Looking for cool things to do on Maui for your next Hawaiian vacation? Find out the best places to go parasailing on Maui. Scroll to see them all!
This parasailing on Maui post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Parasailing on Maui lets you fly up to 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean with views of the West Maui Mountains, neighboring islands, and turquoise water stretching for miles.
If you’re planning a Maui trip and wondering where to parasail, which companies are actually good, and what the rules are, here’s everything you need to know.
I haven’t parasailed myself (I’m more of a “watch from the beach with my camera” type), but I’ve been visiting Maui for over 30 years and I know exactly which companies families trust, when you can actually parasail, and what to expect before you book.
The Two Main Parasailing Companies on Maui
On Maui, there are two established companies that run parasailing operations from Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina Harbor. Both have been around for decades and know what they’re doing.
West Maui Parasail
West Maui Parasail has been operating since 1985, so they’ve been doing this longer than most of us have been visiting Hawaii.
They run boats from two locations and you can choose to depart from either one depending on where you’re staying.
Lahaina Harbor: They operate from slip #15 at Lahaina Harbor. This is convenient if you’re staying in Lahaina or want to explore the area before or after your flight.
Kaanapali Beach: Their beach location is right in front of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, just a quick walk north of Whalers Village. Look for the yellow umbrellas on the sand. That’s your check-in spot.
They offer both 800-foot and 1,200-foot flight options. You can fly solo, tandem (two people), or triple (three people together).
Their boats are custom-built with hydraulic launch systems, which means you take off and land right on the boat platform. No jumping into the ocean required.
Check West Maui Parasail prices and availability on Viator
UFO Parasail
UFO Parasail is the other major player and they’ve also been around since 1985.
The company is owned and operated by a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate with a Coast Guard captain’s license, and they actually manufacture their own parasailing equipment that’s used in 35 countries worldwide.
UFO operates exclusively from Kaanapali Beach. Check in at their blue umbrellas in the sand fronting Whalers Village. They offer the same flight heights (800 feet or 1,200 feet) and the same solo, tandem, or triple options.
One thing people love about UFO is that they limit their boats to 8-9 passengers instead of the full 12 they’re certified for. This means less time waiting on the boat and more personal attention from the crew.
Book UFO Parasail through Viator
Both companies get excellent reviews. The main difference is really just where they operate from and whether you want to check in at yellow umbrellas (West Maui Parasail) or blue umbrellas (UFO Parasail).
Important Details You Need to Know
Parasailing Season on Maui
Here’s something that catches a lot of people off guard: parasailing on Maui only operates from May 16 through December 14 each year.
From December 15 through May 15, parasailing shuts down completely. This is because humpback whales migrate to Maui’s waters during winter months to give birth and raise their calves.
Out of respect for these whales and to protect them, parasailing operations close during whale season.
If you’re planning a spring break trip to Maui (late March or April), parasailing won’t be available.
Same goes for Christmas and New Year’s trips. But if you’re visiting anytime from mid-May through early December, you’re good to go.
Age Requirements
Kids as young as 5 years old can parasail on Maui. If your child is under 18, you’ll need to sign a waiver for them.
Non-flyers (observers who just ride on the boat) also need to be at least 5 years old.
Unfortunately, you can’t bring babies or toddlers on the boat, even if they’re not parasailing. This surprises some families, so plan accordingly if you have little ones.
Weight Restrictions
To fly solo, you need to weigh at least 160 pounds. If you’re under that weight, you’ll need to fly tandem with someone else.
For tandem or triple flights, the maximum combined weight is 450-550 pounds (varies by company and conditions). The captain can adjust these limits based on wind and sea conditions, so keep that in mind.
Pricing
As of 2025, parasailing on Maui starts around $89-99 per person depending on which height you choose (800 feet vs. 1,200 feet). Observers who ride on the boat without flying pay around $65.
Some companies offer military discounts (UFO Parasail offers active military fly free with family at half price). They also run flash sales at certain times of day with discounts up to 15% off.
If you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out which activities to book and when during your Maui trip, I can help you create a personalized itinerary that fits your family’s interests and budget.
Learn more about my Hawaii travel consultation services.
How Long Does It Actually Take?
The entire boat trip lasts about one hour. Your actual time in the air is shorter though – around 8-12 minutes depending on whether you choose the 800-foot or 1,200-foot line.
If there are multiple groups on your boat, you’ll ride out together, watch others fly, then take your turn. Some people worry this will be boring, but most families say watching from the boat is actually pretty entertaining.
Safety
Both West Maui Parasail and UFO Parasail use hydraulic winch systems for takeoffs and landings, which means you launch and land right on the boat’s back platform.
You don’t have to jump into the water or know how to swim (though you’ll wear a life jacket).
Can you get wet? Yes, if you want. Most captains will offer a “dip” at the end where they lower you down so your feet touch the water. It’s optional and actually pretty fun from what I hear.
Pregnant women cannot parasail, and it’s not recommended if you have back or neck problems.
Other Scenic Parasailing Locations on Maui
While Kaanapali Beach and Lahaina Harbor are where you’ll actually book your parasailing tours, there are other beautiful areas on Maui where parasailing companies sometimes operate or where you might see parasailers in the air.
Mala Wharf is an old concrete pier that was damaged during a hurricane and is now a popular snorkeling and diving spot. You’ll sometimes see parasailing boats in this area since it’s close to Lahaina.
Maalaea Harbor, located on Maui’s western shore, is another harbor where boat tours depart. While it’s known more for whale watching and fishing charters, you’ll occasionally see water activities here including parasailing boats passing through.
Kahului Harbor on the northern side of the island is Maui’s main commercial harbor. While this isn’t a typical parasailing departure point, the harbor area offers other water activities.
For the most reliable parasailing experience though, stick with the main companies at Kaanapali Beach or Lahaina Harbor.
What to Wear Parasailing
Wear a swimsuit. Seriously, that’s it.
Even though you launch and land on the boat (no swimming required), you might get splashed from ocean spray or request the optional water dip at the end. Plus, it’s hot out there on the water.
If you’re going during a cooler month (early December), you might want to throw on a rash guard or wetsuit top over your swimsuit. But most of the time, a regular swimsuit is perfect.
Bring sunglasses if you want (though some people skip them since there’s a risk of losing them), and definitely bring a hat for the boat ride.
Most importantly: bring reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii law requires reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs, and trust me, you’ll get sun on that boat. Reapply before you go up too.
Where to Stay Near Parasailing
If parasailing is high on your list of Maui activities, staying in the Kaanapali area makes the most sense. You’ll be steps away from check-in, and you can easily walk to both parasailing companies.
Find hotels in Kaanapali on Expedia
Lahaina is another good option, especially if you’re departing from Lahaina Harbor with West Maui Parasail.
Plus, Lahaina has tons of great restaurants and shops to explore before or after your parasailing adventure.
Getting to Parasailing Check-In
If you’re staying elsewhere on Maui and need to drive to Kaanapali or Lahaina, book your rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental.
They compare rates from all the major companies and you’ll get better prices than booking direct.
Parking at Whalers Village is paid parking, but you can get validation if you buy something from one of the shops or grab coffee before your parasailing time.
Planning Your Whole Maui Trip
Parasailing is just one of dozens of incredible activities on Maui.
If you’re trying to figure out how to fit everything in (where to stay, which beaches to visit, which restaurants are worth it, how to time activities for different parts of the island) you might find my Maui travel guide helpful.
My Maui Travel Guide for Families includes detailed day-by-day itineraries, kid-friendly activity recommendations, where to find the best shave ice, which luaus are actually worth the money, and a whole section on adventure activities like parasailing, snorkeling, and more.
Or if you prefer a quick email course that walks you through the planning process step by step, sign up for my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Maui.
I send you one email per day covering everything from choosing where to stay to booking the best activities.
Parasailing FAQs
Do you need to know how to swim? No. You wear a life jacket the entire time, and you take off and land on the boat platform. You never actually need to swim.
What if I’m afraid of heights? Lots of people who are nervous about heights say parasailing is surprisingly calm. You’re strapped in securely, the ride is smooth (not jerky), and you’re focused on the incredible views. That said, if you have a serious fear of heights, this might not be for you. No shame in watching from the beach.
Can we take our phone or camera up? Technically yes, but it’s risky. If you drop it, it’s gone. Both companies offer photo packages where crew members take pictures of you from the boat. These packages usually run around $40 and include 30-40 digital photos.
What happens if the weather is bad? If wind or sea conditions aren’t safe, the company will cancel or reschedule your trip. You’ll get a full refund or can rebook for another day. Check the cancellation policy when you book (usually 48-72 hours notice required for a refund).
Is the 1,200-foot line worth the extra cost? Most people say yes. The 800-foot option is still amazing, but at 1,200 feet, you get even more dramatic views and a longer flight time (about 10-12 minutes vs. 8 minutes). If you’re only doing this once, go for the higher option.
More Maui Activities to Check Out
Parasailing is one of the more adventurous things to do on Maui, but there are plenty of other water activities if you’re looking to fill out your itinerary:
- Things to Do in Kaanapali – snorkeling, cliff diving, beaches, restaurants
- Whale Watching on Maui – if you’re visiting during whale season (December-April), this is a must
- Scuba Diving in Hawaii – certified divers can explore Maui’s reefs and lava formations
- Things to Do in Maui with Kids – family-friendly activities beyond just beach days
If you’re also island hopping, check out my other Hawaii travel guides:
You can also listen to my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy for more Maui tips and insider advice. I cover everything from how to save money to which activities are actually worth booking. Listen here.
Final Thoughts on Parasailing on Maui
If you’re visiting Maui between mid-May and mid-December and you’re looking for something memorable that the whole family can do together (kids 5 and up), parasailing is a solid choice.
The views are incredible, the companies are professional and safe, and it’s honestly not as scary as it looks from the beach.
Book in advance though. These tours fill up fast, especially during summer and early December when the weather is most reliable.
As a professional tourist who’s spent over 40 years exploring Hawaii, I can tell you that Maui offers some of the best parasailing conditions in the state.
The west coast is protected from trade winds, the water is usually calm, and those views of the mountains and neighboring islands? You can’t get that anywhere else.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to see Maui from a completely different perspective, parasailing delivers.
And if you decide it’s not for you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being an observer on the boat or just watching from the beach with a shave ice in hand.
That’s my preferred method anyway.
