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

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

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kewalo Basin15m
2. Waikiki Beachpassing by

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.

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 effortStroller-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.

Traveler reviews

4.63★★★★★★★★★★

2,401 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,905

4 ★268

3 ★126

2 ★49

1 ★53

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.

How do I get to Kewalo Basin Harbor where the boat departs?

The Haleiwa Queen leaves from Slip F21 at Kewalo Basin Harbor, located at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. If driving, enter that address into GPS and take the first entrance into the harbor closest to the intersection of Ala Moana Blvd and Ward Ave. Metered parking ($1/hr) is available upfront near the restrooms and toward the south end. City buses #19, #20, and #42 run from Waikiki to Ala Moana Blvd and Ward Ave, a short walk to Slip F21. Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What will I actually see through the glass bottom viewports?

The magnified glass bottom ports show the ocean floor as you cruise over live coral reefs. Tropical fish, sea turtles (honu), eels, and reef sharks are common sightings. Dolphins and humpback whales appear during whale-watching season, November through May. The crew positions the boat to maximize marine life viewing, though sightings depend on ocean conditions beyond their control.

What's included in the 60-minute cruise?

The cruise includes bottled water, complimentary photos taken during the trip, an experienced captain and crew, and access to the onboard restroom. A live guide in English narrates the history of Waikiki and shares stories throughout the journey. Shaded deck seating is available on the 49-seat catamaran.

When is the best time to see humpback whales on this cruise?

Humpback whales appear during whale-watching season, which runs from November through May. Outside that window, you'll still see tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and other reef life year-round.