Hawaii · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Hawaiʻi

119 tours  ·  from $18

Reef days, whale runs, sea-cave rafts and dinner sails, in one list. The 15 below range from a two-hour harbour trip to a full day under sail, each priced and clear about how much time you spend in the water.

Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch - Leaving Honokohau Marina for the Kona coast
Big Island Tours, Catamaran Cruises in Big Island, Cruises & Boat Tours, Kealakekua Bay Snorkel Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours in Big Island, Tour Reviews

Big Island: Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

1.Captain Cook Snorkel On A Power Catamaran With Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,232 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Meet Hang Loose Boat Tours at Honokohau Marina for a four-hour catamaran trip to Kealakekua Bay. You will cruise the volcanic Kona coast, hear about Captain Cook and Hawaiian royalty, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy lunch aboard. Captains Aiden or Bryce and crew members such as Jordan and Kiwami may lead the trip, depending on availability.

“Great excursion. Would highly recommend it. it was a nice lunch.. Great crew. Very patient waiting for the dolphins and whales.”

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Oahu's Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail - What the two-hour route actually gives you
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Oahu’s Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail

2.Oahu’s Waikiki Coast: Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,205 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Board the Moana Catamaran at Kewalo Basin Harbor for a two-hour sunset sail along Waikiki and beyond Diamond Head. Your captain and crew serve a complimentary first premium drink, with more available for $8. Keep watch for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, and sunset colors over Honolulu. Shoes are collected before boarding, so expect a relaxed barefoot sail.

“Everyone on staff was very friendly and attentive, offered to take pics without even asking! highly rec!”

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Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise - Cruising Waikiki toward Diamond Head
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Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

3.Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,192 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Board the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen at Kewalo Basin for a one-hour cruise along Waikiki toward Diamond Head. The crew, including guides such as Austin and Sophia, explains Hawaiian culture and points out turtles, reef fish, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Expect four underwater viewing ports, not a walkable glass floor, plus covered seating, water, and a restroom.

“We had a wonderful boat tour! Austin was really great. He took the time to explain everything about the animals and sea life we may encounter. We even encountered some whales which was a plus.!”

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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed - The ride past Waikiki and Diamond Head
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Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

4.Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Sail with Lunch: Turtles Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,109 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the 40-passenger Honu Lani. You’ll receive premium snorkel gear, a safety briefing, and guided time in the water with green sea turtles. The midday trip includes a deli lunch, beer, wine, and cocktails. Crew members may include Captain Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, or Whitney.

“Great crew, great views of diamond head and waikiki, great refreshments, awesome snorkeling, saw 5-6 sea turtles, gliding, surfacing, great fun..”

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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran - The Hawea catamaran ride out
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Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

5.Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,655 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Meet at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue for a 2.5-hour Hawea catamaran trip to Turtle Canyon. Your crew provides snorkel gear, flotation equipment, snacks, soda, and cold brew from ARVO Café. Expect shallow reef water, green sea turtles, tropical fish, and a relaxed sail back toward Waikiki.

“The crew of Hawea was very friendly and knowledgeable. We saw whales for the first time today as well as dolphins and sea turtles. Love the fact that pickup is on fhe beach and happened to be directly across from my hotel. I would definitely book again!”

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Honolulu: Glass Bottom Boat Tour along Oahu's South Shore - Looking through the glass at Oahu’s reefs
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Honolulu: Glass Bottom Boat Tour along Oahu’s South Shore

6.Honolulu: Glass Bottom Boat Tour along Oahu’s South Shore

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,575 reviews · 1 hour · from $40

Join Hawaii Glass Bottom Boat aboard the Haleiwa Queen for a one-hour cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor toward Lē’ahi. You’ll view reefs and a shipwreck through floor-level glass windows while guides such as Jim, Kiko, and Captain Courtney share facts about Honolulu and marine life. Bottled water is provided, and you may bring your own drinks, including alcohol.

“Very god. We saw lots of dolphins. Great guy told us a lot of interesting things.”

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Maui: Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach - What is served from the open bar
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Maui: Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

7.Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,422 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $127

Sail from Ka’anapali Beach on a barefoot catamaran with a maximum of 48 people. Sea Maui serves unlimited cocktails, soft drinks, and heavy pupus while the crew points out whales from December 15 to April 15. Expect beach boarding, live music on select nights, and possible spray on the ride.

“So much fun! Great value! Staff was amazing! Food and drinks were great! So many whales! I laughed so hard.”

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Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed - What happens at Turtle Canyon Reef
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Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

8.Oahu Catamaran Snorkel Tour: See Turtles 100% Guaranteed

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,420 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Cruise from Waikiki to Turtle Canyon on a roomy catamaran limited to 28 passengers. Swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish while crew members such as Lucy, Shannon, Krash, and Holly guide you in the water. Gear, drinks, snacks, and a return trip to the marina are included.

“Krash, Holly, and Sushi were amazing! Would 100 do again. We even saw a humpback whale fluke! We loved our morning!”

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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - Six Warm Showers and Useful Boat Facilities
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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

9.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

Spend about 3.5 hours aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran, watching for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Your crew supplies gear, instruction, showers, drinks, and a Hawaiian buffet. Waikiki pickup is optional.

“Fantastic food and a very comfortable boat. Great experience seeing spinner dolphins, Turtles and fish Crew was very nice and helpful”

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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay - Boarding at Kailua Pier
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Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

10.Big Island Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,279 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail 24 miles round trip from Kailua Pier to Kealakekua Bay aboard a catamaran with a local historian, live Hawaiian music, sunset views, and dinner. Captain Erika and the crew are known for warm service, while the narrator points out coastline landmarks hidden from land. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals require 48 hours’ notice.

“Food was good, crew were amazing and attentive with bringing drinks and offering to take photos. We spotted whales and two manta ray which was an added bonus. There was live music, but it was a hodge podge blend of music that didn’t fit well together and didn’t match the vibe of the boat. A soundtrack would’ve been more enjoyable. It was very overcast and cloudy so we didn’t really witness the sunset at all, but still had a lovely time and enjoyed the ride tremendously. My tip is to not cancel your trip based on weather, as it was still very enjoyable.”

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Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal - What happens after you collect your bags
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Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal

11.Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,242 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $17Best value

VIP Trans offers a $17.50 shared shuttle from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki, Kahala resorts, or the cruise terminal. A greeter in a green and white aloha shirt may meet you at baggage claim, help with luggage, and lead you to a small van. Expect about 30 minutes of driving, plus possible waiting for other passengers.

“Customer representative called to update us, found us in the baggage claim area, kept us informed, walked us to the van, etc. He and the driver loaded the van and we proceeded to the Waikiki hotel area. There were several other spots besides us, but it was fairly quick.i would recommend this shuttle service.”

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Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K - The long approach makes the coast more dramatic
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Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K

12.NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,240 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $214

Sail from Eleele aboard the family-owned Amelia K or another Makana catamaran for about five hours along Kauai’s NaPali Coast. Native guides such as Captain Mike, Shawn, Ethan, Ky, and Charlie share island stories, point out dolphins and whales, and steer near sea caves. Summer trips may include snorkeling, while winter afternoon tours focus on whales and sunset.

“Wonderful experience on the Na Pali Coast. Shawn, Ethan, and Ky were great guides, very knowledgeable about the coast and local History. Snorkeling was great. Seen many whales and dolphins”

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Honolulu: Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show - A five-course dinner with lobster and steak
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Honolulu: Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show

13.Honolulu: Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,204 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $193

Sail from Honolulu on the Star of Honolulu for a sunset over Diamond Head, a five-course dinner with lobster or steak, live Hawaiian and jazz music, and a cultural show. You can board independently at Aloha Tower or add hotel pickup from select locations. Friday sailings run longer and may include fireworks.

“Great service and food. Highly enjoyed the entertainment and singers. Fireworks were beautiful. Thank you David. Highly recommend.”

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Kauai: Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour - Leaving Port Allen Marina Center
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Kauai: Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour

14.Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,168 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Cruise 17 miles of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast on a power catamaran, with cliff views, sea caves, dolphins, seasonal whales, dinner, and sunset drinks. Crews may include captains such as Nate, Jess, or Glenn, depending on the departure. Expect a barefoot boat ride, possible spray, and changing ocean conditions.

“Fabulous excursion with Captain Glenn and his crew! Smooth sailing today, saw dolphins, and food was great! Great music. Very knowledgeable crew. Enjoyed very much. Will do again. Highly recommend!”

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Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii - Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head from the water
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Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii

15.Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,023 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours offshore with views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Pacific sunset. Prince Kuhio Tours serves a freshly prepared dinner of salad, short ribs or mahi-mahi, dessert, and soft drinks. Upper-deck seating depends on capacity. Alcohol is not sold, but you can bring your own for the onboard mixologist.

“It was terrible. They canceled our reservation that we made a month in advance to go to a sunset dinner and they canceled it like three hours before we could’ve chosen so many other things and now you have the nerve to send me a review. It was terrible, terrible terrible with the T the worst ever you should take them off of buy Tours do not sell this to anybody else”

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