Waikiki & Diamond Head: Parasailing Adventure with Views

Soaring high over Waikiki’s coast with Diamond Head in view

You’ll launch right from a boat off Waikiki and soar up to 1,000 feet with Diamond Head and Honolulu’s skyline beneath you. A local crew handles all instructions and gear so you can just focus on flying (or trying not to drop your phone). You’ll share laughs, spot sea turtles if you’re lucky, and end up with memories that stick long after your feet are back on deck.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki parasailing adventure and sightseeing

• Arrive at Waikiki parasailing location
• Board shared parasailing boat
• Select preferred line length
• Launch from boat with harness
• Parasail up to 1,000 feet above ocean
• Enjoy panoramic views of Diamond Head and south shore
• Return to boat and disembark

The experience

“You ready for this?” That’s what my friend asked right as our feet left the deck: honestly, I wasn’t sure. We’d just clipped into these harnesses on the back of a small boat off Waikiki, and the captain (I think his name was Kaleo?) gave us a thumbs-up before letting out the line. The wind hit first, then that weird floaty feeling in your stomach as we started rising. Salt air everywhere, but not heavy: more like a clean breeze you can taste. I could see Diamond Head off to the left, that big green slope looking softer from up here.

I tried waving at the people on the beach but realized they were way too tiny to notice. Up at nearly 1,000 feet, Honolulu looks kind of unreal: all those hotel towers stacked along the sand like toy blocks. My friend started laughing when I tried to take a selfie and almost dropped my phone (don’t do that). The only sounds were wind and the distant hum of boats below. It was quieter than I expected. The crew down on the boat kept shouting encouragements: one of them pointed out a sea turtle near the surface, though honestly it looked more like a dark speck from where we were.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm up there. Maybe it’s being above everything for once, or maybe just knowing someone else is handling all the details (the instructions were quick, nothing complicated). Coming down was almost harder than going up. My legs felt wobbly when we landed back on deck. The whole parasailing experience lasted about an hour including the boat ride, but those few minutes in the air felt longer somehow. Still thinking about that silence above Waikiki, not sure I’ll ever forget it.

What’s included

Your adventure includes all safety gear (parasail harnesses and life jackets) plus clear instructions from local guides before launching directly from a shared boat. You’ll enjoy about an hour cruising Oahu’s south shore by boat with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head crater as part of your parasailing experience.

Options for this experience

4 options

Observer (Not Parasailing)Guide in English or Japanese · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00This is not a parasailing ticket. It is for those who only want to sit and watch from the boat, and are under 3 years old.

Parasail 700 ft, standardGuide in English or Japanese · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00Must check in 30 minutes before your activity time (700 feet).

Deluxe Parasail 850ftGuide in English or Japanese · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00Must check in 30 minutes before your activity time (850 feet).

X-treme Parasail 1000ftGuide in English or Japanese · 10 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00Must check in 30 minutes before your activity time (1,000 feet).

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 10 start times, from US$ 34 per person, with a live guide in English and Japanese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Xtreme Parasail

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Waikiki parasailing experience last?

The tour is about 1 hour total on a shared boat ride, with flight time up to 8 minutes per person or tandem pair.

Do I need prior experience for this parasailing tour?

No experience is needed. Instructions are provided by the crew before takeoff.

How high do you go during parasailing in Waikiki?

You can choose flight options reaching up to 1,000 feet above Oahu’s south shore.

Is pickup included for this Waikiki parasail ride?

No hotel pickup is included. Check-in is required 30 minutes before your activity time at the dock.

What should I bring for my Waikiki & Diamond Head parasailing adventure?

Bring your confirmation info and contact details. All safety gear is provided by the crew.

Are photos included in this Hawaii parasailing tour?

Photo packages are optional add-ons. They’re not automatically included.