Add dates

HawaiiWater activities

Our most recommended Hawaii Water activities

Surf Lesson with the Curvy Surfer Girl & Waikiki Locals

1. Surf Lesson with the Curvy Surfer Girl & Waikiki Locals

Enjoy an accessible surfing lesson suitable for beginners with Waikiki locals and Elizabeth Sneed, founder of the Curvy Surfer Girl movement. Catch your first wave in a relaxed and friendly environment as you learn more about Waikiki's rich heritage. Join Elizabeth and the local beach boys and girls of Waikiki for a morning surfing lesson right on Waikiki Beach. Learn to ride the waves with passionate local instructors who have a deep appreciation for surfing as an intangible part of local culture. Learn the basics of surfing in a relaxed and accessible environment, or refine your skills on the surfboard. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the beach as you catch your first wave. Afterward, take a short stroll with your guide through the lobby of the Outrigger Hotel which features photos and information about the historical context of surfing. Make your way to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and learn more about the father of surfing. Finally, finish off your experience in true Hawaiian style with some refreshing Hawaiian Shave Ice or Dole Pineapple Whip. You will also receive a special nut lei souvenir as a memento of your experience. Your guide, Elizabeth, is the founder of the Curvy Surfer Girl movement, which is a community committed to wider representation in women's surfing. She has been living in Waikiki for several years and continues to lead the women's surfing movement of body diversity and positivity.

Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

2. Big Island, Hawaii: Night Manta Ray Snorkel Experience

Snorkeling with manta rays is a must-do while in Hawaii! Enjoy this amazing opportunity to see manta rays up close. Feed and interact with other ocean creatures on this cruise trip. After a safety briefing, gear up with the snorkeling equipment and wet suits provided. Relax and enjoy the cruise with drinks and snacks on board. Bring your underwater camera for photos and capture memories that will last a lifetime.

South Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour

3. South Maui: Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour

See Maui from a new perspective as you swim and snorkel alongside its marine life at Molokini and Turtle Town. Cruise to these famous snorkeling destinations by catamaran, and enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Meet your captain and crew near Maalaea Harbor for your check-in. Board the comfortable catamaran and enjoy a continental breakfast of pastries, muffins, fresh fruits, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and water as you head towards Molokini. Arrive at Molokini and admire the scenery of the extinct volcanic cone, home to around 250 different local species. Jump into the water and snorkel with native wildlife such as black triggerfish, yellow tang, and parrotfish. Continue onto Turtle Town, where you’ll swim with protected Hawaiian green sea turtles among the underwater lava formations. Rest assured a lifeguard will be in the water at all times as you snorkel around the beautiful coral gardens. Enjoy a deli lunch with Turkey and ham Hawaiian sweet roll sliders with Mediterranean pasta salad, soft drinks, juice, and water. Choose to purchase beers or a Mai Tai, and relax in the shade of the cabin. Or top up your tan on the bow of the boat as you return to Ma'alaea Harbor, where your unforgettable activity will come to an end.

Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

4. Oahu: Shark Cage Dive on the North Shore

Swim with the sharks during this tour that offers you the unique adventure of a shark dive, while ensuring your safety at all times. Discover the wonders of the sea on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii alongside a certified guide. Bring your own masks and snorkels or use the ones provided on board. Your guide will give you a safety briefing at the start of the tour and will answer all your questions concerning this special adventure. See up to 200 feet (60 meters) in the crystal-clear, cobalt blue water. Depending on the season, you will encounter such magnificent animals as the Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, playful dolphins, and Humpback whales. Admire the sharks from the ship's deck, or experience the rush of entering the shark cage which allows you to be only inches away from sharks that can grow up to 15 feet (5 meters) in length. Capture pictures with your underwater camera of their grace and majesty in the water. Have 20 minutes to marvel at the sharks and cherish this unforgettable moment. Up to 8 people can be in the cage at the same time, so you can experience the sharks with someone you love.

Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour

5. Waikiki: Monk Seal Bay Dolphin and Turtle Jet Snorkel Tour

Make snorkeling easy and fun by using jet scooters. Our snorkeling site was carefully chosen to offer you a glimpse into the underwater wonderland of Hawaii. Immerse yourself in vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and an array of marine species that call this paradise their home. We'll pick you up in Waikiki and whisk you away to Monk Seal Bay. Start with a safety briefing that makes this tour great for all skill levels. Get helpful tips and advice as you go over the fundamentals of snorkeling and using the jet while in waste deep water.  Once your guide gets you comfortable, get ready to embark on an unparalleled snorkeling journey that combines the beauty of the ocean with the thrill of jet scooters. Our snorkel with sea turtles tour promises an experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Receive video footage of your unforgettable experience captured by your guide at the end of your tour. 

Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate

6. Big Island: Night Swim with Manta Ray with Hot Chocolate

Experience a nighttime snorkeling expedition on a cruise from Big Island. Get up close and personal with stunning manta rays as they gracefully soar through the water. Your underwater adventure will take place in clear warm waters near protected reefs abundant with marine life. After the sun sets, head off into the nighttime waters to see a fascinating "manta ray ballet" along the Kona coast near the mouth of Keauhou Bay. This point of departure is one of the island’s most successful and consistent manta ray viewing locations. Your snorkeling guide will outfit you with all the necessary gear needed to embark on your experience including snorkel gear, wetsuits, and flotation devices. After a quick safety briefing, plunge into the dark waters and be captivated by these graceful creatures as they feast on plankton. Grip onto the flotation swim ring with high-illumination blue water lights that attract the plankton on which the mantas feed. Soon afterward, rays will glide through the water almost at arm's length opening their enormous mouths to feast. After your remarkable underwater adventure, return to your boat and warm up with a nighttime snack of hot chocolate and cookies

South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise

7. South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise

Watch the glow of the sunset on the Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, and the Molokini Crater on this sunset catamaran cruise from Ma’alaea. Keep an eye out for humpback whales while listening to Hawaiian music. Savor a gourmet dinner and relax with two drinks from the bar. Depart from the Ma’alaea Harbor and set off into the waves on a catamaran. After exiting the harbor, enjoy a complimentary drink before the dinner service kicks off. Explore the alcoves of the boat, gaze out over the ocean, and snap photos. While soaking up the tropical views, listen to island-style music. For dinner, chef Keoni will serve the succulent Hawaiian prime rib, Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, ribs, steamed vegetables, white rice with soy sauce, and more. As you dine, take in views of Kaho’olawe and Lanai in the distance, as well as the top snorkeling location, Molokini Crater. Gaze out at the Kahalawai Mountains of Maui extending toward the sky. You are likely to see humpback whales visiting the islands from Alaska along with other marine mammals.

Kauai: Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner

8. Kauai: Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner

Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Napali Coast glowing in the afternoon sunlight during an unforgettable evening on the water. Hop onboard a modern, state-of-the-art, fully-equipped vessel for a ride along Kauai’s coastline. The 50’ catamaran features indoor and outdoor seating areas, restrooms, and unrestricted views of the coast. On your journey, the friendly and knowledgeable crew will share their knowledge of the coast and stories of the people who made this area their home. Watch the colors of the coastline change as the sun heads toward the horizon. Be on the lookout for marine life like manta rays, dolphins, turtles, seals and humpback whales (in season). A delicious selection of appetizers and a Hawaiian-style dinner are provided, along with island juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, and mai-tais. Sip champagne at sunset before heading back to Port Allen to complete the evening. The tour operator is committed to responsible tourism by minimizing their impact on natural resources and preserving the natural beauty and unique history of Kauai. Certified as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant and member of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, help the operator encourage others to travel lightly by taking the Holo Holo Pono Pledge.

Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, & More Helicopter Tour

9. Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Jurassic Falls, & More Helicopter Tour

Take a journey on and over the Garden Isle and see scenery that's been the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters for decades on this Kauai helicopter trip. See Manawaiopuna Falls, Olokele Canyon, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast.  Take off on an up-to-date helicopter and immediately start taking in a bird's eye view of the lush jungles, red canyons, choppy seas, and gorgeous landscapes that make up Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian Islands archipelago.  Marvel at Manawaiopuna Falls, also known as Jurrasic Park Falls thanks to it being featured in the hit 1993 Steven Spielberg film. This privately-owned location is only accessible by helicopter, making it part of the 80% of Kauai that isn’t accessible by car. Land in Olokele Canyon, home to endangered plant life. Once kapu (forbidden), guests can now enjoy this pristine paradise valley. Soar over Waimea Canyon next, and see characteristic crimson and emerald jagged cliffs. Before heading back to the starting point of the trip, enjoy views of the world-famous Napali Coast. Spot jagged cliffs rising straight from the sea, making for one of Hawaii's most famous destinations.

Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

10. Oahu: Afternoon Glass Bottom Boat Tour in Waikiki

If adventure is what you seek, join this daily boat tour. Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii’s South Shore as you head out from the slip in the Kewalo Basin Harbor and head toward Lē’ahi. Discover the underwater world while staying dry with the glass-bottom boat. Aboard the Haleiwa Queen, enjoy the clear view of the Pacific Ocean floor as you cruise over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaii’s shipwrecks. Keep an eye out for honu sea turtles, eels, reef sharks, dolphins, and schools of tropical fish, all from the deck of the vessel through the glass bottom boat viewports. Experience a unique perspective of Honolulu, above and below the surface.

268 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 17

Frequently asked questions about Hawaii Water activities

What are other things to do than Water activities that are worth visiting in Hawaii?

The other unmissable things to do in Hawaii are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Hawaii

Want to discover all there is to do in Hawaii? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Hawaii

This experience was amazing and I highly recommend it! I’ve told all of my friends and family that this is a must do activity for any vacation to Oahu. Our crew Brandon and Ford were so kind, knowledgeable, helpful, and made the entire experience that much better. They had complimentary water, they took photos, answered questions, and we even got the chance to see a turtle and a mother and baby whale. The boat was clean, safe, and had cool music and lights! It was also my boyfriend’s birthday and the crew made sure to go out of their way to make his day, everyone was so friendly, they even played a birthday song for him. I’m so grateful I booked this sunset cruise and will definitely be back! Thank you Brandon and Ford!

The crew took great care of us from the moment we boarded until we deboarded. Seats and equipment (including graded goggles for us wearing eyeglasses) are more than adequate making everyone enjoy. The captain knows where to position the boat to get great possibility of successfully seeing whales. The whales put on a show, even breaching from the water. Highly recommended!

My daughter and I had a great time snorkeling with sea turtles and looking for dolphins. We did see some whales. We will return another day to see about those dolphins. The crew was fantastic!! Fresh pineapple was a treat! This was probably our best memory from the trip. We highly recommend.

Super experience on board with a fantastic crew and the snorkelling was also amazing! The guide came in the water with us and explained a lot of different things plus showed us many fishes! Highly recommended!

Jeremiah was great. Our trip was fantastic. Miah had a lot on his hands with our group. Some inexperienced kayakers made his work extra hard but he was very good accommodating everyone.