About Hawaii Shark Encounters
Special Promo: Early birds snag 10 % off the 6:00 am and 7:00 am departures!
Leave Haleiwa Harbor aboard the Kainani and head about three miles offshore to one of Oahu’s best-known shark viewing areas. The ride out takes about 15 minutes, giving the crew time to go over safety and share a little background about the sharks you may see.
The cage stays at the surface, so you can watch comfortably with just a mask and snorkel. Large viewing panels give you a clear look as Galapagos and sandbar sharks move through the blue water around you.
It is exciting to be that close, but the experience is also a chance to see these animals differently. Your guides explain how sharks behave and why they matter to Hawaii’s marine ecosystem, adding more meaning to the encounter than the thrill alone.
Tour Highlights
- Fast three-mile boat ride from Haleiwa Harbor
- Surface-level shark cage with large viewing panels
- Chance to see Galapagos and sandbar sharks up close
- Learn about shark behavior and their role in Hawaii’s ocean ecosystem
- Great opportunities for underwater photos
Tour Inclusions
- Mask and snorkel (feel free to bring your own if you prefer)
- Cold refreshments on board
- Hot fresh-water showers after your dive
Special Instructions
Meeting details, important notes and helpful information for your experience.
Where & When
Tour times:
6:00 am - 8:00 am (available until August 31st)
7:00 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 11:00 am
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Check in 30 minutes prior to your tour time at Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, Oahu North Shore. Address: 66-105 Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, HI 96712. The loading dock is located in the middle of the harbor, right next to the harbor master office.
View Map
Driving directions:
From the Kailua side, take H-3 to H-1.
From Honolulu:
Take the H1 freeway west from Honolulu to theH2 freeway north. Stay on H2 until freeway ends (8 miles) and becomes Route 99. After freeway ends, go straight through 4 stoplights then turn right at the sign indicating "North Shore".
Follow the signs towards North Shore / Haleiwa, staying on Route 99. As you come down the hill with the ocean in view, you will reach a traffic signal where you will turn left to enter Haleiwa Town.
Go through Haleiwa Town (1 mile) then turn left immediately after the 76 / 711 Gas Station on left side of road. (If you pass through a narrow bridge you missed your turn, turn around and take first right after bridge).
On your right is the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way!
From Turtle Bay:
When you leave Turtle Bay Hotel, turn right (north) on 83 to the North Shore and Haleiwa town. It's about a half hour drive (can take longer if there is a surf contest going on on the North Shore!).
There will be a traffic signal and a sign pointing you into Haleiwa Town. Turn right and follow the road over the white, narrow bridge. Immediately after, turn right again before the 76 gas station (right after Haleiwa Joe's Restaurant).
On your right will be the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. Turn right at the sign into the harbor. Stay to the right and follow the road as it curves around and out to the big two story building in the middle of the harbor. Park next to our sign. The shark boat will be moored at the loading dock or on her way.
Restrictions
The entry and exit into the cage requires you to be able to climb down a 5-step ladder.
You must be able to pull your own weight back up the ladder and into the boat.
Operation Days
Daily
Duration
2 hours
Capacity
12
Equipment
32' Radon vessel
Vendor
This activity is operated by Hawaii Shark Encounters.
See the experience
Questions about this activity?
We’re happy to help with your choices, booking details or an existing reservation.
