UFO Parasail

Experience Hawaii's Top-Rate Experience with UFO Parasailing
Written by: The HawaiianIslands.com Local Experts Team
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Imagine experiencing Hawaii from 1,200 feet in the air, over the ocean waves, and near the breathtaking beauty of the shore, all while safely secured in a parasail? It is truly a great experience, so it’s no wonder it's known as Hawaii’s top-rated activity. If this sounds like the type of adventure you want to try, then UFO Parasail is the ideal stop for you.

- The HawaiianIslands.com Local Expert Team

UFO Parasail began in 1985 in Maui as a way to bring exciting ocean experiences to the island’s many visitors. What began small has blossomed into one of Hawaii’s premier adventure companies as the brand, under the name of UFO Parasail or UFO Adventures now owns and operates six boats on Maui along with two boats on the Big Island. In addition to offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience of parasailing, UFO Parasail also manufactures and sells winch boats, which utilizes technology that the brand invented. These UFO Parasail winch boats have been distributed all over the world. They have sold and distributed more than 550 winch boats, which are currently in operation in 35 different countries of the world. 

UFO Parasail is owned and operated by Greg VanderLaan who is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He also holds a BS degree in National Engineering and is a US Coast Guard 3rd Mate Unlimited and has a 1600-ton Captain’s License. Greg has been honored with the annual Parasail Operators Symposium. All this experience and expert knowledge mean that visitors can count on a safe yet adventurous experience when they book with UFO Parasail. 

The options for adventures are many with UFO Parasail, and which one you should choose will largely be based on what you want to experience and where you are staying. There are three main options to choose from in Maui. This includes Maui Parasailing on Kaanapali Beach, which is available from May 16th to December 14th. Each parasailing activity lasts around one hour. 

Another Maui-based option is the Private Whale Watching Tour with a duration of 1.5 hours. Guests will depart from Kaanapali Beach or the Mala Boat Ramp, Lahaina. This private excursion is available seven days a week. All gear needed will be provided, with logo items being available for purchase onboard. Don’t worry about documenting the experience, instead just focus on living it and get your photos from the UFO Parasail’s Facebook page after the fact. 

The last option for Maui is the Inshore Fishing Charter. These excursions depart each day of the week. Departure locations are either the West Maui’s Mala Wharf boat ramp or Kaanapali Beach. Tour duration will range from four to five hours. There are varying options for fishing trips that you can choose from based on your experience and the type of trip you are aiming for, UFO Parasail offers options to cover anyone from the ultra inexperienced to the serious angler. 

UFO Parasail also has some options for adventures on the Big Island in the form of Parasailing. The departure location is the Kailua Pier. While parasailing, you will fly, safely harnessed, 1,200 feet in the air, giving you stunning, spectacular views of the Big Island. Each parasail experience also includes a UFO dip near the end! 

The final option for adventures on the Big Island is UFO Parasail’s Kona Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour. This tour, which lasts around 1.5 hours, will include all needed gear for activities. UFO Parasail recommends you bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, cover up, and any food and/or beverages you might enjoy during the charter. Presently, all charter excursions require guests to wear face coverings per current state and county mandates. 

Insider Tips:
-While you are allowed to bring a camera and document your experience, UFO Parasail will take photos and post them to their Facebook page. 
-Discounts are given to current Hawaii residents and those who have served in the military. 
-Minimum age to ride on the boat or participate in parasailing is 5 years of age. All minors under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian with them who can sign consent forms on their behalf. 
-To give you the best chance of getting your preferred reservation time, UFO Parasail recommends you book your experience at least a week in advance during peak times.