The parachute was modeled after the dandelion seed, allowing humans to drift through the air and populate distant lands. Flourish above the ocean with today's Groupon: for $50, you get a 600-foot-line tandem parasail ride from Hawaiian Parasail (a $100 value).

Hawaiian Parasail has more than three decades of experience hoisting Honolulans and visitors to the heavens from a boat-drawn parachute. Flight-fanciers ages 5 and older can savor views of Diamond Head and Waikiki that are normally reserved for migratory birds and the liberated ghosts of cane toads. Once passengers step from the boarding dock onto the parasail boat, the staff will prep them for their 8–10 minutes of air time by elucidating proper floatation-jacket and harness attire, by briefing them on sailing safety, and by demonstrating hand signals that can be used for communication with the boat team or for making shadow puppets on the bellies of shore-bound sunbathers. When the boat has passed through the harbor channel into the open ocean, the parachute will be unfurled and passengers will be securely clipped into their air carriage.

Side by side, you and your sweetie or quilting coach will be towed from 600 feet of line to assert your joint dominion over sand and sea. For non-native aviators or those lacking transportation to the harbor, Hawaiian Parasail's van service shuttles vacationers to and from Waikiki hotels. Call ahead for reservations and shuttle stops.