxes and fees covered, plus either a six-minute flight at 800 feet or nine minutes soaring up to 1,200 feet above Maui’s coastline before returning safely back to shore.