About Hawaii Shark Encounters
Head offshore from Oahu’s North Shore for a shark cage tour with Hawaii Shark Encounters, where you can watch sharks from inside a floating cage.
Special Promo: Early birds snag 10 % off the 6:00 am and 7:00 am departures!
Climb aboard the Kainani at Haleiwa Harbor and cruise three miles into the blue where North Shore legends roam. It's a quick 15-minute ride, just long enough for your guides to cover safety tips—and a few shark facts you probably can't wait to share later.
The floating cage stays right at the surface, so you need only a mask and snorkel to step into their world. Peer through giant plexiglass panels while Galapagos and sandbar sharks glide past, often coming close enough for an eye-level stare-down.
This isn't just an adrenaline fix. Seeing sharks in their own neighborhood is a reminder of how graceful—and essential—they are to Hawaii's marine life. Whether you're chasing epic photos or a new respect for the ocean's most misunderstood residents, Hawaii Shark Encounters delivers a North Shore adventure you'll be talking about all week.
Tour Highlights
- Fast three-mile boat ride to Oahu's offshore shark grounds
- Safe, surface-level cage for up-close shark viewing
- Guides share insights on shark biology, behavior and their role in Hawaii's ecosystem
- Prime opportunities for dramatic 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
Activity Notes
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.
