Scenic Waikiki Cruises

What exactly are scenic Waikiki cruises?

It’s a 2-hour ride along the coastline, with only 3–6 guests, and a local captain who knows the area well enough to point out things you’d never think to look for.

You choose either 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 3:00 pm, depending on what you want the light to look like and how the rest of your day is shaping up.

Morning cruises give you softer shadows over Diamond Head. Midday feels bright and tropical, like something out of a magazine. Afternoon runs get that mellow glow that settles in before evening winds pick up.

There’s no “best.” They’re just different flavors of the same view.

What you’ll actually see out there

This isn’t one of those tours where someone talks nonstop into a microphone. The Kona Star keeps things pretty laid back. If there’s something interesting ahead, the captain points it out. If not, you enjoy the ocean for what it is.

Still, a few things show up almost every trip:

• Diamond Head Crater, but from the ocean – where you can finally see its entire slope instead of just the bite-mark shape from the beach.
• Waikiki’s skyline, looking a lot cleaner and calmer from out on the water.
• Spinner dolphins, which sometimes appear out of nowhere and steal the show.
• The south shore reef line, where waves layer into these neat, stacked patterns.

Some days the water is nearly flat. Other days it’s a bit more lively. Either way, it’s part of the experience. You’re close to land but far enough out that the noise fades.

Can you swim on this cruise?

If the ocean behaves, yes. The crew will drop anchor offshore and let guests hop in for a quick swim. The water is warm. The clarity changes from day to day, but it’s usually good enough to see your toes and then some.

You can bring your own snorkel set if you want. We also have gear on board for anyone who wants to explore a bit.

If swimming isn’t your thing, staying on the deck is just as nice. The Kona Star has enough space to stretch out, lean back, and take it all in.

How long does the cruise last?

About two hours, give or take. Long enough to settle into it. Short enough that you don’t feel like you’re committing your whole day to a boat ride.

Who these cruises work best for

Scenic Waikiki cruises tend to attract people who want a break from the usual Waikiki routine. Couples. Families with older kids. Small friend groups who want a shared experience. Anyone who likes the idea of being on the water without joining a giant party boat.

With only 6 spots available, the vibe is mellow. No scrambling for a good view. No feeling like you’re lost in a crowd.

Why choose Ocean Adventures Hawaii?

A few things stand out on our scenic Waikiki cruises:

• The groups stay small. That alone changes the whole feel.
• The crew actually knows the coastline. They point out things most visitors never notice.
• The timing options are flexible. You can fit it into almost any vacation day.
• The boat is comfortable, not cramped. Enough room to move around without bumping elbows.

Most guests end up surprised at how quiet the south shore feels once you get a little distance from the buildings.

What to bring on a cruise around Waikiki

• Swimsuit, if you plan to jump in the water
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera or phone 
• A light jacket for the 3 pm departure if trade winds kick in

That’s about it. You don’t need shoes once you’re on board, and there’s plenty of shaded space to tuck your belongings.

How much does a scenic cruise cost?

The cruise is only $125 per person for a unique experience that’s both small and personal. Larger boats cost around the same but hold 40–80 people. This one maxes out at six.

How to book your Waikiki boat cruise

Easy. Choose your time, pick your date, and reserve your spot. These cruises don’t run with giant crowds, so it also means they fill up faster than you’d think. If you already know your travel dates, book it now to ensure you’re able to choose a ride that fits your schedule.

If you like this, you’ll probably like…

Ocean Adventures Hawaii runs several other small-group trips, each with its own feel:

• Morning Coffee Cruise: Sunrise colors over Diamond Head. Very quiet, very peaceful.
• Turtle Canyon Cruise: Turtles, cleaner fish, and calm anchoring spots.
• Sunset Cruise: Great light, steady breeze, and Honolulu glowing in the background.
• Whale Watching (seasonal): Humpbacks breaching in the channel.
• Private events: Birthdays, proposals, or anything that deserves its own boat.

Each tour focuses on a different side of Oahu’s coastline, so they don’t feel repetitive.