UFO Parasail Kailua Kona Adventure Guide
- Kona Snorkel Trips
- Oct 27
- 11 min read
Picture this: you’re floating hundreds of feet above the Pacific's brilliant turquoise water, the entire Kona coastline unfolding below you like a living map. That’s the kind of unforgettable experience you get with UFO Parasail in Kailua Kona. It’s more than just a boat ride; it’s a core memory you’ll be talking about long after your Big Island vacation is over.
Your Ultimate Guide to Parasailing in Kailua Kona
This guide will take you through the whole adventure, from the heart-pumping thrill of takeoff to those quiet, peaceful moments soaring above paradise. We'll get into why UFO Parasail has built such a solid reputation for safety and fun, and how they help create those picture-perfect moments. By the time you're done reading, you'll practically feel the warm sun and gentle sea breeze on your face.
The Big Island is packed with incredible nature, history, and adventure, and Kailua-Kona is the perfect launchpad for it all. This relaxed seaside town has something for everyone, whether you want to explore vibrant underwater worlds or fly high over the Pacific.
Soar Above the Kona Coast
For an adventure that truly stands out, parasailing with UFO Parasail is the best way to see Hawaii’s stunning coastline. As you glide hundreds of feet above the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay, you get a perspective of the island that most people never see. The views are just spectacular, showing off everything that makes Kona so special.
Here are just a few of the sights you can expect from your bird's-eye view:
Historic Kailua-Kona Town: Look down on the charming shops, oceanfront restaurants, and historic spots like Hulihe‘e Palace.
Rugged Volcanic Shoreline: Witness the dramatic, jet-black lava rock formations that define the island's coast—a raw reminder of its fiery past.
The Endless Pacific Ocean: Get a real sense of the deep blue ocean's vastness as it stretches out to the horizon. It’s pure tranquility.
Abundant Marine Life: Keep your eyes peeled! It's not uncommon to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even manta rays swimming in the clear waters below.
While getting up in the air is a must-do, exploring beneath the waves is just as incredible. A lot of visitors find that pairing a parasailing trip with a snorkeling excursion makes for the perfect land-and-sea adventure. For an exceptional alternative, Kona Snorkel Trips offers some of the best Manta Ray night snorkel tours and Captain Cook snorkeling tours. Combining a parasail flight with one of their underwater adventures really gives you the full experience of what makes Kona’s ocean so magical.
What to Expect on Your Flight
The thought of floating hundreds of feet above the ocean probably brings up a ton of questions. What’s it really like up there? Let's walk through your whole UFO Parasail Kailua Kona journey, from the dock to the sky and back again, so you know exactly what’s in store. The entire experience is surprisingly peaceful and way smoother than most people imagine.
Your adventure kicks off with a quick and easy check-in right at the bustling Kailua Pier. Once you hop on board, the USCG-licensed crew gives a super clear, no-nonsense safety talk. They’ll get you fitted into your harness, making sure everything is snug and secure so you feel completely comfortable before you even think about flying.
Taking to the Skies
When your turn comes, you'll simply sit down on the boat's flight deck. One of the biggest myths about parasailing is that you get launched or jerked into the air. The reality couldn’t be more different.
The ascent isn't a jolt or a drop—it's this incredibly smooth, gradual lift. The winch system gently lets you out from the back of the boat, and you just float up as the parachute catches the wind. It’s that simple.
In just a few seconds, you're airborne. The boat gets smaller, the sounds from below fade away, and a feeling of total peace just takes over. All you hear is the quiet hum of the wind as you soak in the incredible 360-degree views.
From up there, you get a perspective of the Kona coast that’s impossible to see any other way. You’ll spot the historic town, the dramatic volcanic shoreline, and that deep blue Pacific stretching out forever. If you look straight down into the super clear water, you might even see pods of dolphins or sea turtles cruising below—it’s a total bonus that makes the whole thing unforgettable. If you love seeing marine life, you should definitely check out our guide to explore stunning marine life on a Captain Cook snorkel tour.
To help you picture the whole thing, here's a quick rundown of how your parasailing adventure will unfold.
Your UFO Parasail Kailua Kona Journey at a Glance
This table breaks down the key stages of your parasailing adventure, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
As you can see, the whole process is designed to be seamless and fun, with your time in the air as the serene highlight of the trip.
A Gentle Landing and a Lasting Memory
The name UFO Parasail might get you thinking about other strange things in the sky. It's funny, but Hawaii's clear skies have actually made it a well-known place for spotting unexplained aerial stuff. While your parasail is definitely not one of them, it's interesting to note that a 2021 Gallup poll showed 41% of Americans think some UFOs could be alien-related. If you're curious, you can read more about why some consider Hawaii's reputation as a UFO hotspot.
After your peaceful flight, the landing is just as smooth as the takeoff. The crew are pros, and they expertly winch you right back to the boat for a soft landing on the flight deck. You don't even have to touch the water—unless, of course, you ask for a fun little dip at the end! The whole experience is built for pure enjoyment, leaving you with amazing views and even better memories.
How UFO Parasail Prioritizes Your Safety
When you’re about to soar hundreds of feet above the Pacific, you want complete confidence in every rope, winch, and crew member. At UFO Parasail Kailua Kona, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s woven into the very fabric of the operation. Think of their approach as a finely woven safety net, giving you the freedom to soak in those panoramic ocean views.
Every glide into the sky is guided by a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain backed by a seasoned crew. These professionals don’t just steer the boat—they read wind shifts like a weather map and sense sea conditions as intuitively as a sailor spots a distant squall. From your first step on deck to your final touchdown, they’re there to ensure you feel secure.
State Of The Art Equipment And Procedures
In practice, safety shows up in the gear. UFO Parasail’s equipment—winch boat, harnesses, parachutes—undergoes daily inspections and scheduled professional tune-ups. No detail is too small when lives are at stake.
Key safety features include:
Controlled Takeoffs: You’re lifted from the boat’s flight deck, never dropped into the water, for a smooth, gradual ascent.
Dry Landings: At flight’s end, you’re winched gently back onto the deck—no splashdowns, no surprises.
Industry Standard: This “dry” method is recognized as the safest in parasailing, sidestepping the pitfalls of water takeoffs or landings.
These procedures work together like a well-rehearsed dance, where technology and experience move in perfect sync to keep every flight both thrilling and secure.
A Focus On Clear Skies And Safe Conditions
The only UFO you’ll spot is your vibrant parachute against a clear Hawaiian sky. In fact, Hawaii’s pristine heavens have inspired over 7,000 reports to the National UFO Reporting Center in 2020 alone, simply because more people are looking up. For a deep dive into the islands’ curious connection to aerial mysteries, check out this article on Hawaii's history with UFO research.
On any given day, the crew studies local weather patterns like meteorologists, flying only when conditions are just right. All safety steps are clearly outlined and rigorously followed—you can even review them in their terms and conditions for their tours. With expert personnel, top-tier equipment, and proven protocols, UFO Parasail makes your Kailua Kona adventure as safe as it is unforgettable.
Planning Your Perfect Parasailing Adventure
Getting the little details right is what turns a fun activity into a core memory. When you're planning your UFO Parasail Kailua Kona flight, a little prep work goes a long way. It ensures everything goes off without a hitch, so you can just focus on the insane views and the feeling of floating over the Pacific.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from the best time of day to fly to picking your altitude.
The first thing to decide is when to go. Early morning flights, usually between 8 AM and 11 AM, almost always have the calmest winds and glassy water. The light is also gorgeous and clear for photos, without that harsh midday glare. On the flip side, a late afternoon flight gives you that soft, golden-hour glow that makes the entire Kona coast light up—a photographer's dream.
What to Wear and Bring
Simplicity is key here. You want to be comfortable and ready for a bit of sun and sea spray, even if you’re planning on staying totally dry on the boat.
Clothing: A comfy swimsuit or some light, quick-drying athletic gear is perfect. Basically, whatever you’d wear for a day at the beach.
Sun Protection: The Hawaiian sun is no joke, especially when it’s bouncing off the water. Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap!), and a hat that fits snug are non-negotiable.
Camera: To capture those stunning aerial shots, bring a waterproof camera or your phone tucked into a waterproof case. A wrist strap is a really, really good idea to avoid watching your device take a dive.
Bottom line: pack light. You really only need the essentials for your time on the boat. Everything else can be left securely on shore.
Choosing Your Flight Experience
UFO Parasail has a few options to dial in your flight, making it just right whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group.
You can fly by yourself, or you can share the incredible view by flying tandem (two people) or even triple (three people). Going up with friends or family is a fantastic way to share the pure excitement of it all. Just keep in mind there’s a combined weight limit, so double-check the specifics when you book.
Next up, you’ll choose your line length, which is what determines just how high you'll soar.
The standard flight uses an 800-foot line, giving you spectacular views and a great experience, especially for first-timers. For those who want that ultimate bird's-eye perspective, the 1200-foot line takes you to the maximum height for a truly breathtaking flight.
Booking your flight online and well in advance is a smart move, especially during the busy seasons like summer and winter holidays. The spots fill up fast, and locking in your reservation guarantees your place in the sky.
And while you're putting together your Big Island itinerary, why not pair your high-flying day with some underwater exploration? You can find a great selection of Kona snorkeling tours that are the perfect complement. Planning ahead lets you build the ultimate Kona adventure, blending thrills above the water with the wonders below.
Discover More Kona Ocean Adventures
Soaring high above the Pacific with UFO Parasail gives you an unforgettable bird's-eye view, but the world just beneath Kona’s shimmering surface is every bit as magical. Once your feet are back on solid ground, why not dive into the island’s underwater scene? It’s the perfect way to round out your trip, giving you the full sky-and-sea experience of Kona's incredible marine environment.
For anyone eager to explore below the waves, the options are as vast as the ocean itself. You can trade your parasail harness for a snorkel mask and discover a completely different kind of wonder, from vibrant coral gardens to unforgettable encounters with majestic sea creatures. Kona truly has some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world.
Unforgettable Underwater Experiences
If you're looking for an exceptional tour to get you out on the water, you can't go wrong with Kona Snorkel Trips. They run guided trips to some of the Big Island's most iconic spots, and their expert guides make sure you have a safe, memorable, and just plain awesome time, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time with a snorkel.
They offer two of the most sought-after adventures on the entire island:
The Manta Ray Night Snorkel: Watching giant manta rays glide and feed right in front of you at night is surreal. It’s a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime experience that people come from all over the world to see. Check out this amazing Manta Ray night snorkel tour.
The Captain Cook Snorkeling Tour: This trip takes you to the protected, history-rich waters of Kealakekua Bay. The reef here is stunningly vibrant, and you get to snorkel right by the famous Captain Cook Monument. Here is a fantastic Captain Cook snorkel tour option.
These adventures are the perfect follow-up to your UFO Parasail Kailua Kona flight. You can check out all the details on their incredible manta ray and Captain Cook snorkeling tours right on their site.
On a side note, Hawaii's clear skies aren't just great for parasailing—they also make it a top state for spotting strange things in the air. Believe it or not, Hawaii is a statistical hotspot for UFO sightings, with plenty of reports documented across the islands. Don't worry, though; there are zero recorded incidents connecting these sightings to parasailing in Kona. The closest thing was a big blue UFO seen over Oahu a few years back that was never explained. You can actually find more about UFO sightings throughout Hawaii if you're curious.
Common Questions About Parasailing in Kona
Even after getting pumped up about the idea of flying, it’s totally normal to have a few questions before you commit. Getting the facts straight helps swap any last-minute jitters for pure, unadulterated excitement.
Let’s run through some of the most common questions we hear about a UFO Parasail Kailua Kona trip. My goal is to clear everything up so you feel 100% ready for the incredible ride ahead.
Is Parasailing Scary?
This is the big one, right? The number one question on almost everyone’s mind. But you might be surprised to hear that the experience is way more peaceful than it is frightening.
So many first-timers picture a stomach-in-your-throat, roller-coaster kind of feeling, but it’s actually the complete opposite.
The ascent is incredibly gentle and smooth. There’s no sudden jerk or being flung into the air; you simply float up off the back of the boat as the parachute fills with wind. Once you’re up there, this amazing sense of calm just washes over you. It's a quiet, serene feeling of floating—not falling—with just the soft whisper of the wind.
Do I Need Any Experience?
Not a bit. One of the best parts about parasailing is that it requires absolutely zero experience or special skills. The expert crew at UFO Parasail handles every single detail, from strapping you securely into the harness to managing the lift-off and landing.
In short, if you can sit down, you can fly. It’s hands-down one of the most accessible and easy-going aerial adventures in Kona, perfect for families, couples, and solo flyers.
The crew takes care of all the technical stuff. Your only job is to lean back, relax, and soak in the jaw-dropping views of the Kona coastline. It’s an effortless and seriously enjoyable ride.
Can Friends and Family Watch From the Boat?
Yes, they sure can! We get this question a lot, and UFO Parasail is great about accommodating non-flying guests as observers. This is a fantastic way for family members who’d rather stay on the boat to still be part of the fun. They get a great boat ride and the best seat in the house to snap photos of you soaring through the sky.
Observer spots are usually available for a small fee and depend on how much space is on the boat. It’s a good idea to book these spots when you make your reservation, especially during the busy season, because they’re limited and fill up fast. If you have more questions about booking policies, this frequently asked questions guide about Kona tours is also a great resource.
Will I Get Wet?
Another classic question! The short answer is: only if you want to. The whole flight is designed to be a completely dry experience. You take off from a seated position right on the boat’s flight deck and get gently winched right back onto it when you’re done. Your feet never even have to touch the water.
But, if you’re up for a little extra splash of fun, you can ask for a "dip." Toward the end of the flight, the captain can skillfully lower you down just enough to dip your toes into the warm Pacific before lifting you back up for a smooth landing. It's a fun, refreshing way to wrap things up, but it's totally optional.