FAQ | UFO Parasail

We have been asked many questions about parasailing in Hawaii over the past 31 years we have been in business. Here are some of the questions we hear the most.

Is parasailing safe?
Definitely! Parasailing in with UFO Parasail in Hawaii is safe and easy. We will go over the safety procedures and equipment in detail at the beginning of your flight.

We also have videos online which illustrate take offs and landings and show you where the safety equipment is. We recommend viewing them before your adventure.
How do I make reservations?
Call our Kona office at 1-800-359-4836 or our Maui office at 1-800-359-4836 book online directly through our website.
Where can I buy logowear?
We sell logowear out on the boats and at our Kona office. We offer long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, baseball caps and visors, women’s tops and sunglasses holders. Product descriptions and prices are available on board or on the Logo Wear page.
Where do you get your equipment from?
From PREMIUM BOAT COMPANY, INC.
Is there a price difference if one, two, or three people fly together?
Prices are per person whether flying alone, tandem, or triple. The minimum weight to fly alone is 130 pounds. Maximum weight for tandems and triples is 450 pounds. Tandems and triples get more time in the air!
What should we wear?
We suggest you wear clothes that you are comfortable in at the beach and shoes won’t matter because you will leave them on the beach at our umbrella on Maui or on the boat in Kona.
Do you take pictures of our experience?
Capture your UFO Parasail Adventure utilizing our state-of-the-art HD GoPro(r) chutecam UFO professional editing staff will incorporate the highlights of your flight(s) into a 3-4 minute personalized video or your experience including HD aerial footage of your views and music soundtrack. Relive the excitement and expressions of takeoff, soaring, optional dip, and landing. Multiple flights from your group or family can be edited into one special memory video.
Your completed video will be uploaded to YouTube within 5-7 days for you to share with friends and family on Facebook or by email. You can also make your own DVD by using the YouTube downloader at ufoparasail.net

Highlight Video $35 for one flight video or $45 for multiple flight video

Digital Photos $35 for one flight or $45 for multiple flights and reusable SD card

Video/Digital Media Discount Package $60 for one flight or $80 for multiple flights
Can people go on the boat and watch?
Yes. The cost for non-flying observers is $39+7% tax. There is a maximum of 12 passengers per boat including flyers and non-flyers; however, we usually do not exceed 8 for comfort unless requested to accommodate larger groups who want to fly together. Upgrades are available with payment on board should an observer change his/her mind and decide to parasail!
Is there an age requirement?
UFO Parasail has always been proud to be a family oriented activity. Effective May 16, 2011 children have to be at least 3 years old in order to parasail or to ride on the boat as a paying observer. All minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign consent forms at check-in for this activity.
Are there any weight restrictions?
Minimum weight to fly alone is 160 pounds. Maximum weight for tandems or triples is 450 pounds. The captain can increase or decrease these limits at their sole discretion based on safety, wind and sea conditions.
What happens if the boat stops suddenly?
In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction the participants are gently lowered into the water (lifejackets are mandatory) and retrieved by another vessel in our fleet.
What do you do if you see a whale?
As part of our effort to minimize our operations impact on the seasonal whale migration (Jan- March) we actively avoid whale encounters on our Parasail trips. In the event of a whale initiated close encounter we will follow all protocols provided in the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Is it very windy when I am flying?
Is it usually remarkably calm and serene and quiet up there and not windy at all. Guests frequently comment on how peaceful it is up there!

That said, there are alternative locations to parasail if the winds are too gusty at the Kaanapali location. Our “go or no go” decision to operate is based solely on safety.
Do I ever touch the water?
We do dry take-off and landings, however you may get dipped and get your feet wet by your request only. Dipping is at the sole discretion of captain for safety based on wind and sea conditions. The 1200′ flight does include an optional simulated free fall where the boat speed is decreased so the participant can experience a parachute descent similar to jumping from a plane but stops short of contact with the water.
Do you parasail all year-round?
We parasail seasonally on Maui and are open from May 16th through December 14th.

We operate all year-round in Kona on the Big Island.
Do we run on the beach like in Mexico?
No. Here in Hawaii, all parasail takeoffs and landings are hydraulically controlled from the back of the boat.
How do we get into and out of the air?
With the PREMIUM PARASAIL BOAT SYSTEM, the participants are winched on and off the boat hydraulically for safe, dry takeoffs and landings. In the unlikely event of boat malfunction, the parasailors slowly drift down to the water wearing a lifejacket.
If the line breaks, do we fly into outer space?
No. The line is designed to withstand 10,000 pounds of pressure. The average pull is only 800 pounds.