Questions
Everything we get asked on the boat
23 questions, answered by the crew who fly this coast every day. If yours isn't here, call the beach line and select Option 1 — someone who has been on the water this morning will pick up.
(808) 707-7258Safety
The questions people ask before they decide, not after.
5 questions
Is parasailing safe?
Safety is the priority. Our USCG-certified captains and experienced crew follow strict safety protocols, and all equipment is regularly inspected and maintained. We're active members of the Water Sports Industry Association and adhere to the ASTM standards for parasailing. We've safely flown thousands of guests.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Takeoff and landing are both on the boat deck and everyone wears a life jacket.
What if my child panics in the air?
It's rare, and the crew can bring the parasail all the way back down to the boat within a minute or two. There's nothing your child has to do to make that happen except signal.
Can I fly if I'm pregnant?
No. We can't take anyone who is pregnant on the boat at all — not flying, and not riding along as a passenger.
What about back or neck problems?
The harness takes your weight at the hips and the landing is soft, but check with your doctor first if you have back, neck or heart conditions, or recent surgery.
The flight
What actually happens between leaving the beach and coming back to it.
6 questions
How high do you fly?
Up to 1,200 feet of flight line, which is the longest line flown on this stretch of coast. Air time runs 8 to 14 minutes depending on the weather; the whole boat trip is about an hour depending on how many flyers are aboard.
Do I need experience?
None. There's nothing to steer and nothing to learn. The crew fits your harness on the deck, the winch lets you out, and the winch brings you back in.
Will I get wet?
Only if you ask. Takeoff and landing both happen on the boat deck, so you stay dry unless you tell the crew you want a dip at the end.
How many people are on the boat?
Our two newest boats carry up to 12 passengers. Flights are shared, so you'll be on board with other guests unless you book a private tour.
Can I bring my phone up?
Yes, at your own risk — plenty of people do. A wrist strap or a floating case is a good idea, because anything you drop from 1,200 feet is gone. The crew also shoots photos from the boat.
Will I feel seasick?
The water off Kāʻanapali is usually calm, and the trip is short. If you're sensitive, take something an hour before and book a morning departure when the water is flattest.
Who can fly
Ages, weights and pairings — and who rides along without flying.
6 questions
Can we fly together?
Yes. We offer tandem (2 people) and triple (3 people) flights, so you can share the ride with a partner, friend or family member.
What are the weight limits?
Solo flyers need to be at least 130 lb. Tandem flights run 125–560 lb combined. The crew pairs people up on the boat to make the numbers work. Weather and sea conditions can change what works on the day, and the final call is always the captain's.
Can kids fly?
Yes, from age five. Most children fly tandem with a parent since solo flights have a 130 lb minimum.
What is the youngest age you'll fly?
Five. Below that the harness doesn't fit properly, which is the limiting factor rather than nerves.
Can my child fly with me?
Yes — tandem is two flyers side by side, triple is three. Combined weight for tandem runs 125–560 lb, and the crew sorts out pairings on the boat. Weather and sea conditions can change what works on the day, and the final call is always the captain's.
Can grandparents come along and watch?
Yes. Non-flying passengers ride the boat, and it's often the best seat for photos.
Season and booking
When we fly, when we do not, and how far ahead to reserve.
6 questions
When exactly does the season start and end?
Our season runs May 16 to December 14, every departure from Kāʻanapali Beach.
Can I parasail on Maui in January?
No. Our season runs May 16 to December 14, and no operator flies through the winter while the humpbacks are in the channel.
What time of day is best?
Morning. The water off Kāʻanapali is calmest early, and visibility across to Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi is usually at its clearest before the trade winds build.
How far in advance should I book?
Guests book about two months ahead on average. Reserve before you travel for summer and holiday weeks; a few days out is usually enough in May, October and December.
What if the weather turns?
We don't fly marginal conditions. If the wind or sea state isn't right, you're rescheduled at no charge or refunded in full.
Will I see whales from the parasail?
Sometimes, yes. The seasons overlap at the edges — we see whales off Kāʻanapali in November and occasionally into May, so a flyer now and then gets a humpback below them. It's luck, not a schedule. For a reliable sighting, book Maui Whale Adventures between December 1 and April 1.
