Top Hawaii On the Water

Glide under the stars as giant manta rays dance beneath you, their 15-foot wingspans illuminated like underwater angels. This sunset-to-starlight tour includes a short cruise from Honokohau Harbor, warm wetsuits, high-powered lights, snacks, and onboard washrooms. With nearly guaranteed manta sightings, you'll experience Hawaii’s Pacific ballet hassle-free.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat on this boat tour from Kona. Travel offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. This tour is designed for snorkelers; Ride Alongs stay on the boat and may or may not see manta rays. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them during this approximately 1-hour experience.

Observe humpback whales in their natural habitat during their return migration to Maui’s waters December–April. This whale watching adventure by high-speed catamaran provides a front row seat to fin slaps, flukes, and breaches. Underwater hydrophones help you hear whale songs, while the captain and crew provide the commentary. Juices and sodas are available on board to keep passengers hydrated.

Hawaii is a scuba diving paradise and first-time divers can learn the sport during this introductory class in Lahaina. First, learn about breathing techniques and ocean etiquette in calm, shallow waters. Then, put your skills to the test on your first scuba dive alongside your instructor. Maui provides some of the best underwater worlds and is ideal for first-time divers.

Get up close and personal with the spectacular scenery of Hanalei Bay—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this two-in-one, half-day tour. Begin with a kayaking trip along the Hanalei River before heading onto the Bay to soak up the scenery, spy sea turtles, and more. Then, swap your kayak for a snorkel for an underwater nature expedition. Finally, unwind with lunch on the beach.

Learn to surf Kauai’s famous waves at a private surf lesson for up to four people on the shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay. Your instructor, a local surfing expert, will meet you where you are. Beginners learn the fundamentals of paddling, reading the waves, and standing up, while more advanced students can perfect their technique. Note: please arrive 30 minutes prior to your lesson time to check in.

Head out to Kealakekua Bay for a snorkeling and cruising adventure from Kona, ideal for travelers who want to get up close to some of the Big Island’s most interesting marine species. Keep an eye out for dolphins as you head along the coast to the bay, then hop into the waters to swim and snorkel among coral and fish before climbing back on board for an included lunch.

Snorkel with manta rays at night on this tour from Kona. After a boat ride on a small 23-foot Zodiac-style boat carrying up to 11 passengers, jump into the water to observe the gentle giants. Wetsuits are optional and available to rent at check-in. Learn about manta ray biology and behavior through guided commentary during this safe and awe-inspiring experience.

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.

Have a unique Big Island experience snorkeling with manta rays on this tour. Take a short cruise out to the snorkeling site before dipping into the water to watch the manta rays up close. All necessary equipment will be provided for your excursion, as well as light refreshments and snacks. If you don't see manta rays on this excursion, book again for another night, free of charge.

The Big Island's Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, site of the Captain Cook Monument, is home to arguably the best snorkeling in Hawaii. That means that it often gets busy. This small-group tour is timed to avoid the crowds and is limited to 12 passengers, making it quicker to get on and off the boat and allowing for more time snorkeling on the coral reef.

Experience the thrill of meeting sharks face-to-face in the pristine waters of Oahu on this cage-diving adventure. See Hawaii's majestic hunters — Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment — surrounded by the deep blue of Oahu’s North Shore. Observe from the safety of a floating cage. Stay on the surface, then using a mask and snorkel, look through large polyglass windows to watch the sharks as they gracefully glide by.

Share the warm Hawaiian waters with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and more on a 2-hour snorkel excursion from Waikiki. No need to wear your flippers and mask on the plane, as all necessary gear is provided. Under the careful guidance of a tour leader, discover the vibrant sea life of Turtle Canyons. Above water wildlife sightings may include spinner dolphins, flying fish, and - in winter months - humpback whales.

There is no better way to soak up the beauty of Waikiki than by watching the sunset from the water on this cruise. Timed to coincide with the sun slipping below the horizon and painting the sky in unforgettable colors, the cruise offers you the chance to relax on deck or jump off to swim in the ocean.

Prebook this Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens snorkeling tour from Ma'alaea Harbor and have all the details of the afternoon taken care of for you, so you can enjoy your time in the water without the stress of planning the logistics. Your guide takes you on a 55-foot (16.7-meter) catamaran and picks the best snorkeling site based on the ocean’s conditions at that time. Plus, a hot-dog lunch and all snorkeling equipment are provided for you.

Escape the crowds of Waikiki Beach by setting sail along the coastline onboard a 55-foot (17-meter) catamaran. With Diamond Head as your backdrop, have fun with the 35-foot (11-meter) ocean slide, inflatable jumping platform, and floating ocean mat, or jump off board to snorkel at a crowd-free reef where you may encounter sea turtles.

Cruise the Big Island coastline aboard a fast Zodiac RIB boat on this adventure that takes you to hidden sea caves, lava tubes, and scenic spots that you wouldn't be able to access on your own. Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Kealakekua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary and site of the historic Captain Cook Monument, and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

The best way to experience the majestic Napali cliffs and coast is by boat. This half-day tour aboard a native- and family-owned catamaran will take you aboard one of four vessels with a guide who will share native stories and wildlife knowledge. Guests will either get to snorkel or go whale watching, depending on the season, explore the coast’s intriguing sea caves, and see the dramatic Waimea Canyon. Afternoon tours include lunch and a picturesque sunset.

Experience the magic of a Molokini and Turtle Town on this catamaran snorkeling adventure, where you can swim inside a sunken volcano surrounded by vibrant marine life. Start your day cruising to Molokini Crater, then dive into its pristine waters to explore the coral reef teeming with colorful fish. Depending on the conditions, your next stop may be Turtle Town or Coral Gardens, where you’ll have the chance to search for sea turtles and create lifelong memories in Maui’s dazzling underwater world.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Kona and round-out your day on the Big Island of Hawaii in style with a relaxing sunset cruise. Aboard a comfortable and spacious catamaran, take in the views as you sail along the Kona coastline and toast the sunset with an included beverage or two.

Fly 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the Oahu coastline on this parasailing adventure from Waikiki. Choose from three different lengths of line, harness up, and lift off from the boat. Enjoy birds' eye views of Oahu's south shore, including the mighty Diamond Head as you soar through the air.

If you’re looking for a grand adventure while in Kauai, book this Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kayaking and Hiking Half-Day Tour. First, follow a guide who knows the area well on the Wailua River by kayak for a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) paddle adventure. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of the falls.