We have been asked many questions about parasailing in Hawaii
over the past 20 years we have been in business.
Here are some of the most frequently asked.
1. If the line breaks, do we fly into outer space?
No. The line is designed to withstand 10,000 pounds of pressure. The average pull is only 800 pounds.
2. How do we get into and out of the air?
With the PREMIUM PARASAIL BOAT SYSTEM, the participants are winched on and off the boat hydraulically for safe, dry takeoffs and landings. In the unlikely event of boat malfunction, the parasailors slowly drift down to the water wearing a lifejacket.
3. Is there a price difference if two people fly together?
Tandem flights up to 350 pounds of combined weight are available. Prices are per person whether flying alone or in tandem.
4. Can people go on the boat and watch?
Yes. The cost for non-flying observers is $30. There is a maximum of 6 passengers per boat including flyers and non-flyers. We usually allow only as many observers as flyers. Upgrades are available with payment on board should an observer change his/her mind and decide to parasail!
5. Do we have to be able to swim?
No. All takeoffs and landings are done from the back of the boat. In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction all participants are required to wear lifejackets while parasailing. Anyone can fly—including the young, old, and physically challenged.
6. Is there an age requirement?
UFO Parasail continues to make catering to families a priority. Effective May 16, 2008, we welcome children 3 years and older to fly, at the current parasailing rates, or to participate as observers for the current observer price. This policy is not based on any equipment changes or insurance guidelines, but instead on the maturity and physiology of children under the age of 3, and their inability to comprehend the activity and any instructions given by the captain or crew.
This means that children under the age of 3 will have to remain on land, along with pregnant women, individuals with chronic back or neck problems, or individuals who have had previous back or neck surgery.
Children between the ages of 3 (three) and 5 (five), who have reserved a seat for parasailing and have a change of heart before they fly, will be given the opportunity to change their mind about participating in the activity. Consequently, they can then be refunded the difference between the flyer price and the observer price.
All minors under the age of 18 years, must have a parent or legal guardian sign consent forms at check-in for this activity.
7. Are there any weight restrictions:
Minium weight to fly alone is 130 lbs; Not exceeding approximately 350 lbs in tandem. (The captain may change these safety restrictions due to weather conditions).
8. Do we run on the beach like in Mexico?
No. Here in Hawaii, all parasail takeoffs and landings are hydraulically controlled from the back of the boat.
9. Where do we buy logowear?
We sell logowear out on the boats or online. We offer long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, baseball caps and visors, women’s tops and sunglasses holders. Prices are available on board.
10. Do you take pictures of our experience?
Yes. We offer a photo service from the boat utilizing 35mm cameras with 300mm zoom lenses. The cost is $20 for an undeveloped roll of 12 photos. Packages can be split among several participants.
11. Where do we buy the equipment to run our Hawaii parasail business?
From PREMIUM BOAT COMPANY, INC.
12. What do you do if you see a whale?
As part of our effort to minimize our operations impact on the seasonal whale migration (Jan- March) we actively avoid whale encounters. In the event of a whale initiated close encounter we will follow all protocols provided in the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
13. What happens if the boat stops suddenly?
In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction the participants are gently lowered into the water (lifejackets are mandatory) and retrieved by another vessel in our fleet.
14. Do I ever touch the water?
No all rides are waterproof. The deluxe ride does include a freefall where the boat speed is decreased so the participants experience a parachute descent similar to jumping from a plane but stops short of contact with the water.
15. Is it very windy when I am flying?
Certain characteristics of the Hawaiian Island topography provide for alternative locations to parasail if the winds are too gusty at the Kaanapali location. Our ?go or no go? decision to operate is based solely on safety.
16. Do you parasail all year-round?
We operate seasonally on Maui and are open from May 16th through December 14th.
We operate all year-round in Kona on the Big Island.