Top Oahu On the Water

Enjoy privileged access to Oahu's Polynesian Cultural Center after opening hours. This nighttime adventure takes you paddling through a tranquil lagoon, guided by the light of the moon and colorful LED illumination in the still water. You'll 'visit' the islands of Samoa, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, and Tahiti and learn all about Polynesian culture.

Go whale-watching off the coast of Oahu on this excursion from Waikiki or Ko Olina. During the months from December to May, pods of humpback whales migrate through Hawaii's warm waters, and this tour guarantees whale sightings. With a small group of people, watch the gentle giants swim, feed, breach and play around your boat. In the rare event that you don't see any whales, you will be allowed to do the tour again for free. Snacks are included.

If you’re looking for an adventure you take on your own or with your own group, try booking this Mokolii Island Self-Guided Kayak Tour from Kaneohe. Collect your kayak, life jacket, and other equipment, then get a quick personal instruction before you launch your kayak and head out. Not geared for complete beginners, experienced kayakers will enjoy cruising the ocean near Kualoa Regional Park.

Enjoy a 90-minute surfing lesson with an experienced guide who is also a professional lifeguard in Hawaii. Learn to read the surf and ride the waves during a lesson that includes instruction on the beach followed by practice in the warm waters of Oahu’s North Shore. This family-friendly experience provides plenty of customized attention and fun, along with the chance to view the sea turtles that are commonly found in this area.

Head out towards the reef, and see what catches you can reel in, on this private fishing charter from Honolulu. Pick between multiple departure times, and set off with just your captain and your party. You’ll bottom-fish for reef fish, with ice chests provided on board for your catches. As you go, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles—and soak up views of local landmarks like Diamond Head, Waikiki, and more.

Every Friday night, the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a beautiful fireworks display. Rather than watching them from the beach, take to the water for a front-row view on this evening cruise off Waikiki Beach. Plus, enjoy an open bar, making this a fun and affordable way to kick off the weekend. This is a great option for families and group celebrations such as birthdays and bachelorette parties.

Maximize your chances of spotting green sea turtles on this adventurous snorkel tour from Waikiki Beach. Board directly from Waikiki Beach on a spacious catamaran offering near 360-degree views as you make your way to Turtle Canyon. Swim with green sea turtles and tropical fish, then sail around Diamond Head spotting spinner dolphins and winter humpback whales.

Oahu's North Shore is world-famous for its beautiful vistas and excellent surfing. Learn the ancient Hawaiian sport in this iconic location during this group surf lesson. Join your group and instructor right on the beach to learn surfing techniques as well as ocean etiquette. Then, it's your chance to take to the water and catch your first wave.

Sail along the Oahu South Shore for snorkeling in Turtle Canyon—and leave the logistics to someone else. Climb aboard Ke Kai catamaran, which leaves directly from Waikiki Beach, and take in views of the Waikiki coastline and Diamond Head State Monument on the way to Turtle Canyon. There, you’ll have ample time for snorkeling with green sea turtles and fish amid colorful coral.

Learn a new water sport during your time in Hawaii with this private lesson in Kailua. Choose from surfing, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding and join your private guide on the beach to begin your lesson. Try catching waves during your first surf lesson or enjoy a relaxing time on the water in a kayak or on a paddleboard.

Experience the joys of whale watching in Honolulu during this two-hour tour that guarantees sightings. Hop onto a modern trimaran boat with spacious seating, unobstructed views, and protective shade. Learn from onboard naturalists as you watch humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of Diamond Head. Conveniently located near most Waikiki hotels at 95 Holomoana St, you can bring your own drinks or snacks.

Sail along the Leeward Coast of Oahu on this morning cruise. Snorkel with an expert guide and watch for spinner dolphins on this family-friendly adventure off the scenic southwestern coast of the island. This excursion, complete with spectacular scenery and fun water activities includes breakfast and lunch

Learn to surf—or perfect your technique—in Waikiki, the home of surfing. This private surf lesson offers a one-on-one experience tailored to your needs, skill level, and goals. Enjoy the full attention of your instructor who provides a customized learning experience not always possible in group lessons. The lesson begins at Biki Station #328, 2424 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI, providing a clear meeting point for your session.

Set sail on the Pacific—and see if you can spot whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life—on this family-friendly catamaran cruise. In the morning, head to the Honolulu waterfront, hop aboard your vessel, and set sail along the Waikiki shore. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views over the water, all while your guide looks out for migratory humpback whales.

Sail along Oahu's beautiful coastline and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture on this sailing trip aboard a Polynesian canoe. Join a small group and board the all-wooden vessel to begin your journey. Listen to local stories and enjoy hands-on activities such as making food, clothes, and tools using local items, with the beautiful coastal scenery serving as your backdrop.

Observe the majestic humpback whales during their migration from December to March on this 1.5-hour sail in Honolulu. Experience the beauty of Oahu's coastline while searching for dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Families and nature enthusiasts will appreciate this relaxing cruise, which offers a chance to spot marine life up close. With an open bar option available, enjoy refreshments as you soak up the sun. If you don't see any whales on your first sail, you can return for a complimentary second sail within the season. - Complimentary second sail if no whales are spotted on the first trip - 1.5-hour sail from the beach with stunning views - Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages - Open bar included!

Waikiki's gentle, rolling waves are about the best place there is to stand up on a board for the first time. Learn the basics with an instructor in a small group at a quieter Waikiki spot, away from the busier breaks. You start on the sand before paddling out to try your first waves, with a choice of lesson times to fit your day.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Oahu with this whale-watching cruise from Honolulu that guarantees sightings. Glide past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach while listening to insightful commentary from the on-board naturalist. Look out for other marine life—such as sea turtles, porpoises, and Hawaii spinner dolphins—while searching for humpback whales. If you don't see whales during the cruise, receive a complimentary return trip.

What sets us apart: 1. Bespoke dive sites on Oahu 2. Unlike 98% of the snorkeling and diving tour operators in Hawaii, our crew are 100% certified, licensed, insured PADI dive professionals who are all current in Rescue, EFR and O2 aids. 3. Unlike 95% of the tour boats in Hawaii, Waikiki Dive Center's 3 new dive vessels all are U.S. Coastguard Certified. It means the vessels have all current Emergency equipment, epirbs and first aids. 4. Unlike 90% of the dive operators, all of our gear is premium professional from ScubaPro and equivalent and well maintained. 5. We are the ONLY dive shop in central Waikiki, walking distance from all hotels within 15 minutes or less. No Uber or driving for 25 minutes. 6. We are proud of our Valet diving service, all inclusive and with transportation to and from shop and harbor. 7. All of our staff are seasoned and culturally diversified.

Combine scenic Oahu views with a fun workout and give stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) a try during this small-group lesson. Your expert instructor shows you paddling technique and pointers on how to maneuver your board at a beach near Waikiki where the water feels as warm as a bathtub.

Perfect for beginners or snorkeling novices, this small-group snorkeling tour explores the marine conservation area in Waikiki. With an abundance of fish in shallow water, most people will be able to feel comfortable in the water as you snorkel amongst the coral just off the coast. With included use of equipment, including snorkel, mask, fins or water shoes, floaty noodles or belt, you can be sure that you're safe and secure while exploring the water just off Kalākaua Avenue in Honolulu.

If you've already seen Oahu's sights from the ground level, embark on a thrilling adventure with a completely different view. This parasailing tour will have you soaring above the waters of Maunalua Bay for views of the Hawaii Kai coastline, Koko Head and the Ko’olau Mountain Range. You can then take a dip in the sea just before landing back on the boat

Experience the picturesque beauty of an Oahu sunset the way it was meant to be seen—from the water while sailing on a catamaran. On this 2-hour cruise, watch for dolphins and whales, and enjoy a delicious charcuterie box with complimentary cocktails. This sailing experience is ideal for couples looking for a romantic evening on the water or families wanting to create lasting vacation memories.

Escape the crowds of Waikiki Beach and enjoy a relaxed Hawaiian sunset sail on board a 55-foot (17-meter) double-decker catamaran. Soak up the sun and sea air on the spacious decks and head into the vessel's underwater viewing room to watch marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, and native fish. As the sun sets over Oahu's coastline, see Waikiki from a whole new perspective.