Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Diamond Head & Reef Sightseeing

See the ocean floor from the deck of the Haleiwa Queen

A 60-minute glass bottom boat tour departing from Kewalo Basin Harbor in Oahu, cruising along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head while viewing live tropical reefs and a shipwreck through hull viewports. The boat carries an experienced captain and crew, provides bottled water and complimentary photos, and features a canopy-covered deck for shade. Marine life sightings (dolphins, sea turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish) are visible from the deck, though the operator cannot guarantee specific animals on any given departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kewalo Basin15m
2. Waikiki Beach
3. Diamond Head15m

Glass bottom boat tour at Waikiki Beach

• Arrive 20 minutes before departure
• Board boat at Kewalo Basin Harbor
• Cruise along Waikiki Beach
• View marine life through glass bottom
• Enjoy views of Diamond Head
• Stop for photo at Diamond Head

The experience

The Haleiwa Queen departs from Slip F21 at Kewalo Basin Harbor (enter 1009 Ala Moana Blvd into GPS, or take bus #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki to Ala Moana Blvd + Ward Ave). Arrive 20 minutes early. The boat heads out along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head, and the route takes you over live tropical reefs and one of Hawaii's popular shipwrecks. The whole tour runs about an hour.

The glass-bottom viewports let you watch the ocean floor without leaving the deck: tropical fish, sea turtles (honu), eels, reef sharks and schools of smaller reef dwellers pass by as the boat cruises. The canopy-covered deck keeps you shaded and comfortable, and the crew brings bottled water. You'll get complimentary photos from the tour, and the captain and crew are there to point out what's happening below and answer questions. Marine life appears on most departures, but sightings depend on the day and the season: dolphins and whales show up during certain months.

The boat works for families, groups, wedding parties and school outings. Service animals are welcome. There's one step from the dock to board, and the operator cannot accommodate power wheelchairs. Infants travel best in a car seat or hands-free carrier, and children must have an adult with them. Metered parking ($1/hour) is available nearby, closest to Waikiki and Diamond Head.

What’s included

• The tour includes a 60-minute cruise with an experienced captain and crew.
• bottled water.
• complimentary photos.
• and a canopy-covered deck for shade and comfort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:15, the last at 16:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (3 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?The live English-speaking captain narrates the cruise, so you follow along without needing to read signs or manage an app: ideal if you want the reef and marine life explained as you watch, or if you're traveling with family and want someone pointing out what's below.

Traveler reviews

4.62★★★★★★★★★★

952 verified traveler reviews

5 ★752

4 ★106

3 ★52

2 ★15

1 ★27

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I expect to see through the glass bottom of the boat?

The Haleiwa Queen cruises over live tropical reefs and a shipwreck, where you'll see tropical fish, sea turtles, eels and reef sharks through the hull viewports. Dolphins and whales appear during certain seasons. The operator makes every effort to position the boat for viewing, but cannot guarantee any specific animal sightings on your departure.

Where do I meet the boat and how do I get there?

Meet at Slip F21 in Kewalo Basin Harbor (1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu). By car, enter that address into GPS and take the first harbor entrance closest to Ala Moana Blvd + Ward Ave. The boat is on the front row of the marina. By bus, take #19, #20, or #42 from Waikiki and exit at Ala Moana Blvd + Ward Ave, then walk to Slip F21. Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What's included in the tour price?

The 60-minute cruise includes bottled water, complimentary photos, a canopy-covered deck for shade, and an experienced captain and crew. The boat departs from Kewalo Basin and cruises along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Bottled water is provided. Guests may bring their own beverages (BYOB). Alcoholic drinks are permitted. The operator does not serve food or beverages beyond water.

What if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

The boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels. There is one step from the dock to board. Power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated, but the operator welcomes guests with other mobility needs. Contact them directly to discuss your situation before booking.