Our most recommended things to do in Waianae

Oahu: Dolphin Watching with Lunch and Ocean Sports

1. Oahu: Dolphin Watching with Lunch and Ocean Sports

Discover what more than 300,000 guests have experienced and share an unforgettable encounter with dolphins in their natural Hawaii habitat on Oahu's west shore. Take a cruise along the stunning west coast of Oahu, and take in views of wild spinner dolphins in crystal clear ocean waters. Participate in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles. Relax and enjoy the trip while trained guides, lifesavers, and free divers make sure everyone is safe and comfortable in the water. Enjoy included access to kayaks and SUP boards or relax on the boat after snorkeling, and be entertained with hula dancing and ukulele performances from staff or as they answer questions on Hawaiian culture and history.

Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

2. Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Turtle Snorkel Excursion in Waianae

Embark on a wildlife-watching cruise aboard a 32-foot motorboat. Search for wild dolphins and whales off the coast of Oahu and learn about each species. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel in unique spots and come face-to-face with the most vibrant reefs. Board your boat and head out on an exhilarating ocean ride. Hear about local marine life from the experienced crew as you navigate. Spot wild dolphins playing in turquoise waters and, during the winter months, enjoy the bonus of spotting humpback whales. Stop to snorkel in clear, protected bays that are teeming with sea life. Gaze at the fascinating ecosystem of Hawaii's reefs, including sea turtles and colorful fish. Hop back on board, sit back, and relax on your return trip.

Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Snorkeling Trip

3. Oahu: Dolphin Swim and Snorkeling Trip

Explore the remote Wai‘anae coast of O‘ahu and experience an adventure of a lifetime. Step aboard the beautiful double-decker catamaran, the Eco, and perform a Hawaiian ‘Oli (chant) with the crew to permit safe passage on your journey. Start the adventure by looking for dolphins close to the majestic and mountainous coastline. Learn about the marine and local culture. You'll explore deeper chartered waters to drop in and swim with bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Voyage back inland and moor the boat in the absolutely stunning and pristine Makaha bay. Here, you'll participate in ocean activities such as the waterslide, rock climbing wall, floating mat, and paddle boards, put on some good local tunes, snorkel with turtles and exotic fish, and enjoy a delectable locally crafted lunch. Finish the tour by traveling back to the harbor with the chance to try out the optional photo packages of your adventure.

Oahu: Speedboat Dolphin Swim Adventure with Snorkeling

4. Oahu: Speedboat Dolphin Swim Adventure with Snorkeling

Enjoy an intimate 3-hour tour of 18 guests or less. Cruise the Waianae coast and swim with wild dolphins in the deep, watch dolphins closer to shore, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy the colorful reef. The boat is fast! If you enjoy adventure and unique experiences, this is perfect for you. This tour is not recommended for young children. This tour is recommended for guests at any swimming level who want to see the most marine life in the wild in Hawaii. • Pick up begins from 5:00-5:30 am from select hotels in Waikiki and Ko'Olina. Transportation is included and only available for our 7:30am tour. Waianae is about 60-90 minutes away from Waikiki. You can select self-drive as well. • Check-in is 7:00 am for the morning tour, or 10:30 am for the afternoon tour. Check in is at Waianae Small Boat Harbor. Here, the crew checks you in and briefs you on what to expect and safety measures before the tour. • At 7:30 am (morning tour), or 11:00 am (afternoon tour), the boat Dolphin Warrior will depart from Waianae Small Boat Harbor. You will cruise the Waianae coast in search of wild deep-water dolphins. • After 30-40 minutes of cruising the coast, the crew will assist guests into the water to see the wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The crew will keep you at a safe distance. • After swimming with wild deep-water dolphins, the crew will take you to watch the famous Hawaiian spinner dolphins closer to shore. The boat will stay at a very safe distance, and the crew will share knowledge as you observe. From December-March, you can watch humpback whales too! • After watching dolphins, the boat will drive to the perfect snorkel destination to explore. The crew will lead you in the water as you explore the reef. You will have the chance to swim with tropical reef fish and green sea turtles. • After snorkeling, the boat will return back to Waianae Small Boat Harbor at 10:30 am (morning tour) or 2:00 pm (afternoon tour).

West O'ahu: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise

5. West O'ahu: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise

Explore the beautiful clear blue waters of West O'ahu. Spot wild dolphins and snorkel through the ocean while admiring the diversity of wildlife in the area. See a variety of creatures such as turtles, tropical fish, seals, and sometimes manta rays. Board a spacious 42-passenger catamaran boat to cruise the West Coast of O’ahu and enjoy a relaxing experience of dolphin watching and snorkeling among O'ahu's wildlife. Travel on a double-hulled catamaran, relax while enjoying a comfortable and stable ride, and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean and the mountains. Look out for dolphins and snorkel in the clear waters of West O’ahu, and enjoy an experience with wild Hawaiian sea turtles and tropical island fishes. Have fun searching for O'ahu's wildlife while snorkeling, and see creatures like the Hawaiian monk seals. This dolphin watching and snorkeling tour is suitable for beginners and is a perfect choice even for families with small children.

Eco-Friendly West Oahu Snorkel Sail with Dolphins and lunch

6. Eco-Friendly West Oahu Snorkel Sail with Dolphins and lunch

Experience Hawaii's unparalleled snorkeling with this cruise from Oahu. Look for Hawaiian spinner dolphins, tropical fish and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Savor a mouth-watering breakfast and lunch onboard and relax with two beverages from the bar and unlimited sodas and juices.  Board the boat and set sail for the turquoise waters of the Ko Olina coast. Keep your eyes open for playful dolphins that like to jump and play in the wake of the boat. Enjoy a tasty continental breakfast on your way to your snorkeling spot. Ride on an eco-friendly sailboat, geared towards dolphin preservation and equipped with the finest of amenities, including 2 large restrooms and a fresh-water shower. There's plenty of shade on the deck, as well as tables and seating at the bar. Sip on two complimentary drinks from the bar and have the chance to purchase more as you go. Stay hydrated with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks all day long. Hop into the crystal-clear water and uncover a hidden world of vibrantly colored fish and corals. Work up an appetite and sit down to a picnic lunch on the boat's comfy deck tables. Return to your meeting point at the end of your cruise.

Oahu: Historic Honolulu Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

7. Oahu: Historic Honolulu Smartphone Audio Walking Tour

Embark on a self-guided tour through the Hawaii Capital Historic District. Stroll past historical and modern landmarks while listening to the audio guide on your smartphone as we lead you on a journey through the capital city of Hawaii with the rich history and culture that defines this amazing place. Marvel at Ali'iolani Hale, home to Hawaii’s Supreme Court and the awe inspiring Hawaii Public Library. Take in the beauty of the Iolani Palace, once the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs and the only royal palace located in the United States. Appreciate Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, a magnificent place of worship and the Emma Square named for Queen Emma and James and Abigail Campbell. Learn about the Frank F Fasi Building, the origin of the Nagasaki Peace Bell and the Hawaii State Art Museum, dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of Hawaii. Hear the interesting stories behind the Sky Gate, Seagull Schools, the unique custom of Kapu Law and Father Damien and the Eternal Flame. Delight in the ancient folklore of Hawaii’s fabled "little-people" the Menehune. Learn the long history of Hawaii through the statues of King Kamehameha, Patsy Takemoto-Mink and her meaning to Hawaiians. You’ll hear about the inspiring Queen Lili’uokalani and her dedication to the people of Hawaii as well as the interesting history behind the regal manor called Washington Place. Explore the architecture in the Kana’ina Building, the impressive features of the Honolulu Hale and the Kawaiahao Church with its unusual building material and royal tomb. Visit the Hawaiian Mission Houses, among the oldest Western style houses on the islands, along with the Waianae sandstone Honolulu Police Station. Check out an example of early 20th century architecture in Honolulu at the Kuma Kahua Theatre. Stroll past the historic and cultural landmarks of the Queen’s Conference Center, the Queen’s Medical Center and the Boughaus designed Hawaii State Capitol Building. Take a break in the pedestrian-only Fort Street Mall and then check out the lavish style of the once famous “Pride of the Pacific”, now the Hawaii Theatre.

Oahu: Eco-Friendly West Coast Whale Watching Cruise

8. Oahu: Eco-Friendly West Coast Whale Watching Cruise

Look for whales in their natural habitat aboard a beautiful catamaran or mono-hull powerboat. Set sail from Waianae Harbor and cruise the shallow waters off the west coast of Oahu in comfort. Soak up the fantastic weather, just as the warm waters surrounding the main islands attract humpback whales in large numbers. Scientists estimate that two-thirds of the entire humpback whale population of the North Pacific travel over 3,000 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii in order to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Get served complimentary sodas, chips, and cookies as you look for the magnificent creatures frolicking off the shores from December to May.

Oahu: Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Adventure

9. Oahu: Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the remote Wai‘anae coast of Oahu and experience an adventure of a lifetime. Step aboard the beautiful double-decker catamaran, the Eco, and perform a Hawaiian ‘Oli (chant) to permit safe passage on the journey. Board the boat at  Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor. Start the adventure by looking for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins close to the majestic and mountainous coastline. Learn about marine biology and local culture as you search. Afterwards, moor the boat in the absolutely stunning and pristine Makaha bay. Here, take part in ocean activities such as the waterslide, rock climbing wall, floating mat, and paddle boards. Enjoy local tunes and soak up the typical Hawaiian atmosphere. Hop into the clear blue waters and enjoy some time for snorkeling with turtles and exotic fish. After working up, enjoy a delectable locally crafted lunch. Afterward, head back to the starting point on O‘ahu.

Oahu: Doors-Off Circle Island Helicopter Experience

10. Oahu: Doors-Off Circle Island Helicopter Experience

Covering the island of O‘ahu from above, this is the only full circle tour of O‘ahu by a doors-off helicopter. You'll see incredible aerial views, starting with a glimpse of history as you fly over Pearl Harbor, WWII Arizona Memorial, and Battleship Missouri. Next, soar above the bustling Honolulu harbor, beautiful Waikīkī, and the iconic Diamond Head Crater. Heading further east, you’ll overfly Koko Head Crater and Hanauma Bay before seeing Sandy Beach and Makapu‘u Lighthouse. Heading north, you will come across the fantastic coral formations of Kāne‘ohe Bay, Mokoli‘i (Chinaman’s Hat), and take a peek into “Jurassic Park” — or, as it has been known locally for hundreds of years, Ka‘a‘awa Valley. The thousand-foot cascade of Kaliuwa‘a (Sacred Falls) is a stunning view and is accessible only by air. Then you’ll see the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay Resort, and world-famous surfing spots of the North Shore: Sunset, Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and more. As you round Ka‘ena Point you get a glimpse of the serene Wai‘anae Coast, a hidden gem of the island. Uncrowded and glorious white sand beaches such as Yokohama, Mākaha, and Pōka‘i lace the coast. Historic Mākaha Valley comes into view on the return back to Ko‘olina.

Add dates

Things to do in
Waianae

12 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Waianae

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Waianae

Want to discover all there is to do in Waianae? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Waianae

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 327 reviews

The girls were amazing!!! Knowledgeable engaging I can’t say enough good things. Everyone was great!!! We found a nursery pod of dolphins. The smaller boat and capacity size made this the absolute best way to be up front and close to the dolphins. I was so glad we weren’t on the big boats out. We wouldn’t have been able to see the baby dolphins having a blast or the ones riding our wake. Just can’t say enough good things about this tour. I have already recommended to everyone I know. Deanna

My daughter and I had a great time snorkeling with sea turtles and looking for dolphins. We did see some whales. We will return another day to see about those dolphins. The crew was fantastic!! Fresh pineapple was a treat! This was probably our best memory from the trip. We highly recommend.

It was an excellent tour we truly swam with the dolphins and snorkeled with the sea turtles and the Hawaiian fish. We could use paddle boards, the rock wall, and slide once we got to our snorkeling spot. the staff could not have been nicer I highly recommended this tour!!!

Was a fantastic cruise with wonderful service and a very knowledgeable crew. We saw humpback whales breaching and followed about 3 whales throughout the cruise. Magical!

Outstanding experience! Saw plenty of whales and dolphins. Crew was excellent and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.