12 VIP Experiences in Hawaii to Build a Day Around

1.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174Our pick

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping at a calm snorkeling site. Gear, instruction, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki transportation are included.

“This was our first time on a Catamaran and was looking forward to a unique experience for our whole family including the 9 Yr Old Twins. Not only did it exceed our expectations with the ride, but the diving and food was fantastic. The Staff was extremely friendly and courteous. Have an onboard photographer was also appreciated as the memories will now last forever. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.VIP Private Road to Hana Tour with Pick Up

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,068 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $679Top rated

Spend 8 to 10 hours exploring Maui’s Road to Hana with a private guide such as Luke, Charlie, Melissa, or Donovan. Set your pace, visit waterfalls, taro fields, black-sand beaches, Hana town, and local food stops, and let an experienced driver handle the narrow highway. Pickup is available across Maui.

“We had an amazing trip and tour with our guide Shayne! It was awesome to let someone else drive and have him take us to different spots on the Road to Hana including one or two that were more hidden gems/personal favorites. He made sure to customize it as much as he could despite my wife and I not doing much research prior to the tour. He also made sure we were comfortable and had a great time throughout the tour. I would definitely recommend the tour and if you have specific spots you want to see along the way, just let them know!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Small-Group Road to Hana Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 863 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $385

Spend about 10 hours on Maui’s Road to Hana in a leather-seat limo-van limited to eight people. Guides such as Ray, Gayle, Adam, and Ernie explain Hawaiian history, plants, and culture while you visit Ke‘anae, Wai‘anapanapa’s black sand beach, and Pua‘a Ka‘a waterfall. Pickup, drinks, meals, and return transport are included.

“Adam was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with my kids! There's so way we would have had the same experience driving the road to Hana ourselves. He knew where to stop for the best banana bread and bathrooms! My only wish is that we had booked this trip first as it inspired so many other fun activities to do while in Hawaii!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Aboard a Luxury Catamaran from Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 797 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $183

Board Body Glove’s large catamaran from Kailua-Kona for a 4.5-hour outing along the Gold Coast. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, about two hours in the water, and a good chance to spot dolphins or seasonal whales. Captain Erica, Adam, Brianna, and Taylor have all been praised for attentive service, though the Red Hill snorkel site is not Kealakekua Bay.

“There were many snorkeling companies, but I never regret choosing this.The staff were super kind and the breakfast and lunch they provided were so delicious with fresh ingredients. On the way to the snorkeling spot, we could see a group of dolphins. Besides snorkeling, they provided various swimming equipment for children to enjoy. It was a very satisfying experience and I want to do it again!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Road to Hana Luxury Limo-Van Tour with Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 762 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $599

Ride Maui’s winding Road to Hana in a six-passenger luxury limo-van with a Hawaii-certified guide such as Scott, Gayle, Ray, or Sue, then return by 36-minute Eco-Star helicopter flight. Expect Ke‘anae, Wai‘anapanapa’s black sand beach, waterfalls, a Pacific Rim lunch, and sweeping views of Haleakala and the coast.

“The helicopter ride was a great experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in Maui!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 682 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Cruise from Kewalo Basin along Oahu’s south coast aboard the Makani Catamaran, with views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Choose an afternoon or sunset departure, watch for dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, and enjoy one complimentary beverage. Sunset sailings add an island-style buffet, skyline views, and Friday fireworks.

“I had a great time enjoying the view and the lull of the ocean. My friend didn't think the boat was fast enough. She didn't seem to get that we were there to enjoy the view not race past everything!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Molokini and Turtles Luxury Yacht Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $263

Spend about five hours aboard Pride of Maui’s air-conditioned luxury catamaran with Captain Justin and crew. Snorkel at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town when conditions allow, then enjoy breakfast, an onboard barbecue lunch, warm showers, and an open bar. The boat carries up to 40 people and welcomes ages 8 and older.

“It was the best tour we have ever been on. The boat was clean and neat. Food was great and drinks were good too. We had about 40 people in our group. It was not over crowed . Nice new gear for snorkeling. I would highly recommend this to anyone traveling to Maui.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Maui by Storm: Epic Private Luxury Road to Hana Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · 9 to 12 hours (approx.)

Spend 9 to 12 hours exploring Maui’s Road to Hana in a private, air-conditioned SUV with a local guide such as Charleston, Makana, Nani, or Jay. Stop for waterfalls, banana bread, Huli Huli chicken, sea turtles, and Honokalani Black Sand Beach. Pickup is available anywhere on Maui, with water, soda, fuel, and parking included.

“We had the best time on our tour!! Kaipo was an amazing tour guide and took us to the best places! You have to ask him to take you to the secret cave and local chicken place! Thanks for keeping us safe and treating us like Ohana!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.KAUAI LUXURY 60-Minute Doors-Off Helicopter ADVENTURE

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $399

Spend about an hour in the air with pilot narration, flying from Lihue over Waimea Canyon, Manawaiopuna Falls, the Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Bay, Mount Waialeale, and Wailua Falls. The doors-off aircraft gives open views and a strong sense of the wind, ocean air, and waterfalls below. Pilots include Arthur, Chrissy, Preston, Nick, and Chris.

“It was AMAZING!! Absolutely gorgeous! A must see, there is nothing like it and this company delivered! Arthur was an extremely smooth, safe, knowledgeable pilot. Growing up there he knew everything about the island. I have flown in helicopters a lot (did trauma medivac for years) and felt like I was in great hands with Arthur. Thank you all so much for providing one of the best excursions ever!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Luxury Kona Coast Snorkel Tour Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 309 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $204

Cruise South Kona aboard Hula Kai, a comfortable boat with lifeguard-certified crew, two snorkel stops, plant-based breakfast and lunch, paddleboards, showers, restrooms, and a cash bar. You may visit Rob’s Reef, Turtle Rock, Puʻu ʻOhau, or Kealakekua Bay, depending on sea and wind conditions. The tour starts at 9 a.m. and lasts about five and a half hours.

“What a great time! The crew was first class and very helpful. This was such first class experience! Must do!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Luxury Helicopter Experience with Hana Rainforest Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 274 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $341

Fly from Kahului over Maui’s North Shore, Jaws, waterfalls, the Road to Hana, and Jurassic Rock. Your EC130 helicopter then lands for 30 minutes at a former taro plantation in Wailua Valley. Expect live commentary, changing seats based on weight and balance, and a small group of up to seven passengers.

“We had a wonderful experience with our Luxury Helicopter ride for our honeymoon in Maui. Thank you so much for a great experience. The pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable as well and put our nerves at ease for our first time flying.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Private Luxury Sportfishing Experience Aboard Limitless

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll fish Oahu’s open water aboard the private luxury sportfishing boat Limitless with a captain and first mate. The crew provides rods, tackle, bait, ice, and catch cleaning. You may troll for ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin, and other pelagic fish, then switch nearshore for reef fish if needed. Bring your own food, drinks, and motion-sickness medicine.

“Great day! Max and Jerry were patient and hard working. We caught two tuna…the boys were thrilled. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review