Aboard · OAHU BOAT TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 11 oahu boat tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Sail the Waikiki Coast aboard the Hawaii-built Moana Catamaran for about two hours. You’ll get a complimentary first drink from the premium bar, then pay $8 per drink. Look for Diamond Head, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales, with crew members such as Viv helping make the evening run smoothly.
“We would definitely do this again. The crew was professional and made it a very fantastic experience.”
Sail from Kewalo Basin aboard the 40-person Honu Lani for a guided Turtle Canyon snorkel. Look for green sea turtles, reef fish, dolphins, and winter whales. The midday trip includes a deli lunch, beer, wine, and cocktails. Morning departures include unlimited soft drinks.
“The catamaran sail was very enjoyable but the snorkeling was very crowded. Lunch was simply a deli wrap.”
Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides gear, points out turtles, fish, octopus, and reef life, then raises the sails for a scenic ride back toward Waikiki. Swimming ability is required.
“Awesome and Safe! They were very attentive, polite, experienced and they knew how to keep everyone safe and entertained in and out of the water. 10 out of 10.”
Cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor toward Lē’ahi aboard the Haleiwa Queen. Your English-speaking guide points out reefs, a shipwreck, fish, turtles, and dolphins while you watch through floor viewing windows. Bring your own drinks, including alcohol, and enjoy Waikiki and Diamond Head from the sea.
“Fun experience and good way to enjoy the sunset. We missed our intended boat ride by a few minutes and they were able to get us on the sunset tour. We still recommend the ride, but be advised the boat does not have a glass bottom. It has four walled in, glass viewing windows in the floor. Maybe we had unrealistic expectations in what a glass bottom boat is. The Captain and his wife were delightful however. Had a great time!”
Cruise from Honolulu to Turtle Canyon for a guided snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish. Captain Krash, Kareem, Lucy, Shannon, and crew members guide guests in the water, while Sushi the dog may help spot whales and dolphins. Gear, drinks, and snacks are included.
“Great friendly funny and knowledgeable guides, saw turtles so many cool fish and dolphins on our ride back!”
Join Ocean Joy Cruises aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran for a half-day trip from Ko Olina. Your captain and crew guide you along Oahu’s west coast in search of dolphins, seasonal whales, turtles, and flying fish, followed by snorkeling, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and onboard showers.
“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”
Spend about two hours offshore with views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Lighthouse, then watch Honolulu’s lights appear after sunset. Dinner includes salad, beef short ribs or mahi-mahi, dessert, soft drinks, and water. Alcohol is BYOB for the upper-deck mixologist.
“They cancelled our boat cruise we had to reschedule due to engine failure so I reschedule the cruise”
Board Hawaii Nautical’s 53-foot catamaran in Honolulu for a 90-minute sunset sail toward Diamond Head. You’ll receive a light bento box, two alcoholic drinks, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages while the crew shares local wildlife tips. Pickup is available from selected Waikiki hotels for an added fare.
“Great boat; great crew; great views. Will definitely do this again. Probably will bring off-island friends, too. The lights coming up in Honolulu were spectacular.”
Join Oahu Catamarans at 5:15 pm for a relaxed two-hour sail from Ala Moana Harbor. Captain Krash, Shannon, Lucy, or Carlos may guide the trip, with pupus, music, Waikiki views, and BYOB drinks for adults 21 and older. Dogs Sushi and Mona may also be aboard.
“Captain Carlos and Lucy were outstanding. The cruise was gorgeous. I would highly recommend. Captain Carlos is one of the only Captains that uses his sail not just the motor.”
Meet the Charter Oahu crew at Pier B for a two-hour trip to Turtle Canyon. You’ll get quality snorkel gear, floatation help, fish-filled water, and a chance to see green sea turtles at a cleaning station. Crews have included Captain Bain, Nina, Angela, Lucy, and Angelina.
“We have never experienced snorkelling before so was a little anxious of how We would go in deep water..Oahu is a small family owned business the guides were amazing reassuring us of what to expect and with smaller groups they were able to give you one on one attention.. what an amazing time we had thank you so much ladies you were epic”
Board the Hanu Lani at Kewalo Basin Harbor for a 90-minute sunset sail along Waikīkī. Enjoy tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, light food, open-air views, and shaded seating. The crew, including captains and bartenders such as Clay, Mark, and Nick, keeps the trip relaxed and social.
“Terrific! The crew was sensitive to seasick passengers and everyone else. They kept up a great conversation with all on the boat. The boxes food was tasty and there were drinks for all tastes.”
Pick a river, a coast or a harbour.
