Waikiki Beach: Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Diamond Head Views

Summary

Glass bottom boat ride along Waikiki’s reefs and Diamond Head

You’ll cruise along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head on a glass bottom boat with a local crew—spotting turtles or tropical fish below your feet as sunlight flickers off the water. Enjoy shade under the canopy, snap photos with help from the crew, and feel that gentle ocean breeze as Honolulu slips into the distance behind you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we stepped onto the Haleiwa Queen at Kewalo Basin — I mean, how different could looking through a glass bottom really be? But right away, the captain (I think his name was Kaleo?) greeted us with this big wave and a laugh that made everyone relax. The deck smelled faintly of sunscreen and sea air, and there was this gentle hum from the harbor. We found a spot under the canopy, which turned out to be a lifesaver because even in the morning, Oahu’s sun doesn’t mess around.

As we pulled away from the dock, Waikiki Beach slid past on one side — all those hotels looking tiny for once — and suddenly you could see straight down through the glass panels. I caught flashes of yellow fish darting between coral bits, which is honestly way cooler than I expected. Someone pointed out a sea turtle (honu), just gliding along like it owned the place. Our guide leaned over to explain how locals spot them by their shadow before you see their shell. I tried but kept getting distracted by all the movement below.

The whole time we cruised toward Diamond Head — or Lē’ahi, as our guide called it — there was this breeze that kept everything feeling easy. At one point, my friend tried to pronounce “Lē’ahi” and absolutely butchered it; even the captain laughed. Didn’t spot any dolphins this time (guess they had better things to do), but honestly just watching the water shift colors from turquoise to deep blue was enough for me. They snapped some photos for us too, which is good because my phone was basically useless with wet hands.

I still think about that view back toward Honolulu — city on one side, open ocean on the other, just floating in between. It felt quieter than I expected out there, like you could hear your own thoughts again for a minute. If you’re looking for something mellow but not boring while you’re in Waikiki, this glass bottom boat tour is worth an hour of your day… even if you can’t say “Lē’ahi” right either.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat tour at Waikiki Beach

• Arrive 20 minutes early at Kewalo Basin Harbor
• Board the Haleiwa Queen at Slip F21
• Cruise along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head
• Enjoy views of Diamond Head from the boat
• Observe marine life through glass-bottom viewports

Top questions

Where does the Waikiki Beach glass bottom boat tour start?

The tour departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor at Slip F21 in Honolulu.

How long is the glass bottom boat cruise?

The sightseeing cruise lasts about 60 minutes.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at Kewalo Basin Harbor.

Can I see turtles or dolphins during this tour?

You might see sea turtles, dolphins, or tropical fish but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is food provided on board?

Bottled water is included but no meals are served during the tour.

Are complimentary photos included?

Yes, complimentary photos are taken by the crew during your cruise.

Is this boat tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can people using wheelchairs join?

The boat cannot accommodate power wheelchairs; there’s one step from dock to boat.

What’s included

Your outing includes a 60-minute sightseeing cruise with views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head from aboard a shaded glass bottom boat. The experienced local captain and crew provide bottled water and take complimentary photos as you watch for marine life through clear viewports before returning to Kewalo Basin Harbor.