There’s no better way to get a bird’s eye view of Oahu and the beautiful blue Hawaiian waters other than being hoisted up by a parasail! You’ll be able to see the coastline, as well as the sparkling blue colors of the deep sea.
However, with all parasailing tours, you must be mindful of who you choose to give your money. Safety should be the top priority of any certified business offering parasailing tours. Below are my personal picks of the best tours Oahu has to offer!
1. Half-day Tour in Diamond Head (Sunrise & Parasail)
Location: Multiple pickup points—check with company
Age Restrictions:
Duration: 5 hours 45 minutes
Company: BlueWaveTour, Inc
What’s better than joining a half day excursion to enjoy everything that Hawaii has to offer from the coastlines, mountains, and even the local cuisine? You guessed it, this multi-activity tour! This particular one includes a parasailing trip. You can’t pass up the deal, which is why I’ve included it.
To start off the tour you will first hike 30 minutes up Diamond Head in the morning. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to see some of the most spectacular views of Waikiki.
After, you’ll hike back down to the water to enjoy a fantastic parasailing adventure, which offers three different heights from which you can choose. Here are your choices:
- Standard: 7 minutes at 700 feet
- Deluxe: 8 minutes at 850 feet
- Long: 11 minutes at 1,000 feet
This tour only runs in the morning, so make sure you book some activities to enjoy throughout the afternoon!
Here is the schedule for this tour:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 – 5:30 | Pick up at a hotel designated in the Waikiki area |
| 5:30 – 6:00 | Heading to Diamond Head |
| 6:00 – 7:30 | Arrival at Diamond Head / Hiking |
| 7:30 – 8:15 | Diamond Head departure |
| 8:15 – 8:45 | Arrive at Kewalo Basin / Depart from parasailing boat |
| 8:45 – 9:45 | Parasailing |
| 9:45 – 10:00 | Parasailing boat return / Kewalo Basin departure |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Heading back to Waikiki |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Waikiki District Designated Hotel Send |
Additional Tour Information
- Accessible path for strollers.
- This tour will have up to 100 people max.
- Diamond Head admission fee and certificate are included.
- Included roundtrip transportation.
2. Waikiki Parasailing Tour Adventure by X-TREME WATERSPORTS
Location: 1085 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813
Age Restrictions: 7+
Weight Limit:210 lbs. maximum for solo flights
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Company: X-TREME Watersports/Parasail
It’s no secret that the best view of Hawaii will be from up high! But, while doing this, you definitely want to focus on safety, and ensure that you’re able to enjoy the ride with little to no worries. This tour is perfect for that!
This company really pays attention to the safety of every individual and does not rush through the process of checking harnesses, equipment, and their setup. They’ve been in the business for over three decades, so rest assured, they know what they’re doing!
Sit back and enjoy yourself as you lift from the boat above the water. You’ll be able to experience a nice rush of adrenaline, and a calming, relaxing adventure all in one.
This tour you simply book your start time, show up 30 minutes before, then enjoy your 1 hour session of parasailing, it’s that easy!
Additional Tour Information
- Anyone who is pregnant should not book this tour.
- There are no spectator seats available on this adventure.
- There is no guarantee you will be able to ride with who you book your tour with.
- There is a weight limit of 210 on solo flights.
- How high you fly will depend on the weather conditions.
3. Maunalua Bay Higher Flyer Parasailing Adventure
Location: 377 Keahole St, Honolulu, HI 96825 (meeting spot)
Age Restrictions: None; must meet weight limit.
Weight Limit: 50 lbs. to 450 lbs. maximum.
Duration: 1 hour
Company: H20 Sports Hawaii
For those who are short on time, you can take a one hour tour and enjoy the unobstructed views of Maunalua Bay!
What’s more, this tour does include boat to boat transportation! You’ll need to meet at the pickup spot set by the company. Then, you’ll attend a brief safety class before being hoisted up above the water.
Also, you’ll be able to choose between a 600 foot and high flyer 800 feet of line, from which you will have the option to be dipped down into the water before coming back onto the boat. You’ll just have to let the captain know beforehand.
This company also offers photos and GoPro digital movies for purchase after your ride! All you have to do is let them know in the office when you return, and you can get them then!
Simply show up for you reservation time, this is your check in time. You will sign in and be put into your group. You will be transferred boat to boat for the parasailing, as well as transferred back!
Additional Tour Information
- Pregnant women cannot participate in this tour.
- It is recommended you wear a swimsuit.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Near public transport.
- There will be a maximum of six people on this tour.
4. Guided Hawaiian Parasailing Tour in Waikiki
Location: 1651 Ala Moana Blvd #600b, Honolulu, HI 96815 (meeting spot)
Age Restrictions: 5+
Weight Limit: Maximum combined weight of 450 lbs
Duration: 1 hour
Company: Hawaiian Parasail Inc.
While you’re in Hawaii, be sure to book a 1-hour boat excursion that includes some parasailing! For an 8 or 10-minute parasailing session, you can choose to fly at 800 or 1,000 feet. This trip Includes round-trip hotel transportation and a thorough safety briefing.
The tour will have around 12 people on it maximum, so it’s a little bit bigger of a group, however, the trip will take around an hour total as not every person is there to fly since they offer spectator seats! Your flight will last around 10 minutes.
You’ll also have a blast watching the other flyers take their turn. In addition, you can look around the water to see if you can spot the colorful fish, or maybe even a dolphin!
Additional Tour Information
- This tour is not recommended for people who have back or heart problems.
- Not recommended for pregnant individuals.
- Please do not join if you have had any recent surgeries.
- Do not join with any mobility problems, high blood pressure, epilepsy, hip, or knee problems.
- It is recommended to wear swimsuits and sunscreen.
- Not fit for handicapped people.
- No transportation available due to covid restrictions and issues.
- There is a maximum capacity of 11 people.
5. Parasailing on Maunalua Bay- Oahu’s off Waikiki Playground
Location: 377 Keahole St, Honolulu, HI 96825 (meeting spot)
Age Restrictions:none; must meet weight limits.
Weight Limit: 50 lbs. to 450 lbs. maximum
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Company: H20 Sports Hawaii
Here is another trip with H20 Sports Hawaii! This tour includes a boat cruise on the bay’s water as well.
Enjoy the magnificent views of the Kai shoreline, as well as the Ko’olau Mountain Range! This is a great option for those looking to have a more intimate parasailing experience as there are only six people per tour.
But on this excursion, you can still request the captain to dip your legs in the water before you’re back on the boat! It’s a fantastic way to cool down before enjoying the rest of the boat ride.
Additional Tour Information
- Do not book if you have back or neck problems.
- Not ideal for expecting mothers.
- Best to wear a swimsuit for the tour.
- This tour will have a maximum of six people.
- Please do not join if you have heart issues, or any other significant heath problems.
6. 750ft Parasailing with Paradise Water Sports
Location: PIER E, 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
Age Restrictions: 6+
Weight Limit: 125 lbs. to 425 lbs. maximum.
Duration: 1 hour
Company: Paradise Water Sports
Opt to parasail off of Waikiki Beach with Paradise Water Sports. There’s no better view you can enjoy than the Waikiki skyline! Let your worries float away, as you climb to altitude with the beautiful, blue waters below you.
Of course, you will first need to attend a safety training. From there, as soon as you climb onto the boat then your parasailing excursion will officially begin! You’ll have the choice to fly solo or with another person. However, keep in mind that the arrangement is up to the captain and depends on water and weather conditions.
Additional Tour Information
- Near public transport.
- Don’t book if you have back or heart problems.
- Not ideal for pregnant women.
- This tour has a maximum of 15 people.
Read our related post “2 Thrilling Parasailing Tours in Maui (You Must Try!)” here.
What Is The Weight Limit For Parasailing in Oahu?
The maximum weight for tandem parasail flights in almost all weather situations will be around 450 pounds. However, you will have to talk to the company or tour you choose, as each one has a different weight limit.
Some will allow an individual to go if they fly solo and weigh under 500 pounds. Some will need a heads up so they can bring along any harnesses that are designed to fit around larger individuals.
What are the Best Places To Stay in Oahu?
Oahu is a relatively small island as it is 44 miles long and 30 miles wide, so it doesn’t really matter where you stay. However, I still have some suggestions for you below, regardless of if you’re on a budget or not.
Paradise Bay Resort
This resort sits right on the beach and offers one some of the most beautiful views that Oahu has to offer. It’s also laidback, and a wonderful place to get away from the crowds.
The suites are comfortable and complete with a full kitchen or kitchenette depending on the room you book. Furthermore, you can enjoy a massage from their spa.
Manoa Valley Inn
Check out one of Oahu’s historical sites by staying at Manoa Valley Inn. It’s even filled with modern amenities, so that you can enjoy your stay without sacrificing a thing!
This location is close to public transport, as well as some of the area’s best eateries. So, you can fill your belly with some deliciousness after your parasailing tour.
Kaimana Beach Resort
This is a beautiful place to kick back after a long day out and about! They have their own restaurant so you can enjoy high-end cuisine on the beach side. The suites include full kitchenettes for those who prefer to save money on dining out, and separate living areas for the ultimate relaxing experience.
Turtle Bay Resort
Turtle Bay Resort sits about an hour away from Honolulu Airport, but it’s near some of the most world-famous surfing sites. Here, you’ll have access to the golf courses, world-class spa, and amazing onsite food.
The Modern Honolulu
If you want to be in the middle of Waikiki beach, stay at Modern Honolulu! Whether you want to stay close to other activities, or stay somewhere that has plenty to do, this place has you covered. The suites are stylish, and designed for your comfort, so rest assured, you’ll get some great rest on your trip.
How To Get Around Oahu
One thing that many people worry about when they visit Hawaii is how to get around. Since there’s no real way to drive to Hawaii, planning your transportation to get to and from your parasailing journey as well as other activities is vital.
Airport Shuttle
Honolulu’s airport is pretty far away from any of the resort communities most tourists prefer to stay in. Therefore, the airport has a shuttle you can use to get to the place you’re staying. The shuttle typically services Kahala, Ko’Olina and Waikiki resort areas.
Rental Car
The easiest way to get around Oahu of course is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to drive wherever you want when you want. You can even drive around the island, which will take about 2 hours, and see the entire coastline of the island.
Bus
Of all the Hawaiian islands, Oahu offers the best and most affordable public transportation system. Nevertheless, it’s also the least time efficient. So, make sure you plan the travel time into your itinerary if you choose this transportation option. Also, take note of any schedules you need to know and when the bus stops running.
Rideshares or Taxi
The fastest and most effective way to get from point A to point B without a rental car, is to take a cab or arrange a ride through a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. I suggest downloading both apps as this will allow you to compare prices throughout certain times of the day.
Final Thoughts
Honolulu is home to the best parasailing companies that Oahu has to offer. However, you need to be careful about who you book with. After all, some tours hoist you up to 1,000 feet in the air, which is a blast when it’s safely done.
Be sure you thoroughly research the company offering the tour you want to go on. That way, you can ease your mind and fully immerse yourself in this fantastic activity!
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.