Hāwea Catamaran Waikiki — Sailing and Turtle Snorkeling Tour
Not all Waikiki snorkel tours feel the same on the boat. The Hāwea catamaran — a new, spacious 50-foot vessel — adds cold brew, granola bars, and a relaxed sailing vibe to the standard Turtle Canyon snorkel formula. At 2.5 hours, it's a touch longer than most competing tours, which means slightly more time in the water with Hawaiian green sea turtles and colorful reef fish. Here's what the experience is like and whether the premium vessel is worth it. (See every catamaran turtle tour in Oahu side by side on the homepage.)
About the Hāwea Catamaran Snorkel
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Lock in your date, pay nothing today
More time in the water than most Waikiki tours
The Hāwea — spacious, stable, and modern
Granola bars and beverages on board
Hawaiian green sea turtles year-round
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for the Hāwea catamaran — select your morning or afternoon sail.
What Makes the Hāwea Different
Most Waikiki snorkel tours use older vessels that are perfectly functional but not particularly comfortable. The Hāwea is a newer 50-foot catamaran with more deck space, better seating, and an easy water entry that suits all fitness levels. The cold brew and drinks are a small touch, but they signal the overall approach: this is a boat that treats the sailing part of the experience as worth having, not just a means of getting to the reef.
The 2.5-hour duration gives you an extra 30 minutes compared to the standard 2-hour Turtle Canyon tours — which at Turtle Canyon translates directly to more snorkel time with Hawaiian green sea turtles. The reef sits in 20 to 40 feet of crystal clear water, and the honu here are habituated enough to the presence of snorkelers that you can observe them at a respectful distance without them swimming away.
What You'll See at Turtle Canyon
The reef at Turtle Canyon is one of the most reliable turtle snorkeling spots on Oahu's south shore. Expect to encounter:
- Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) grazing and resting on the reef
- Yellow tang and bright schooling fish in clear water
- Coral formations and reef fish typical of Oahu's south shore
- Occasional spinner dolphins visible from the boat on the sail out or back
- Diamond Head views on the return cruise — one of the best angles in Honolulu
Snorkel gear is provided, and the crew briefs everyone on the 10-foot turtle distance rule before entry. The laid-back atmosphere on the Hāwea extends to the snorkel itself — no rushing, and the crew stays in the water to assist anyone who wants guidance.
What's Included (and What's Not)
Included
The price covers a full 2.5-hour experience:
- Sailing aboard the new 50-foot Hāwea catamaran
- Full snorkel gear: mask, fins, and snorkel
- Cold brew coffee, granola bars, and a drink on board
- Crew and guide throughout including in the water
- Scenic Waikiki sailing before and after the snorkel
Not included
Hotel pickup is not included — the Hāwea departs from a dock near Waikiki Beach, walkable from most Waikiki hotels. A full meal is not part of the tour, but the cold brew and snacks tide most guests over until lunch. Turtle sightings are very likely but not formally guaranteed on this specific tour.
How the 2.5 Hours Flow
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0:00
Board the Hāwea
Check in at the dock, collect snorkel gear, and find a spot on the spacious catamaran deck.
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0:15
Safety and snorkel briefing
Crew covers technique, turtle approach rules, and what to look for at Turtle Canyon.
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0:30
Sail to Turtle Canyon
15-minute cruise offshore — grab a cold brew and watch the Waikiki skyline shrink behind you.
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0:45
Snorkel session
One full hour in the water at Turtle Canyon. The crew stays in to point out turtles, fish, and coral.
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1:45
Return sail
Back aboard with a drink in hand. Relaxed 20-minute sail back along the Waikiki coastline.
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2:30
Back at the dock
Disembark refreshed. The morning's barely over.
Insider Tips for the Hāwea Catamaran
Tips from guests and regular Waikiki snorkel regulars:
- The cold brew is a popular touch — if you're an early riser who skipped hotel breakfast, this pairs well with the morning sail
- The 50-foot deck is larger than most Waikiki snorkel vessels, which means it's a comfortable option if enclosed boats make you feel claustrophobic
- Book the first morning slot — turtle activity is highest before 9am and visibility is best before afternoon trade winds create surface chop
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen at the hotel before leaving — mineral, non-aerosol only; Hawaii law prohibits oxybenzone and octinoxate in state waters
- If you want a turtle sightings guarantee rather than a strong likelihood, see the [small group Turtle Canyon tour](small-group-turtle-snorkeling-waikiki/) for a money-back promise
Where to Meet
Who This Tour Is For
The Hāwea catamaran is a good match for couples and friend groups who want snorkeling with turtles in Oahu but also value the sailing experience and a bit of onboard comfort. It's also a solid pick for anyone who has heard mixed things about older or more crowded Waikiki snorkel boats and wants to try a newer vessel.
- Not ideal for: non-swimmers or very young children — this is open-ocean snorkeling in 20–40 feet of water
- Not suitable for: expectant mothers — ocean conditions and entering the water are not recommended
- Not the best fit for: budget-focused guests — the Hāwea's comfort premium is reflected in the price; other Turtle Canyon tours offer the same reef at a lower cost
- Not suitable for: guests who need a turtle sightings guarantee — choose the small group tour for that
Hāwea Catamaran Snorkel Tour — FAQ
What's included with the drinks and snacks?
Cold brew coffee, granola bars, and a drink (non-alcoholic options and light beverages). This isn't a full meal, but it's enough to keep the energy up for a 2.5-hour morning trip.
How big is the Hāwea catamaran?
50 feet — larger than most Waikiki snorkel vessels. The extra deck space means more room to gear up, relax between the sail and the snorkel, and enjoy the return cruise.
Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
Not on this specific tour — honu are very consistently present at Turtle Canyon but a formal guarantee is not offered. If that matters, the small group Waikiki tour includes a money-back guarantee.
Can beginners snorkel on this tour?
Yes — the crew provides a briefing and assists in the water. Basic swimming ability is required since it's open-ocean snorkeling.
Where does the boat depart from?
A dock near Waikiki Beach, within easy walking distance of most Waikiki hotels. Exact meeting point is confirmed when you book.
How is this different from other Turtle Canyon tours?
The Hāwea is a newer, larger catamaran with a laid-back sailing vibe, onboard cold brew and snacks, and 2.5 hours of time on the water — 30 minutes longer than the standard 2-hour tours at the same reef.
What Guests Say
The Hāwea is just a nicer boat. Cold brew on the sail out, plenty of deck space, and the crew was relaxed and knowledgeable. We saw four turtles at Turtle Canyon and I could have stayed in the water all day.
We chose this over the cheaper tours because of the catamaran and weren't disappointed. The sailing back with a drink while Diamond Head comes into view is a proper Waikiki moment. Turtles were everywhere at the reef.
The cold brew was a nice surprise. More importantly, the snorkel session was long, the crew was great in the water, and the coral at Turtle Canyon is genuinely beautiful. One of the highlights of our trip.