Big Island of Hawaii - Kailua-Kona

Big Island of Hawaii

Adventures in the Air - Parasailing

UFO Parasail 325-5836, toll free 888-359-4836,
www.ufoparasailing.com). Gazing out at the water in Kailua-Kona, you’ll often see a boat towing a person flying though the air while harnessed to a rainbow (or smiley-face) parachute. This is parasailing. Its detractors will tell you that parasailing is very expensive (it’s best not to calculate the cost per minute of the 7- to 10-minute ride). Still, it’s really fun. UFO Parasail flights launch from a boat, and one or two people can go up at a time (tandem is romantic).

This has the added value of a harbor cruise while other group members
(up to six on a boat) are having their turn in the air. But the ride is obviously the best part. You get strapped into the parachute’s harness and up you go to 400 feet (seven minutes, $60), or 10 minutes for higher flights to 800 ($70) or 1,200 feet ($80). These include a freefall (we were sure our feet would hit the water but we flew back in the air at the last minute – a great effect). The time you are suspended in air is as close as you’ll come to flying – it’s noiseless, the water glitters in the sunlight, the waves and lava formations far below instill a sense of peace. It’s a big deep breath. Call ahead for reservations (7:30 am-3 pm) and to find out when to meet the boat at the Kailua Pier. There’s an 8 am “early bird” flight that saves you $5.

ADDITIONAL HAWAII RESOURCES

Big Island Vacation Planner Map

Book your Hawaiian Vacation Package Today!
Call us Toll Free: 1-888-83 HAWAII (42924)

Stories of Hawaii provided courtesy of the Hawaiian Tourism Authority.