Things to Do in Waikiki: Turtles, Parasailing, Trolley and Island Tour

This article compares four outings listed on WizardTrip so you can decide what to do in Waikiki, on the island of Oahu. Together they have more than 23,000 traveler reviews, with ratings of 4.7 to 4.9 out of 5 (as of 18 October 2026).

Durations range from 1 hour to 8 hours. Three listings give a refund up to 24 hours before departure; the trolley listing gives none. The comparison table and the last section help you decide according to your time and profile.

What to do in Waikiki: what you need to know before you book

Snorkeling and parasailing leave from Kewalo Basin harbor, in Honolulu. The first boards the Coral Kai boat at Slip B-1, the second checks in at Slip F-1. The island tour picks up in Waikiki, at six meeting points. For the trolley, show the e-voucher or mobile boarding pass to a representative, at the Royal Hawaiian Avenue stop.

Snorkeling with turtles at Turtle Canyon: the Turtle Guarantee

The guided snorkeling excursion lasts 2 hours and leaves from Kewalo Basin, aboard the Coral Kai boat, for 40 people at most. The guides stay in the water throughout the snorkeling. They help spot Hawaiian green sea turtles and tropical fish.

Mask, snorkel, fins and flotation are provided, along with water, soft drinks and light snacks. Beginners with minimal swimming ability can get extra coaching. The Turtle Guarantee is the listing’s selling point. If no sea turtle is seen during the water portion, all participants come back free within 12 months, subject to availability.

The boat leaves at the exact booked time. The listing asks you to be there 30 minutes before, after filling out the waiver online; another instruction says 15 minutes, so aim for the longer window. Limited parking costs an extra $5.

The minimum age is 3, with basic swimming skills. The listing advises against the excursion for pregnant women and for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Seasickness medication should be taken before boarding or the day before: the boat does not provide any.

Waikiki Turtle Canyon Guided Snorkel Tour: Turtle Guarantee4.8(4,933 reviews)From €57From€57View activity

Parasailing in Waikiki: 700, 850 or 1,000 feet

The parasailing takes off directly from the boat. The outing lasts 1 hour on a shared boat, including up to 8 minutes of flight, with views of Diamond Head and the south coast of Oahu. The guide speaks English or Japanese.

Three options set the line length: 700 feet (Standard), 850 feet (Deluxe) or 1,000 feet (X-treme). The listing announces up to 300 meters of line.

You fly in tandem or in a triple, never solo: a solo traveler is paired with someone from the boat. The usual limit is 204 to 249 kg of combined weight. You must be 5 to fly. Companions of any age board with an observer ticket.

Check in 30 minutes before the activity, at Slip F-1, in front of a kiosk topped with a jet ski. If you are late or absent, no refund is given, and rescheduling costs $10 per person.

The price excludes $7 for fuel, $1 in fees, photos and tips. The listing advises against flying for pregnant women and for people with a spinal injury or poor cardiovascular health.

Parasailing Adventure in Waikiki, HI4.9(8,950 reviews)From €40From€40View activity

Hop-on hop-off trolley: four lines between Waikiki and Honolulu

The Waikiki hop-on hop-off trolley runs in an open-air trolley or a double-decker bus, with an English-speaking guide. You get off at the stop of your choice and get back on later. Four lines share the network:

• Blue, Ocean View: every 40 minutes, east coast of the island, about 1 hour 50 minutes, departures from 8:30 am to 1:50 pm.
• Red, Historic Honolulu: once an hour, downtown and Hawaiian history, about 1 hour 50 minutes, departures from 10 am to 3 pm.
• Pink, Ala Moana Shopping: every 15 minutes between Waikiki and Ala Moana, about 1 hour, departures from 10 am to 8:20 pm.
• Green, Diamond Head: once an hour, shuttle for the hike, about 1 hour, departures from 7:20 am to 1:20 pm. On Saturdays only, a stop at the KCC farmers market.

Six passes are offered: all lines for 1, 4 or 7 days, or a single line (Blue, Red or Green) for 1 day. The listing recommends the all-lines pass for getting around freely. Food, drinks and tobacco are prohibited on board.

William gives 4 out of 5 in September 2026. He qualifies the punctuality: “The wait at the stop to get back on board was 45 minutes behind schedule.” The listing advises checking the last departure time for each line.

Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu4.7(5,110 reviews)From €20From€20View activity

Oahu island tour with Waimea Falls: an 8-hour day

The Oahu island tour lasts 8 hours in a semi-private shuttle of 40 people at most. Pickup is in Waikiki, between 6:50 and 7:20 am depending on the hotel given when booking. The listing does not state the return time to Waikiki.

The circuit follows the southeast coast, passes the Nu’uanu Pali lookout, follows the windward coast, then reaches the North Shore. Most stops last 20 to 30 minutes. They include Diamond Head, the Halona Blowhole, a macadamia nut shop, Kualoa Park, Sunset Beach and the Dole Plantation.

The rest is seen from the vehicle: Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, the Banzai Pipeline, Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu. The vehicle passes Laniakea Beach, nicknamed “Turtle Beach” for the frequent visits of green sea turtles, without stopping there.

The longest stop is at the Waimea Valley botanical gardens, with 1 hour 30 minutes and admission included. Swimming is allowed at the waterfall, with lifeguards. A $10 tram is available for an extra charge.

Cindy gives 4 out of 5 in October 2026. She finds the waterfall disappointing: “It is a long, hot walk, and uphill.” The listing requires at least a moderate fitness level, as well as a swimsuit and a towel for swimming.

Lunch is not included. The listing mentions North Shore garlic shrimp and recommends bringing cash for meals and tips. The price covers the guide, the air-conditioned vehicle, pickup, the return to Waikiki and admission to the botanical gardens and the waterfall.

Oahu Circle Island Tour with Waimea Valley Waterfall4.8(4,466 reviews)From €140From€140View activity

The four Waikiki outings compared

With children, beginners or a wheelchair?

Snorkeling accepts children from age 3, with basic swimming skills, and the listing judges it suitable for beginners. Parasailing requires no experience, but you must be 5 to fly.

The trolley is the only outing that is wheelchair accessible on all its surfaces, according to its listing. The island tour accepts only standard folding wheelchairs. You need a companion and the ability to walk a short distance, because the bus has no ramp. Report this when booking.

On the trolley, the island tour and parasailing, infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Which one should you choose?

• You want to see turtles: snorkeling, 2 hours with the Turtle Guarantee.
• You want to see the coast from the sky: parasailing, from age 5.
• You want to get around at your own pace: the trolley, with no refund possible.
• You only have one day: the island tour, 8 hours, with pickup in Waikiki.
• You travel in a wheelchair: the trolley.

For the rest of your stay, the island’s tours, shows and excursions are gathered on the page Things to do in Oahu. Other destinations in the country are on the page United States.