13 VIP Experiences in Hawaiʻi for a Free Day

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

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

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,068 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $679Top rated

Ride Maui’s Road to Hana with a private guide such as Luke, Shayne, Kobe, Melissa, or Spencer. You choose the pace and interests, then stop at waterfalls, black-sand beaches, taro fields, Hana town, cacao farms, and local food stands. Door-to-door pickup, snacks, drinks, and a private air-conditioned SUV are included.

“Our tour guide Spencer was fantastic. He shared stories about the history of the island, plants, trees and wildlife in addition to finding us some great spots away from the tourists. He also took us to a few shops, stands and a restaurant. Everything we did he made the trip based on what we wanted to see. Great job!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 863 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $385

Spend about 10 hours on Maui’s Road to Hana in a leather-seat limo-van limited to eight people. Your Hawaiʻi-certified guide, such as Ray, Gayle, Ernie, or Malissa, handles the curves while you visit Keanae, Waiʻānapanapa, and Puaʻa Kaʻa, with meals, drinks, hotel pickup, and swim stops included.

“We did the ultimate road to Hana and had ray as our tour guide. The ride was extremely comfortable and ray was awesome; although he is a California transplant his knowledge of Hawaii and his passion for the history of it was amazing to see/hear. We learned so much about the history and geography of the Hawaiian islands & people. The road to Hana is not for drivers with a weak heart but ray knew the road and the entire ride was smooth. We stopped for breakfast, stopped at a banana bread stand, stopped for lunch and hit 3 spots along the road to hana including the black sand beach,…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Cruise from Kailua Pier along Kona’s Gold Coast aboard Body Glove’s roomy catamaran. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours at Red Hill, and access to a 20-foot slide and 15-foot jump platform. Dolphins and whales are possible, but snorkeling conditions can vary.

“My wife got sick before the trip and I canceled ahead of time. They did not offer a refund despite my advanced notice. As a Hawaii resident, I’ll never book with them again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 762 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $599

Ride Maui’s twisting Road to Hana in a six-passenger luxury Limo-Van with a Hawai‘i State Certified guide, stopping at Ke‘anae, Wai‘anapanapa, waterfalls, and Hana. Enjoy lunch, then fly back in an Eco-Star helicopter over Haleakala, waterfalls, and the coast. Guides such as Scott, Gayle, Ray, and Sue are known for local stories and helpful photo stops.

“It was an amazing experience! Gayle was personable, knowledgeable and friendly which made the tour extra special. Be sure to get a loaf of banana bread at the Halfway to Hana roadside stand. The helicopter tour with Tim was the perfect end to this excursion. It was my first time (won’t be my last) and he made me feel comfortable and safe. I did the morning tour so by the time we got to Hana I was ready for the 30 minute ride back to the airport. Do it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 682 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Sail from Kewalo Basin on the Makani Catamaran for about two hours along Oahu’s coast. Choose an afternoon or sunset departure, watch for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal humpback whales, and enjoy Waikiki and Diamond Head from offshore. Sunset trips include an island-style buffet and one complimentary beverage. Hotel pickup is available for a fee.

“I had a great time enjoying the view and the lull of the ocean. My friend didn't think the boat was fast enough. She didn't seem to get that we were there to enjoy the view not race past everything!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Spend about five hours aboard Pride of Maui’s climate-controlled luxury yacht, Elua, with Captain Justin and crew. Snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, an onboard barbecue lunch, warm showers, and an open bar. The boat carries no more than 40 people and welcomes ages 8 and up.

“Amazing time, so incredible. The crew was great and super helpful. The snorkeling was amazing and we even saw whales on the ride back.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Maui by Storm: Epic Private Luxury Road to Hana Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 9 to 12 hours (approx.)

Spend 9 to 12 hours on a private Road to Hana tour for up to six people. Guides such as Charleston, Mark, Nani, Jay, Mana, and Mak tailor the day around waterfalls, local food, black sand beaches, sea turtles, and Hawaiian culture. Pickup anywhere on Maui, fuel, parking, drinks, and Waianapanapa entry are included.

“so many fantastic views and the running commentary by Jay was terrific. he also took the time to get to know us a bit and was able to fit his tour to our likes. the "secret spots" that Jay knew and his easy going character made it a real pleasure.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.KAUAI LUXURY 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter ADVENTURE

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $399

Fly for a full hour over Kauai with Jack Harter Helicopters, taking in Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Mount Waialeale, and Wailua Falls. The doors-off aircraft gives you open views, while pilots such as Arthur, Chrissy, Preston, and Nick provide narration. Hotel pickup may be available, but it is not guaranteed.

“Breathtaking views with a smooth flight and highly informative narration from our fantastic tour guide and pilot. Thanks, Nicholas!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Luxury Kona Coast Snorkel Tour Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $204

Cruise South Kona aboard Hula Kai from Keauhou Harbor, with two weather-selected snorkel stops, reef-safe sunscreen, paddleboards, mineral-water showers, and a plant-based breakfast and lunch. You’ll hear Hawaiian history, look for turtles, rays, dolphins, whales, and fish, then return with a cash bar and comfortable seating.

“Everything was great right from the beginning. Captain and crew went overboard (get it) to make our tour fabulous. Stopped twice to see whales. The last stop was with the deckhands jumping in the water to attract sharks. Could not have picked better snorkling spots. Individually fit our masks and also had accommodations for people who wear glasses. The food was plentiful and good. Everyone was friendly and helpful. This tour is great for all ages. I highly recommend this tour. Don't miss out!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Luxury Helicopter Experience with Hana Rainforest Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $341

From Kahului, fly along Maui’s North Coast past waterfalls, Jaws, the Road to Hana, and Jurassic Rock. Your EC130 then lands in Wailua Valley for 30 minutes among banana trees, coconut palms, wildflowers, and waterfalls. Pilots such as John, Felix, and Nick provide live commentary. Seating depends on aircraft weight and balance.

“The view was breathtaking! The ride was so smooth and our pilot was great. Would definitely do again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Private Luxury Sportfishing Experience Aboard Limitless

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend about four hours aboard the private Limitless charter from Honolulu, fishing Oahu waters with a captain and first mate. You’ll troll for ahi, mahi-mahi, marlin, and other pelagic fish, with reef fishing as a backup. Gear, ice, a refrigerator, cabin, restroom, Wi-Fi, and catch cleaning are included.

“We had three people fishing and caught one large 62 pound yellow fin tuna. They guys were very informative on safety procedures and fishing techniques. They filleted the fish and gave us bags and ice to transport the fish. We even saw pilot whales and dolphins! The boat was very nice. The men were very nice and helpful!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Honolulu: Beachside Luxury Picnic & Paint

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $97Best value

Spend two hours painting beside a secluded Honolulu beach with Erica, a professional artist and teacher. Choose a blank or pre-drawn canvas, enjoy a seasonal charcuterie board and chilled Hawaiian drinks, and take home your canvas board. Plush pillows, blankets, optional music, and photos make this a relaxed choice for couples and celebrations.

“It was beautiful an very intimate I recommend anybody visiting Hawaii to experience this ❤️”

Check availability →Read our full review