Parasailing in Maui

Parasailing is an easy, exhilarating way to earn your wings: just strap on a harness attached to a parachute, and a powerboat pulls you up and over the ocean from a launching dock or a boat's platform. Parasailing is limited to West Maui, and "thrill craft"—including parasails—are prohibited in Maui waters during humpback whale-calving season, December 15 to May 15.

Lessons and Tours

UFO Parasail. UFO offers the standard 7-minute ride at 400 feet ($65), or 10-minute ride at 800 feet ($70). Observers are welcome aboard. Be prepared for lots of jokes about alien abduction. 808/661-7836. www.ufoparasail.net.

West Maui Parasail. Launch 400 feet above the ocean for a bird's-eye view of Lahaina, or be daring at 800 feet for smoother rides and better views. The captain will be glad to let you experience a "toe dip" or "freefall" if you request it. For safety reasons, passengers weighing less than 100 pounds must be strapped together in tandem. Hour-long trips departing from Lahaina Harbor, Slip 15, and Kaanapali Beach include 8- to 10-minute flights and run from $65 for the 400-foot ride to $75 for the 800-foot ride. Observers must pay $30 each. 808/661-4060. www.westmauiparasail.com.