Water Sports in Hawaii

Discover Maui's South Shore on a 2.5- or 4.5-hour snorkel and kayak tour. Led by a local guide, you'll paddle through the scenic Makena Bay on your choice of single or tandem kayaks. Then, take a dip in the water and explore the underwater world on a snorkel tour. Keep your eyes peeled for green sea turtles and other bright marine life. This family-friendly excursion is suitable for all skill levels, and your guide will provide paddling instructions as needed. Lunch is also included on the 4.5-hour option.

Ride a veritable Hawaiian roller coaster on this adventurous jet boat tour form Kaanapali Beach. Skip across the waves on an eco-friendly jet boat equipped with twin turbo-charged jet drives for a powerful ride around Maui.

Journey back in time with an expert local guide during this traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe tour. Learn about Polynesian culture as you cruise through top attractions and scenic tropical landscapes. Get up close to local marine life as you make your way through the waters between Wailea Beach and Maui.

Explore the tropical waters of the Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay on this guided kayak and snorkeling tour. Paddle through the lush tropical surroundings as you make your way down the Hanalei River out into the open Hanalei Bay, where you can glimpse the famous cliffs of Makana Peak (also known as Bali Hai). Snorkel through the marvelous underwater world of the Bay Reef Lagoon, home to sea turtles and brightly colored tropical fish.

Learn how to stand-up paddleboard with a small group in the waves off Waikiki Beach during this 2-hour lesson. Go through a lesson on ocean safety and paddleboard basics on land, then hit the water to learn balance and paddle techniques. All equipment provided.

Learn the basics of scuba diving during a 5-hour introductory course in Waikiki. Your professional scuba instructor teaches foundational scuba skills before taking you out by boat to a dive site in shallow water. Have time to get comfortable with the equipment in the water, then follow your instructor as you scuba dive around the coral reef. You can see marine critters such as sea turtles and colorful fish, an amazing experience to add to your vacation in Hawaii.

There are snorkeling trips, and then there are snorkeling trips on a famous, 46-foot yacht with three bedrooms, three restrooms, a full kitchen, lounging areas, a fully-stocked bar, and a prepared lunch. If you're up for leaving your luxurious accommodations, follow your guide on a 45-minute tour of a reef and the wildlife that calls it home. After snorkeling, return to the yacht (not boat) and bask in the Hawaiian sun as you sail back to the marina. Snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks from the bar, and bean bags for lounging included.

When visiting Oahu, experience the ultimate watersports adventure on this guided water sports seafari experience. Choose a departure time, then explore Maunalua Bay on the Southeast shore of the island. Ride on an underwater scooter, soar through the air above while parasailing and jet ski along the warm tropical waters. Then enjoy lunch at the world-famous Teddy's Bigger Burgers. Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Take a deep dive (literally) into some of Hawaii's top shipwrecks and beautiful reefs during this 3-hour diving experience near Oahu's South Shore. Depending on the weather and conditions, you'll enjoy explorations of wrecks like the Sea Tiger, at 80 to 130 feet (25-40 meters), or the combination wrecks of YO 257 and San Pedro, located at 60 to 100 feet (18-30 meters). For those interested in marine life, the sea turtles of Turtle Canyon or the hard corals of Nautilus Reef offer more great options. A guide, snacks and round-trip hotel transport from Waikiki are covered.

Swim with giant manta rays in their nighttime habitat during this 2.5-hour activity in Kona. Travel out into the seas offshore to watch the colorful Kona sunset, then jump in to swim with the docile rays as they feed on microscopic plankton. Follow your guides around the manta habitat and watch as the animals are attracted to the bright lights, creating a "manta rave" of lights, bubbles and mantas. All snorkel equipment, including flotation devices and wet suits, is included. Manta sightings are guaranteed, or you will be given a voucher for another tour.

Get up close and personal with Hawaii's beautiful marine life during this 3-hour diving trip near Waikiki Beach. Depending on conditions and your experience, you'll visit one of three sites. Head to Turtle Canyon, a 15-30 foot (5-10 meter) dive with a wealth of local turtles. Or check out Nautilus Reef, a 30-60 foot (10-18 meter) site with beautiful Hawaiian hard corals, white tip sharks and moray eels. There's also Horseshoe Reef/Kewalo Pipe, a 40-65 foot (12-20 meter) dive with several species of eels and rays. All necessary equipment and snacks are included.

Skip the usual boat tours and embark upon a Hawaiian style kayak adventure in a traditional outrigger canoe. These double-hull canoes are known for providing stability and smooth rides; all the better to experience Kealakekua Bay with minimal exertion. Learn about the history of the bay, one of the most sacred in Hawaii; its mysterious caves, and how people lived there, from guides whose families are connected to the area.

Enjoy two Hawaiian underwater adventures for the price of one with this 4-hour combination dolphin-swimming encounter and snorkeling trip. Start by exploring the 600+ species of marine life like sea turtles, coral and tropical fish that call the reefs of Kealakekua Bay home. Then meet up with a local pod of wild spinner dolphins for an optional swimming session. A trip choice without the dolphin swimming portion is also available.

Hawaii is one of the world's top surf destinations and Poipu Beach is one of the best places on Kauai to try surfing. On this tour, learn to surf under the guidance of an expert instructor and benefit from a small group size with no more than 8 participants. Master the basics on the beach, then head into the water to practice paddling and standing up, and perhaps even catch your first wave.

Snorkeling waters rich in marine life is a highlight of a trip to Maui, but it's not always easy to know where is the best place to go given the day's conditions. Ensure you find the right spot on this guided tour from Lahaina, which takes you snorkeling around coral gardens and amongst colorful schools of fish and green sea turtles. Scuba diving is also available for both experienced and new divers. While not underwater, lounge around on a floating mat or enjoy lunch and snacks onboard.

Get a bird's-eye view of the Big Island on a 1-hour parasailing experience. This family-friendly adventure can accommodate one, two or three people on each flight. Gaze out at the beautiful Kona Coast as you soar 800 feet (243 meters) or 1,200 feet (365 meters) into the air. Then land smoothly and safely back on the boat before returning to shore.

Look for dolphins, fish, turtles and the beautiful vistas of Kauai's Na Pali coastline on this 5.5-hour snorkeling cruise. Snorkel, try scuba diving (reservation required), float on a boogie board or noodle, play on a water slide or just dangle feet in the water at the back of the boat. No experience is required. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on the boat. On the way back to Port Allen, enjoy a panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast. All snorkeling equipment, plus continental breakfast, buffet lunch, snacks and beverages included.

Explore the cave-studded shores and vibrant marine life of Lanai on a snorkeling tour from Maui's Kaanapali Beach. Make two stops to splash into clear, warm waters where green sea turtles and spinner dolphins are often seen, with an experienced captain providing narration along the way. Enjoy breakfast onboard a spacious vessel equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable half-day cruising among the hidden sea caverns and beaches of this enchanting Hawaiian island.

There are few places in all of Hawaii more historic than Kealakekua Bay, as it's the spot where Captain Cook was killed in a skirmish with native Hawaiians, and the Hawaiian monarch, King Kamehameha III was born just a few miles away. The history aside, it's also one of the best places to snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you'll have the chance to experience the beauty on this snorkeling tour from Kona. Search for dolphins on the way to bay while admiring the volcanic coast, and after scouring the red for coral and fish, climb aboard for a lunch that's served by the friendly crew.

Pre-book your beach umbrella and chair set for an easy and relaxing way to enjoy a day on Waikiki Beach. Settle in right in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of Diamond Head and the ocean as you relax under the shade. Bathrooms are conveniently located at Duke's Waikiki restaurant and check-in is 15 minutes before your scheduled time.