Parasailing in Hawaii: Seeing the Islands From Above the Water

Parasailing is one of those Hawaii activities that gives you a completely different view of the islands. Instead of looking at the coastline from a beach or boat deck, you are lifted high above the Pacific while the boat pulls you out over the water.

What I like about parasailing is that you do not need to be particularly athletic to enjoy it. Once you are secured into the harness, the boat does most of the work. The experience is more about the view, the height, and that strange feeling of being suspended above the ocean.

There is one important difference between the islands, though. Parasailing is primarily available around Oahu and Maui, while the Big Island and Kauai do not offer the same type of regular parasailing selection. If parasailing is specifically on your Hawaii bucket list, I would check availability on your island before planning around it.

Here are our Top 4 parasailing tours. Scroll down for our favorites on each island.

Oahu: Waikiki views from above the Pacific

Oahu is the island I would choose if parasailing is one of the main activities I want to do in Hawaii. Most parasailing experiences operate from the Waikiki area, making them particularly convenient if you are staying in Honolulu.

Once you are in the air, Waikiki looks completely different. The hotels become part of the background, Diamond Head rises behind the coastline, and the blue water stretches much farther than it appears from the beach.

Oahu also tends to have the most options, including different flight lengths and experiences for couples or small groups. I would compare the actual flight time rather than just the total tour duration because the time spent on the boat is not the same as time in the air.

Big Island: a different kind of ocean adventure

The Big Island does not have the same regular parasailing scene as Oahu and Maui. If parasailing is the specific experience you want, I would not expect to find the same selection of dedicated tours here.

Instead, the Kona coast is better known for other ways of getting above or onto the water, including sailing, snorkeling, diving, and coastal boat excursions. The volcanic shoreline and clear Pacific water make those alternatives worthwhile if you are already staying on the island.

For travelers who specifically want the parasailing experience, I would choose an island where it is regularly offered rather than trying to force a similar activity into the itinerary.

Maui: parasailing with West Maui scenery

Maui is another strong choice for parasailing, particularly around the western side of the island. The water off the coast gives you wide views of the Pacific, neighboring islands, and the mountains behind the resort areas.

The setting is different from Waikiki. Instead of looking down on a dense city coastline, you get more open ocean and views toward the West Maui Mountains. On clear days, the surrounding islands add even more to the scenery.

Parasailing on Maui is generally seasonal, so I would check the operating dates before building it into your itinerary. If you are visiting during the period when flights are available, it can be a great way to add something different to a beach vacation.

Kauai: choose another way to see the coastline

Kauai does not have the same established parasailing market as Oahu and Maui. If you are looking specifically for a parasailing tour, I would not count on finding a regular selection here.

That does not mean you have to miss out on an aerial perspective. Kauai is one of the best islands for seeing the landscape from above, with helicopter tours and other scenic experiences offering views of the island’s valleys, mountains, and coastline.

If the goal is simply to see Hawaii from a different perspective, I would choose one of those alternatives on Kauai rather than treating the lack of parasailing as a reason to skip the island.

What to know before you go parasailing

Parasailing is usually a gentle experience, but it is still an ocean activity. Listen to the crew and follow their instructions when getting into the harness, taking off, and returning to the boat.

Wear swimwear or quick drying clothing and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a secure way to keep your belongings from falling into the water. I would leave anything unnecessary on shore.

Wind and ocean conditions can affect whether a trip operates, so flexibility is useful. I would also check the operator’s age, weight, and passenger requirements before booking, especially if you are traveling with children.

Picking one

For the biggest selection and the easiest access, I would choose Oahu. For a more open ocean setting with West Maui scenery, Maui is the better alternative. The Big Island and Kauai do not offer the same regular parasailing options, so I would choose snorkeling, sailing, scenic flights, or another water activity instead.