The Tourist’s Guide to Boating Hawaii

It is not surprising that a chain of islands impacts boating activities the greatest among its largest tourist attractions. Whether you wish to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty in the form of its dramatic landscape, its elusive wildlife, or its laid-back tropical lifestyle, the best view is often from the surrounding ocean. A few tips include availing yourself of Hawaii’s best boating spots and adventures without taking on the piloting of the watercraft yourself.

Best Boating Spots

Boating opportunities in Hawaii provide an endless list of ideal locations for adventurous water activities. Some of the best excursions involve the rare lakes in Hawaii. If you enjoy fishing, a couple of the top boating spots include O’ahu, with its exotic freshwater peacock bass, and Hale’iwa, with its yellowfin tuna and blue marlin. Kauai’s Hanalei Bay is for the avid tourist who enjoys a breathtaking view of mountains sitting on miles of beach. You can also swim, paddleboard, and snorkel in the bay. Placid seawater and steady winds create an ideal scenario for sail boating and motoring. The most impressive sea cliffs, however, are on the island of Molokai. But perhaps you should not leave Hawaii until you take a tour boat into the center of an active volcano, Kilauea.

Don’t Try to Drive the Boat Yourself

Every year there are accidents where a speeding boater fails to notice a swimmer in the water and strikes or runs over them, often with tragic consequences. Dive flag regulations exist to advertise a diver’s location. However, many boaters are not educated about the measures implemented to protect divers and swimmers from water vessels. A large boat operating at a high speed may often fail to see a smaller boat until it’s too late. When you rent a boat while vacationing, you are under time constraints that will highlight your unfamiliarity with the equipment and the waters. Along with potential accidents with other boaters and swimmers, you could crash your yacht into the rocks at some of your sightseeing destinations or tangle with coral that you cannot see. As nice as Hawaii is, weather conditions can be unpredictable and hazardous at sea, and marinas are often overcrowded.

Experience the Area’s Wildlife

Plenty of chartered cruisers glide through Hawaiian waters to provide you a glimpse of the wealth of ocean life. Humpback whales annually visit Maui, Hilo Bay, and other areas in late October or early November. They stay through late spring and take care of their calves. Spinner dolphins can also be seen frequently above the water’s surface as they simultaneously leap and spin. Rarer whale sightings include short-finned pilot whales and melon-headed whales. When you dive or snorkel from your tour boat, you can also visualize green turtles, hundreds of species of fish unique to Hawaii, manta rays, and the endangered green turtle. Look above, and you may see Hawaiian Petrels and terns in search of squid or fish.

Enjoy Cocktail Cruises

One of the most intriguing ways to witness a sunset in Hawaii is with a reserved seat on a ship in the ocean while sipping a Mai Tai. Hawaii is renowned for its tropical cocktails served alongside appetizers. You are not obligated to indulge in alcoholic beverages. Many cruises are family friendly, offering complimentary drinks and spectacular views for everyone. Some sailing experiences offer innovative themes, such as those based on a pirate’s life or some other sea-based adventures. Still more offer celebratory vibes with firework displays or a nightclub atmosphere.

Boating in Hawaii embraces much more than the common pastimes of fishing and sailing. With spectacular sights often best approached via the surrounding water, Hawaii is a paradise for sightseers, for tourists who want to recreate the experience of a cruise ship, and for wildlife enthusiasts. The best part is that you do not have to worry about docking or driving your own boat to achieve these wonders.