The 6 Best Wildlife Trips in Hawaii

1.Waikiki, Hawaii: Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 352 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Cruise from Kewalo Basin to a reef off Waikiki with Living Ocean Tours. Snorkeling gear, life jackets, snacks, drinks, a 20-foot slide, trampoline, and lily pad are included. The crew may help with GoPro photos, and wildlife can include turtles, dolphins, reef fish, monk seals, and winter humpback whales.

“This is a great experience for families. They include more than just snorkeling, which kids really love. The staff members are great! I recommend this, especially those with kids.”

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2.Deluxe Waikiki Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 54 reviews · 2h 30m · from $89

Spend 150 minutes cruising from Kewalo Basin toward Diamond Head, then swim and snorkel near Waikiki. Your English-speaking instructor provides gear, safety help, drinks, and access to a 20-foot slide and water trampoline. Winter trips may include humpback whales, while turtles and dolphins are possible year-round.

“sortie très agréable. équipe au top un peu court à mon goût ... quelques jolis poissons (appatés)...tortues pratiquement invisibles ...fonds marins pas extraordinaires ( lagon de Nouvelle Calédonie est extraordinaire par rapport)”

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3.Offshore Wildlife Safari and Reef Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $190

From Kailua-Kona, Ocean Eco Tours takes up to six people along coral reefs and into open ocean wildlife territory. Guides Monet and Brenden search for dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, manta rays, and other pelagic animals. Snorkeling experience is required, but you can stay aboard and watch. Bring towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and water.

“Such a great experience! We got to see a couple different species of dolphins and humpback whales! Crew was knowledgeable and friendly!! Definitely recommend!!”

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4.Marine Wildlife Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $153

From Honokohau Marina, Captain Zodiac takes you into Pacific waters aboard a fast, open-air Zodiac raft. Search for whales, dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and other marine life with a small crew, then return along Kona’s rugged coast and sea caves. Guides such as Cory, Mia, Ashley, and Seth are praised for safety and lively interpretation.

“Great experience! Whales, turtles, jellyfish, crabs; snorkeling for just a bit near the Cook Memorial; sea caves and a great captain!”

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5.Kawaihae Luxury Snorkel Cruise & Wildlife Watch with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · from $205

Set out from Kawaihae on the fast powerboat Kohola for a three-hour wildlife and snorkeling trip. Your English-speaking crew may include Captain Brian, Captain Brooke, Gail, or First Mate Indica. Expect dolphins and honu year-round, seasonal whales, in-water help, reef snorkeling, and a picnic lunch.

“We had a fantastic trip with Captain Brook and First Mate Indica!!! They were wonderful and knew how to take care of their boat and passengers. It was a great day on the beautiful ocean!”

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6.Tropical Reef & Wildlife Boat Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $230

Cruise from Hilo Bay on a 35-foot yacht with a guide, then snorkel Pacific coves, sand patches, and reefs. You may see tropical fish, eels, manta rays, turtles, eagle rays, and dolphins. The six-person limit keeps the outing personal. Gear, floatation devices, local juice, snacks, and harbor transport are included.

“The driver Trevor drove way too fast and never asked anyone how their experience was. Isiah was very nice. We have been on many trips in the past for the last four years on the Big Island and this was disappointing. He was crashing into waves and never asked us how we were as we hung on. I wound up going to the hospital with extreme back pain and needed a shot and medication. No one even apologized. It was very disturbing that our safety was not a priority.”

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