Parasailing on Maui

Parasailing involves flying above the ocean surface, being held in a harness, dangling from a large sail, while being pulled by a boat.  Parasailing is only available in Maui from about May 16 to about December 15.  It is not allowed in the winter because it disturbs the whales.

Children must be at least 6 years old to parasail.  Those under 12 must go with a parent.

As with all ocean activities, especially when coupled with boats and gear and flying, there are significant risks to parasailing.  Two of my own children (then ages 13 and 20) were dragged underwater while I watched from the boat in horror, when their parasail harness failed to release from the boat on launching, and they had to be rescued.

See below for a discussion of some of the companies offering parasailing from boats from Maui.

West Maui Parasail    808-661-4060
Boats depart from Lahaina and from Kaanapali Beach.  Single or double (tandem) seating.  Flights are 8 to 10 minutes long.  Line pulling you from the boat is 400 to 800 feet long.  One observer is allowed on the boat at extra cost.
West Maui Parasail website

UFO Parasailing    800-359-4836
Boats depart from Lahaina.  Single or double or triple seating.  Flights are 7 to 10 minutes long.  Line is 400 to 800 feet long.  Up to three observers are allowed on the boat at extra cost.
UFO Parasailing website

As far as I have been able to determine, there are no parasail companies whose boats depart from South Maui or Maalaea.  This activity is only available from West Maui (Lahaina and Kaanapali).