Parasailing is the easiest way to see Waikiki from above. A boat leaves the shoreline, you are strapped into a harness and a parachute lifts you gently into the air, where you float high above the water with the entire coastline spread out beneath you. Flights are gentle, quiet and surprisingly relaxing, and no experience is needed. Operators have run parasail trips off Waikiki for decades, and the views of Diamond Head and the city are spectacular. It is a short, fun add-on to a beach day.
The rhythm of a parasail trip is simple. You board a boat near Waikiki, receive a safety briefing and are harnessed in. A winch or the boat's motion lifts you into the air, and you float on a parachute attached by a long line. Flights usually last several minutes in the air, with the whole trip taking around an hour. From above, you can see Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, the Ala Wai Canal and the green Koolau mountains.
Many operators allow tandem or group flights so friends and families can go up together.\n\nIt is a good option for people who want an adrenaline experience without strenuous effort. You do not need to swim, and in many cases you can take off and land from the boat without getting wet.
Weight limits and age minimums apply, and wind or weather can cancel flights. Wear a swimsuit and sunscreen, and leave valuables behind. If you have a camera, a waterproof pouch or a wrist strap helps. Prices vary by flight height and the number of riders, so compare options and confirm what is included.\n\nTo get the most from the experience, go in the morning when winds are usually lighter and the light clear.
Watch for whales in winter, which sometimes show up on the horizon. If you are nervous about heights, ask the crew about lower altitude options. Pair parasailing with a swim at Waikiki Beach, a surf lesson or lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Because the boats leave from the Waikiki waterfront, it is one of the most convenient activities on the island and rarely requires a car.
What to expect
The experience
Boat-based parasail flight off Waikiki, with a safety briefing and harness, and several minutes in the air.
Best time
Morning, when winds are lighter and visibility is clear.
How long
About an hour including boarding and the flight.
Tips
Wear a swimsuit, use sunscreen, secure loose items and check weight and age limits.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers and anyone who wants a quick Waikiki thrill.
- Families
- Many operators allow children with an adult; check age rules.
- Couples
- Tandem flights make for a fun, memorable shared moment.
- Pair with
- Waikiki Beach, a surf lesson or lunch on the waterfront.
- Time needed
- An hour or so.
Good questions
Do I need experience?+
No. Parasailing requires no skills, and the crew handles everything.
Will I get wet?+
Often not, since many flights take off and land from the boat.
Is there a weight limit?+
Yes, usually minimum and maximum limits per flight.
What if it is windy?+
Flights may be canceled or rescheduled in poor weather.
Can I fly with a friend?+
Tandem and group flights are common.
