Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: see coral reefs and sea turtles

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/13

Duration1h

GroupUp to 49

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Sip complimentary drinks on a shaded deck while hearing local tales of Waikīkī’s past and ocean life

A 60-minute glass bottom boat cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head aboard the Haleiwa Queen, a 50ft catamaran with 49 seats and shaded deck. You watch the ocean floor through magnified viewports while the local crew shares the history and stories of Waikiki and their own connection to the water. Bottled water and an onboard restroom are included; arrive 20 minutes early at Slip F21, where metered parking and city bus access are both available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Arrive 20 minutes early at Kewalo Basin
Board the Haleiwa Queen catamaran
Cruise along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head
View ocean floor through glass bottom ports
Listen to crew share local history and stories

The Experience

The Haleiwa Queen departs from Kewalo Basin Harbor at Slip F21, marked by a big red sign. The boat is a 50ft power catamaran with 49 seats, a shaded deck, and an onboard restroom, so there's room to move and shade when you need it. You'll step up onto the ramp, walk across, and step down into the vessel to be seated immediately—the crew handles the boarding process. Complimentary bottled water is available throughout the cruise.

Once underway, the boat heads toward Diamond Head along Waikiki Beach. The real draw is the glass bottom: magnified viewports let you see the ocean floor without leaving your seat. On the route over live coral reefs, you might spot tropical fish, honu (sea turtles), eels, reef sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales during the November-to-May season. The crew—all local, born and raised—will share stories of their ancestors and their own experiences growing up in Hawaii, along with the history of Waikiki where chiefs and commoners once lived. They're watermen their entire lives and will talk about their respect for the ocean. The operator notes that while the crew makes every effort to position the boat for marine life sightings, conditions beyond their control mean no animal encounters are guaranteed.

The cruise runs 60 minutes total. A live guide in English narrates throughout, and complimentary photos are taken during the trip. Passengers of all fitness levels can join; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. Note that motorized wheelchairs are not permitted, and swimming is not allowed on the regular public cruises.

What’s included

60-minute cruise with live English-language guide.
bottled water.
complimentary photos.
onboard restroom.
shaded deck seating on a 50ft catamaran.
experienced local crew.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour, so you'll cruise with other passengers and watch the ocean floor from your seat rather than snorkel or dive into it. It suits anyone who wants to see coral reefs and sea turtles without swimming, getting wet, or needing special equipment—families with young children, older travelers, and anyone with mobility considerations all fit the format.