Name: Dolphin Tours
Brand: Dolphin Tours
Rating: 4.8 (261 reviews)

Hawaii Dolphin Tours

Swimming with Dolphins in Hawaii!

Hawaii dolphin watching together with swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii is an industry all to its own. There is probably no sea creature quite as endearing in the eyes of a human being as the dolphin. Watching the whales off the coasts of Hawaii is popular as well but this only occurs during the winter months, while man's infatuation with the dolphin populations can endure the entire year long.

Dolphin Watching is co-mingled with other categories of activities.

Hawaii Dolphin watches don't appear simply as their own category of activity but are intermingled with other ocean based activities like Snorkeling, Dinner Cruises and Sunset Sails, Whale Watching and Diving Tours of all types. It seems that any excuse we can find to come in contact with a dolphin is one we will take if it is at all possible. Luckily the relationship that has evolved over the years between the companies in Hawaii that take clients out to visit with the Hawaii dolphin populations and the Hawaii dolphins themselves has been a good one. Dolphins are observed but not chased. If they choose to come play with the Dolphin Watching boats or the people on them it is their choice alone. The ultimate in respect has been shown to the dolphin populations particularly regarding swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii and as a result the majority of Dolphin Watching tours that set out to find them do so. In some places on some islands the dolphins allow people to swim with them and by all appearances it really seems that they enjoy doing so. The relationship between the dolphins and the Hawaiian visitors that flock to see them could in some ways be considered symbiotic. We enjoy the dolphins and we protect them from harm, at least from other humans and for all intents and purposes it appears that the Hawaii dolphin populations are thriving!.

Swimming with Dolphins in Hawaii involves two different types of Dolphins.

The dolphins that we primarily see on the dolphin watching tours of Hawaii are the Spinner Dolphins and the Bottle Nose Dolphins. Of the two the Spinner Dolphins are the most prevalent and in many respects, the most fun as well. Occasionally you will see dolphins in groups of four of five but it is much more likely that when you see a dolphin you will see scores of them. Dolphins enjoy staying together and swimming and hunting in pods and even sleep within range of their pod as well. Dolphins are social animals much like we are and perhaps that is part of their appeal to us. The one manifestation regarding their personalities that we could take a big lesson from is their sense of play and predilection toward comedic performance. If we could only learn to be as happy as the dolphins there is no question the world would be a better place.

Dolphins Can Be Found On All the Hawaiian Islands. The two best islands for Swimming with the Dolphin in Hawaii are on Oahu and the Big Island.

All the islands of Hawaii are home to dolphins but some islands provide a better vantage point from which to watch them and to enjoy them. The two best islands to swim with the dolphins would undoubtedly be an Oahu dolphin swim along the Waianae Coast and another tour off the Kona Coast of the Big Island. These are spots that the dolphins frequent on an almost daily basis and the wonderful boat tours and wise boat captains that take visitors into these areas to visit the dolphins are the very tops in their profession. Every effort is made to make the dolphins feel comfortable with the people on the boats and no aggressive human behaviors are allowed. The dolphins are basically quite curious and will generally come close for a good look at the clumsy human swimmers but often just as quickly as they appear they will disappear into their own dolphin world.

The 'Hawaii Dolphin Watch' is a Favorite Activity Off the Coast of Maui and Lanai

The island of Maui is known for its dolphins which are generally found either off the coast of Lanai or off the southern Kanaio Coast of the island. Dolphins here will also come for a good look at their human counterparts but it is much less likely that you will be able to go swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii here. Dolphins here will also come for a good look at their human counterparts but it is much less likely that you will be able to go swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii here. In fact, none of the dolphin watch tours on Maui will even indicate that it is a likely possibility but there is of course a high probability that you will be able to observe them from your vessel. Some of these vessels provide educators on board that are considered well versed in Hawaii dolphin behavior and they will explain much about the daily life of the dolphins before, during and after they are sighted.

Dolphin Watching off Kauai

Perhaps the most fun island from which to experience dolphins is the Island of Kauai. It is so rare to go out into the waters here and not see them. As if the tours on Kauai which visit the beautiful cliffs of the Na Pali Coastline were not exciting enough, the dolphins that also join you on these journeys make the day trip all that more enjoyable. Dolphins will frequently race the boat you are on as they swim head to head with the bow of the boats and the best views are on the double-hulled catamarans that allow the full expanse of area between the two hulls to be a race track for the playful dolphins.

Dolphin Tours Sorted by Company

(11 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Blue Dolphin Charters

2 Activity Options

56 foot wide-beam sailing Trimaran, 27' Raft and 63' Catamaran

Blue Dolphin Charters offers spectacular motor sailing cruises to the NaPali Coast of Kauai and to the 'forbidden island' of Niihau. In addition Blue Dolphin also offers whale watches, snorkeling, snuba, dinner cruises, sunset sails and rafting excursions. All emphasis is placed upon customer comfort and its large boats each maintain large walk-in restrooms, fresh water showers and plenty of deck space.
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(9 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Kamanu Charters Inc.

4 Activity Options

You'll enjoy "real sailing", snorkeling and whale watching on this trip with Kamanu Charters on their 36' custom designed sailing catamaran "Kamanu" to Pawai Bay. This area, located just north of Kona, is under State Fishery Management . The bay is within the Queen Liliuokalani Trust Land at Kaiwi Point and it is private. They also offer night manta ray snorkels.
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(8 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Hawaii Nautical

1 Activity Option

Leid Back' Dinner Cruise, Snorkeling and Dolphins, Whale Watch off the leeward coastline,Oahu Scuba

Hawaii Nautical offers a large variety of boat tours throughout the island of Oahu and on the Big Island of Hawaii. Snorkel tours and dolphin watches are offered in the mornings and the afternoons and in addition they offer sunset sails, dinner cruises, scuba and snuba options, whale watching in season and private charters.
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(7 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Hawaii Ocean Rafting

2 Activity Options

Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been operating in the waters surrounding Maui and Lanai for many years. They offer personalized snorkel and marine life excursions departing from Lahaina Harbor on hard-bottom inflatable rafts similar to zodiacs. These adventure touring vessels are fast and maneuverable and you have a great likelihood of seeing whales, dolphins and other marine life up close and personal.
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(6 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Body Glove

1 Activity Option

Kailua Kona's Body Glove Charters offers snorkel and dolphin watching tours on a daily morning charter, dinner cruises in the evenings, a historical luncheon cruise, SNUBA diving and a whale watch during the winter season. If you are interested in a wonderful 3 hour coastal tour without the snorkeling, Body Glove is the only game in town.
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(5 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

2 Activity Options

Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel offers small group snorkel and whale watching tours on safe-low to water rafting style vessels, creating an uncrowded, Hawaiian family experience! Locally owned and operated since 1982, Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel is a highly-rated eco-tour that volunteers as Maui's whale disentanglement team and offers vessel support to active marine researchers! Join them for a beginner-friendly snorkeling or whale watching tour exploring the reefs of Maui and Lanai!
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(4 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Dolphin Excursions

2 Activity Options

Dolphin Excursions operates off the Waianae Coast of Oahu and its daily morning and afternoon snorkel tours specialize in swimming with dolphins. Going out with small groups on this fast and maneuverable 'SCARIB' boat makes it all the more personalized. Van pick-up is included from your Waikiki Hotel.
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(3 Reviews, 5 Stars)

NaPali Explorer

1 Activity Option

Boasting two very fast and maneuverable rigid hull inflatables, Napali Explorer provides adventurous boats that are ideal for the conditions that can be found along the Napali Coast. The small groups taken on these tours make them very personalized and these boats are perfect for exploring the numerous caves and sheer cliff formations that make the Napali Coast so famous.
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(2 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Frogman Charters

1 Activity Option

The charter boat company Boss Frog's is also known by the name Frogman Charters and it operates Molokini tours, whale watches, sunset sails and dinner cruises from it departure point of Maalaea Harbor. It's two main boats are the 55' power catamaran Malolo and the 55' power catamaran Quicksilver.
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(2 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Iruka Hawaii

2 Activity Options

Dolphin Snorkel Tours, Manta Tour, Whale Watch

Iruka Hawaii offers snorkel and dolphin watch tours off the coasts of the two islands in Hawaii that provide the very best venue for observing dolphins, the Waianae Coast of Oahu and the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.
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(2 Reviews, 5 Stars)

Hang Loose Boat Tours

1 Activity Option

Wild dolphin watch & snorkel, evening sunset & manta snorkel, Kealakekua Bay snorkel.
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(1 Review, 5 Stars)

Ocean Encounters

2 Activity Options

The Kona Coast of the Big Island is famous for its manta rays, dolphins and whales. Ocean Encounters I offers individual Tours and Private Charters. Ocean Encounters 2 offers Private Charters and is on standby as overflow should an Ocean Encounters Tour be full. Encounters I is a 46' Delta - it's the perfect boat from which to find and observe these beautiful underwater creatures.
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(1 Review, 5 Stars)

Sea Maui

2 Activity Options

Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Sunset Sails & Private Charters

Sea Maui II is a beautiful 55 foot power sailing catamaran, and the new Sea Maui III is a 65ft luxury sailing catamaran, they both depart from Kaanapali Beach. They offer a variety of snorkeling trips, whale watching, and sunset sailing options daily. Sea Maui has consistently been awarded "Maui's Best Boat Tour" for 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020! Food is provided by the award winning Chef Joey Macadangdang of Joey's Kitchen.
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(22 Reviews, 4.9 Stars)

Kauai Sea Tours

5 Activity Options

24' Rigid Hull Inflatable Rafts, Lucky Lady' 60' Sailing, Power Catamaran

Kauai Sea Tours is a large charter boat company that offers tours off the coast of Kauai and particularly the NaPali Coast with its beautiful 'signature' boat , Lucky Lady. In addition it also provides romantic dinner cruises and whale watches and also has a fleet of specially designed raft boats which are great for exploring caves, snorkeling and racing dolphins.
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(17 Reviews, 4.9 Stars)

Maui Adventure Cruises

2 Activity Options

On Maui, 'rafting' equates with adventure, and Maui Adventure Cruises has just about all the adventure you could want. Speeding rigid hull inflatables varying in length from 34' to 49' whisk their way from Maui over the channel to Lanai. Maui Adventure Cruises comb the shoreline looking for great snorkel spots, playing with the dolphin population, snorkeling, and viewing the whales.
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(8 Reviews, 4.9 Stars)

Holo-Holo Charters

2 Activity Options

61' and 48' Sailing Catamarans, 38' Raft

Holo Holo Charters offers a variety of boat tours on Kauai on large, powerful and stable catamarans. Tours include beautiful snorkel and dolphin watch excursions to the NaPali Coastline, raft tours of NaPali during the summer months, dinner sunset cruises, whale watching and tours to the forbidden island of Niihau.
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(31 Reviews, 4.9 Stars)

Trilogy Excursions

2 Activity Options

64' - 55' - 51' Sailing Catamarans, 55' Sailing Catamaran, 55' Catamaran to

One of the most popular and respected boating companies on Maui is Trilogy which has been in operation here since 1973. Though being a large company now, operating seven 50' range sailing catamarans, they are still the family owned operation that was begun by Eldon Coon and his two sons, Jim and Randy. Today they offer sailing tours to Lana'i, Molokini, the West Coast of Maui and an assortment of shorter sunset and sailing options and whale watches.
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(7 Reviews, 4.9 Stars)

Star of Honolulu

2 Activity Options

Lunch and Whale Watch, Sunset Sails, Sunset Dinner Cruise

The 232' Star of Honolulu is the largest dinner cruise boat in Hawaii, has four levels and seats as many as 1500 people. Choose a dinner and show package from the 4 tiers of dinner options; Luxury 7-course, Deluxe 5-course, Casual 3-course or the Buffet dinner, all at varying prices. A smaller vessel, Starlite, seats only 149 passengers and provides dinner cruises as well. Each dinner option is served on its respective deck. In the winter months the Star of Honolulu also provides whale watches.
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(5 Reviews, 4.8 Stars)

Ocean Safaris Adventures

1 Activity Option

Kayak and Whale Watch, Kayak Adventures, Kayak and Whale Watch, Stand Up Paddle Classes, Watching Do

If you think you might enjoy the adventure of an ocean kayak experience, Ocean Safari Kayak Adventures me be just the ticket for you. Established in 1994, the pristine Kona coastline has been the 'water world' playground of this popular kayak company which has hosted thousands of kayak enthusiasts. A variety of fish, dolphins, beautiful reefs and possibly even cliff diving can all play a part in these exciting kayak adventures.
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(4 Reviews, 4.8 Stars)

Dolphin Discoveries

4 Activity Options

25' Rigid Hull Adventure Craft, 32' Zodiac Mark VI

Dolphin Discoveries focuses on finding the Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and/or Spotted Dolphins on their educational and personalized tours. These trips offer small groups the chance to capture a memory of a lifetime while enjoying a cruise along the calm Kona Coast of the Big Island.
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(11 Reviews, 4.6 Stars)

Ocean Riders

1 Activity Option

Ocean Riders offers the most innovative and exciting trip to Lanai, a 70 mile circumnavigation of the Island in a heavy duty 18 passenger, 30 foot rigid hull inflatable powered by twin 250hp Mercury Outboards. Because of the vessel's extra weight, this offers the smoothest ride along these rugged and spectacular coastlines.
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(20 Reviews, 4.6 Stars)

Captain Andy's Expedition

2 Activity Options

55' Sailing Catamaran, 55' Gold Coast Yachts, 30' and 38' RAIV

Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures for years has offered tours to see the spectacular NaPali Coastline of Kauai. Sailing large and luxurious Gold Coast Yacht Sailing Catamarans, Captain Andy's will take you snorkeling and dolphin watching as well as provide romantic dinner and sunset cruises. In addition you can enjoy rafting adventures to the NaPali Coast.
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(5 Reviews, 4.6 Stars)

Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures

1 Activity Option

Explorer is a 46' Rigid Hull Inflatable. Pacific Passion is a 37' Thruster Power Boat.

Ko'Olina Ocean Adventures is a tour boat company that operates out of Ko'Olina Harbor on the west facing Waianae Coast. They operate two separate boats, a 37' catamaran called the Ko'Olina Explorer and a 35' custom power boat called the Pacific Passion. Both are fast and maneuverable and will whisk you off to pristine snorkel locations and race you against the wild dolphins found along the coastline.
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(5 Reviews, 4.6 Stars)

Liko Kauai Cruises

2 Activity Options

Liko Kauai Cruises offers morning and afternoon boat tours to the beautiful NaPali coastline. This 49 passenger vessel is specifically designed for the waters surrounding this coastline and every effort was made to make this ocean experience a comfortable and enjoyable one. Captain 'Liko' himself is a descendant of full Hawaiians from Kauai and Niihau and his trips reflect and educate about the culture of Hawaii.
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(14 Reviews, 4.6 Stars)

Paragon Sailing Charters

2 Activity Options

Certainly one of the very fastest boats found in the islands is the 47' customized sailing catamaran, Paragon. Paragon Sailing Charters offers a number of choices for boat tours ranging from morning sails to Molokini; Day Trips to Lanai; Sunset Sails; and Performance Sails.
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(6 Reviews, 4.5 Stars)

Captain Zodiac

2 Activity Options

23' Inflatable Zodiac Rafts, 24 Foot Inflatable Zodiac Raft

One of the oldest charter boat companies in the state, Captain Zodiac offers spectacular personalized and adventurous snorkel and wildlife tours along the coast of Kona on the Big Island. A variety of daily snorkel tours will take you to Kealakekua Bay on speedy 24' Zodiac Rafts and outstanding whale watches are offered during the winter season.
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(33 Reviews, 4.5 Stars)

Pacific Whale Foundation

2 Activity Options

52' and 60' Power Catamaran, 52' and 65' Power Catamaran, 65' Power Catamaran, 65' Catamaran

The Pacific Whale Foundation is one of the main companies we have on island that goes out in search of the whales during the winter months. In addition, throughout the year they also offer boat tours to snorkel at Molokini, dolphin watches that look for dolphins and snorkel off the coast of Lanai and have rigid hull inflatable tours that visit the back side of Lanai.
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(3 Reviews, 4.3 Stars)

Pride Charters

1 Activity Option

The Pride of Maui is one of the largest and most stable power catamarans available in Maui's fleet of boats. Leaving from Maalaea Harbor the 'Pride' offers tours to Molokini in the mornings but will also operate beautiful sunset cruises a few times a week and in addition will provide one of the most comfortable boats for whale watching in the winter months.
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(3 Reviews, 4.3 Stars)

Sunlight On Water

1 Activity Option

Sunlight on Water is the name of an amazing boat that takes you out for a 'dolphin swim' off the coast of Kona on the Big Island. This very stable and smooth riding 40' vessel with quiet engines, comfortable seating, restroom and warm shower accommodates as many as 25 passengers. You will be in search of the dolphins and swimming with them in the open ocean. Manta Ray snorkels are also available in the evenings.
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(3 Reviews, 4 Stars)

Hawaii Ocean Project

1 Activity Option

The environmentally conscious Hawaii Ocean Project operates a number of tours out of the West Side of Maui port of Lahaina Harbor. Their touring options include day tours and ferry trips between Maui and Molokai, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, snorkeling tours to Lanai and whale watches. Marine naturalists will be on board to explain the marine life and ecological education is the underlying foundation of all its activities.
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(3 Reviews, 4 Stars)

Sea Life Park

5 Activity Options

World Class Marine Park, World-Class Marine Attraction - Swim with Dolphins, Interact with the Dolph

Sea Life Park is essentially a 'marine playground' you can visit, they are located on the eastern shores of Oahu at the base of the cliffs of Waimanalo. Here you will be able to swim with the dolphins, view reef life in a large aquarium, pick up and touch some of the sea life and view educational shows which feature many marine animals. This is a great place to bring children and makes for a great day outing.
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Adventure X Rafting

1 Activity Option

Raft Whale Watching, Dolphin Watch and Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy speeds of over 40 MPH on the upgraded zodiac raft used by Adventure X Rafting while touring the areas along the coastline of the beautiful Kona region of the Big Island. Individual tours will include day trips to swim with the dolphins, spectacular evening Manta Ray snorkels and whale watching tours during the migration season.
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1 Activity Option

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Hawaii Oceanic

2 Activity Options

Private Charters, Swim with Dolphins, Kealakekua Bay Tour, Whale Watching

Personalization is the key word describing the ocean adventures offered by Hawaii Oceanic on the Big Island. Six passengers is the maximum number that will be on board so you will have all the personal attention you will need on these adventurous tours on a comfortable 30' power catamaran. Tours will include snorkels to Kealakekua Bay, swim with the dolphin adventures, swim with Manta Ray trips and whale watches.
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Kauai Z Tourz

1 Activity Option

Dolphin tours on a 24 foot Zodiac Inflatable Raft.

Kauai Z-Tours operates 16 passenger rafts along the southern coastlines of Kauai. Their complement of tours includes snorkeling excursions, whale watches and dolphin watches. The southern coastline of Kauai is ideal for rafting the majority of the year as opposed to the 'north shore' where the waves can become too dangerous in the winter. Sunny weather is usually on hand all year also so it makes for a great snorkeling destination.
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Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii

1 Activity Option

One of the most popular dive shops in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii is 'Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii'. Also known as Neptune Charlies, they specialize in fabulous night dives with the Manta Rays. Being a dive shop however they also have available a wide selection of dives and have dolphin and whale watches as well as snorkel tours.
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Wahine Charters

1 Activity Option

Wicked Wahine Charters operates a series of boat tours out of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Their 29' custom power vessel can easily traverse the 12 miles of coastline between Honokohau Harbor and the Captain Cook Monument while snorkeling and dolphin watching on the way, or it can take you out on a night time Manta Ray adventure or whale watching.
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West Oahu SUP

1 Activity Option

West Oahu SUP and sport's mission is to be the premier ocean sport activity center on the Waianae Coast which is a beautiful coastline area where you will see nature at it's finest. This is the real country of Oahu. Away from the lights, noise of crowds from Waikiki and the North Shore.
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Makai Adventures

2 Activity Options

Kainani's modern yacht shape, spacious interior, and blue water sailing capabilities make her the perfect Hawaii sailing charter boat. She is also available for Memorials at Sea or Ash Scattering Services and special requests.
Kainalu's powerboat style is perfect for personalized snorkeling trips.
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Aloha Dolphin Tours

4 Activity Options

Aloha Dolphin Tours offers a variety of sea tour choices for exciting ocean adventures. Ideal for small group or intimate private charters this power catamaran makes Kealakekua Bay accessible to enjoy with your family and friends.
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Hawaiian Boating Adventures

1 Activity Option

Grady White, 30', Power Cat, catamaran design, twin 200 hp Yamaha engines

Design your own customized ocean adventures on the Big Island of Hawaii and choose both how long you want to go out and what ocean activities you want to do on your special tour.
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And You Creations

1 Activity Option

And You Creations offers a an exclusive Dolphin Swim and Snorkel Tour, a Circle Island Sites and Food Tour and a Manoa Falls Hiking Adventure, all with Waikiki Hotel pick up. They offer Japanese translation on these exciting ocean and land adventures. Ideal for your family and friends!
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