Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Tour: See Diamond Head & Reef Life

Watch the reef come alive through the glass floor beneath your feet

The Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Tour is a 1-hour cruise from Kewalo Basin aboard a 50-foot catamaran with magnified glass bottom viewports that let you see the ocean floor without getting wet. You'll sail past Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head while the local crew shares stories of growing up in Hawaii and points out tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, reef sharks, and seasonal humpback whales. The boat has a shaded deck, onboard restroom, and complimentary beverages; lifejackets are provided for all ages, and children from age 1 are welcome. Three departure times are available—early morning, daytime, and sunset—so you can choose the light and pace that suits your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Tour

• Arrive 20 minutes early at Kewalo Basin
• Board the Haleiwa Queen catamaran
• Cruise toward Lēʻahi (Diamond Head)
• View Waikiki Beach Boardwalk from boat
• See Diamond Head volcanic tuff cone
• Explore ocean floor through glass bottom
• Spot marine life like turtles and fish
• Learn local history and ocean stories

The Experience

The Haleiwa Queen departs from Slip F26 at Kewalo Basin Harbor, a short drive or bus ride from Waikiki. Arrive 20 minutes early and look for the big red sign marking the slip. The catamaran holds 49 passengers, so the deck stays uncrowded even when full. Once aboard, you'll have access to a shaded canopy area—essential in the Hawaii sun—plus an onboard restroom and complimentary bottled water. The crew are watermen born and raised on Oahu, and they use the hour to share what they actually know: stories of their ancestors, what it was like growing up here, and their respect for the ocean itself.

The glass bottom viewports are the centerpiece. They're magnified, so you're not squinting at tiny shapes on the distant seafloor—you're watching the reef in detail as the boat cruises over live coral, tropical fish, and whatever else is moving through that part of the Pacific that day. Sea turtles (honu), eels, and reef sharks show up regularly. Dolphins and humpback whales appear during their seasons, though the crew will tell you upfront that sightings depend on conditions beyond anyone's control. You'll also pass Waikiki Beach and get a full view of Diamond Head's volcanic cone from the water—a perspective most visitors miss from the shore.

Choose your departure time based on what you want to see and how you want to feel. The early morning cruise prioritizes wildlife and calm water. The daytime tour is the standard glass bottom experience with full sun and clear visibility. The sunset sail trades the reef detail for the light show over the ocean and the cone of Diamond Head silhouetted against the sky. All three include the same boat, crew, and amenities; the difference is timing and what the light does to the moment.

What’s included

• Experienced captain and crew.
• 1-hour sightseeing cruise with magnified glass bottom viewports.
• shaded canopy deck.
• complimentary bottled water.
• onboard restroom.
• complimentary photos.
• lifejackets for all ages.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?Book the early morning departure if you want the calmest water and the best chance at dolphins and whales; choose the daytime tour for the clearest reef visibility and full sun; pick the sunset sail if you're after the light over Diamond Head and the ocean rather than the detail of the seafloor. All three are the same boat and crew—the timing changes what you see and how it looks.

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Top questions

What will I actually see through the glass bottom viewports?

The magnified viewports show the live coral reef, tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, and reef sharks that live on the ocean floor where the boat cruises. Dolphins and humpback whales appear during their seasons. The crew cannot guarantee any specific animal sightings because ocean conditions change, but they'll point out whatever is visible that day.

How do I get to Kewalo Basin Harbor from Waikiki?

Kewalo Basin is at 1009 Ala Moana Boulevard. By car, take the first harbor entrance closest to the intersection with Ward Avenue; metered parking ($1–2 per hour) is available near the restrooms and along the south end of the harbor. By bus, take routes #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki and exit at Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue, then walk to Slip F26 where you'll see the big red sign.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Children from age 1 are welcome. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Lifejackets are provided for all ages, and the crew will help you get settled. The shaded deck and onboard restroom make it manageable for families.

What's the difference between the early morning, daytime, and sunset departures?

All three cruises are the same 1-hour tour with the same boat and crew. The early morning cruise prioritizes calm water and wildlife viewing. The daytime tour offers full sun and clear reef visibility. The sunset sail trades reef detail for the light show over the ocean and Diamond Head at dusk. Choose based on whether you prefer wildlife, clarity, or scenery.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear casual clothes and bring sunscreen—the sun reflects off the water and the shaded deck doesn't cover the whole boat. Evening tours can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended. You're welcome to bring your own food or drinks aboard. Complimentary bottled water is provided, and lifejackets are supplied.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes, you can bring any food or drinks you want. Complimentary bottled water is included, and the boat has a shaded deck where you can sit and eat. There's an onboard restroom as well.