Hawaiian Activities — island tours, luaus, and adventures across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Parasailing is the easiest way to see Waikiki from the air: no experience, no fitness test, and you are back on the boat within the hour. The choices that matter are how much line you go up on, who you fly with, and which of the two Kewalo Harbor boats suits your group.
Quick Answer: Parasailing trips for Waikiki leave from Kewalo Harbor, 10 to 15 minutes from most hotels. Flights cost $80 to $115 per flyer depending on line length, the trip lasts about an hour, and flyers must be at least 5. Solo travellers should book the Kewalo Harbor trip; pairs and families can also consider the tandem flight at $89.
TL;DR
- Where: Kewalo Harbor, between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu
- Price: $80 (600 ft), $90 (800 ft), $115 (1,000 ft); tandem 700 ft $89
- Time: About 1 hour on the boat, roughly 6 to 10 minutes in the air
- Ages: Flyers 5+; observers from age 2, or any age on the tandem boat
How a Waikiki parasail trip works
Both operators run shared boats out of Kewalo Harbor, the small-boat harbor on Ala Moana Boulevard just west of Waikiki. You check in 30 minutes before departure, the boat runs a short way offshore, and flyers go up in turns, two or three at a time. From the air you look back at Diamond Head, the full length of the Waikiki shoreline and the Honolulu skyline.
No experience is needed. The crew handles the equipment, life vests are provided, and you wear whatever you are happy to get wet. Expect about an hour on the water in total, with the flight itself a part of that hour rather than all of it.
The two trips compared
The two listings look similar but suit different groups. The difference that decides it for most people is the solo rule.
| Kewalo Harbor trip | Tandem trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | Go Hawaii Watersports | Hawaii Water Sports Center |
| Line length | 600, 800 or 1,000 ft | 700 ft (bookable online) |
| Price per flyer | $80 / $90 / $115 | $89 |
| Observers | $45, age 2+ | $50, no age limit |
| Solo flights | Yes, up to 3 per flight | No, tandem or triple only |
| Minimum booking | 1 person | 2 people |
| Extra on the day | Fuel surcharge $7 to $9 per person | None listed |
Book the Kewalo Harbor trip if anyone is flying alone or you want the choice of a longer line. Book the tandem trip if you are two or three people who want to fly side by side and a single price with no surcharge.
Which line length to choose
Line length sets how high you fly. More line means a wider view and a longer ride out and back, and it costs more.
- 600 ft ($80): the gentlest flight and the right choice for children and anyone nervous about heights.
- 800 ft ($90): the operator’s Standard Ride, and where most first-timers land.
- 1,000 ft ($115): the Ultimate Ride. Worth the extra $25 on a clear day, when the view runs from Diamond Head to downtown.
Most people find parasailing calmer than they expect. Once you are up, the flight is slow and quiet; the operator describes it as a peaceful ride rather than a thrill.
Age, weight and health rules
- Flyers must be 5 or older on both trips.
- Go Hawaii Watersports also sets a minimum weight of 50 lb per flyer.
- Observers ride along without flying: from age 2 with Go Hawaii Watersports, and at any age with Hawaii Water Sports Center.
- Parasailing is not suitable during pregnancy on either boat.
- Tell the crew about any medical conditions before you board.
That makes parasailing one of the few Oahu activities where a five-year-old and a grandparent can share the same flight. For more ideas by age, see our guide to Oahu with kids.
Getting there and what to bring
Transport is not included. Kewalo Harbor is 10 to 15 minutes from most Waikiki hotels by car or rideshare. Go Hawaii Watersports’ slip has onsite parking at $2 an hour, paid through a parking app rather than by cash or card, and asks you to sign an online waiver before you arrive.
- Swimwear or clothes you do not mind getting wet
- A towel and a change of clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses on a strap
- Seasickness tablets if you are prone
Staying in Waikiki? Our guide to things to do in Waikiki covers what else is within walking distance, and Oahu boat tours compares the other trips that leave from the same harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parasailing in Waikiki cost?
$80 to $115 per flyer on the Kewalo Harbor trip, depending on line length, plus a fuel surcharge of $7 to $9 paid on arrival. The tandem trip is $89 per flyer with a two-person minimum. Observers pay $45 to $50.
How long are you in the air when parasailing?
Roughly 6 to 10 minutes per flight. The whole trip lasts about an hour on the boat, including the ride out and the other flights.
Can you parasail alone in Waikiki?
Yes, on the Kewalo Harbor trip with Go Hawaii Watersports, which flies up to three people at a time but also takes single flyers. The Hawaii Water Sports Center boat flies tandem or triple only.
What is the minimum age for parasailing on Oahu?
Five on both trips. Go Hawaii Watersports also asks for a minimum weight of 50 lb. Younger children can ride along as observers.
Where do Waikiki parasailing boats leave from?
Kewalo Harbor on Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu, 10 to 15 minutes from most Waikiki hotels. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
Prices checked against operator listings, September 2026. Availability and rates are set by the operator and can change.
Book a Waikiki parasail flight
Compare both trips with live availability.
Oahu parasailing · Kewalo Harbor trip · Tandem trip · (808) 207-9427
