Planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands with kids can feel like a balancing act. Parents want experiences that are exciting and memorable, while kids want action, movement, and something they can talk about long after the vacation ends. Fortunately, Oahu delivers on both. From snorkeling in clear tropical waters to cruising along the coast on a catamaran, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Hawaii that keep everyone entertained.
If your family enjoys the ocean, few experiences are more memorable than getting out on the water together. At Island Water Sports Hawaii, our tours are designed with families in mind. The pace is relaxed, the equipment is easy to use, and our crew walks you through everything step by step so both parents and kids feel comfortable.
Below are three of the most kid-friendly excursions we offer for families with children ages 10 and up. Each one combines adventure with time to relax, swim, and explore the ocean together.
Submarine Scooter Tour with Snorkeling & Catamaran Cruise
If you’re looking for a unique introduction to ocean exploration, this tour is highly recommended for families visiting Oahu. Instead of traditional scuba gear, riders sit inside a clear underwater bubble attached to a self-propelled submarine scooter. It allows you to glide beneath the surface while staying dry inside the helmet dome.
The adventure begins aboard our spacious open-air power catamaran as we cruise through Maunalua Bay to the dive location. Once anchored, our guides provide a safety briefing and help everyone get comfortable before heading into the water. The submarine scooters are easy to operate, making them great for older kids who want something more exciting than basic snorkeling, while also being easy enough for children under 12 to maneuver.
While exploring beneath the surface, it’s common to see colorful tropical fish and sometimes even Hawaiian sea turtles swimming nearby. After the scooter portion of the tour, families can also snorkel, swim, or relax on the sun deck while enjoying the warm Hawaiian sunshine.
Book SubScooter and Snorkeling Tour
SeaBob Super Dolphin Snorkeling & Cruising Tour
If your kids like speed and movement in the water, the SeaBob Super Dolphin tour is another great choice. These powerful handheld water scooters allow riders to cruise across the surface or dive underwater like a dolphin, creating an experience that feels more like play than a structured tour.
After boarding our catamaran and cruising to the dive site, guests receive instructions on how to operate the SeaBob. The machines are intuitive and surprisingly easy to handle, even for first-time riders.
Kids especially love the freedom of gliding through the water, making turns, and dipping beneath the surface as they explore the reef. Like the submarine scooter tour, this experience also includes snorkeling time and plenty of room to relax on the boat between activities.
For folks looking for family-friendly activities in Hawaii that combine adventure with leisure, this tour is always a hit.
Submarine Scooter & SeaBob Super Dolphin Combo Tour
For families who want to experience the best of both worlds, our combo tour includes time on both the submarine scooters and the SeaBob Super Dolphin.
This is the most action-packed option we offer and is perfect for families who want a little bit of everything. Riders start with the smooth submarine scooter experience. After that, it’s time to hop onto the SeaBob and cut through the waves with precision and speed. If you’ve got two children who couldn’t be more opposite, this is the tour that will satisfy everyone.
Between activities, you can snorkel, swim, or work on your tan on the boat’s sun deck while enjoying the views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline. For many families, this option is the favorite because it packs several experiences into a single outing.
Book SubScooter and SeaBob Tour
Tour Details & Requirements
All three Island Water Sports Hawaii excursions share the same basic schedule and requirements. Here’s what families should know before booking.
Tour Details
- Duration: 2-hour tours
- Tour times: 9 AM – 11 AM and 12 PM – 2 PM
- Schedule: 6 days a week (closed Sundays)
- Departure location: Maunalua Bay, Oahu
- Minimum guests: 10 passengers on the boat
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Pricing
- Submarine Scooter Tour: $180
- SeaBob Super Dolphin Tour: $242
- Combo Submarine Scooter & SeaBob Tour: $342
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 years old
Restrictions
- Participants must not be pregnant
- No serious medical conditions
- Weight limit: 350 pounds
- Submarine scooter riders must be 4′ – 6′8″ in height
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Snorkeling gear, fins, wetsuit tops, snacks, and refreshments are provided during the tour.
Add Even More Fun with Banana Boat & Bumper Tube Rides
If your family still has energy after your ocean tour, you can add even more excitement with our banana boat or bumper tube rides. These short, high-energy rides are perfect for kids and adults alike and make a great way to wrap up a day on the water.
Banana Boat Ride
This classic ocean activity has families holding on tight while being pulled across the bay on an inflatable banana-shaped raft.
Quick Details
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Days: 7 days a week
- Times: Every half hour from 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Minimum passengers: 2
- Maximum passengers: 6
- Age requirement: 4 years and older
- Price: $59 per person
Bumper Tube Ride
The bumper tube delivers a similar thrill but with more spinning and bouncing as the boat pulls the inflatable tube across the water.
Quick Details
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Days: 7 days a week
- Times: Every half hour from 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Minimum passengers: 2
- Maximum passengers: 6
- Age requirement: 4 years and older
- Price: $59 per person
Both rides are operated by a USCG-certified captain and crew.
Other Top Family-Friendly Activities in Hawaii
While ocean excursions are a highlight of any Hawaii trip, there are many other family-friendly attractions across Oahu that kids enjoy. If you’re planning a full vacation itinerary, these activities are fan favorites and let you see more of the island:
- Kailua Beach Park – One of the island’s most beautiful beaches and a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing. Picnic tables and bathrooms are also available.
- Hanauma Bay State Park – A protected marine state park known for its calm water and snorkeling opportunities. Guests are limited each day, and reservations are required.
- Pearl Harbor – Visit this historic site and see the USS Arizona Memorial, one of the most meaningful landmarks in Hawaii.
- Honolulu Zoo – Located near Waikiki, this zoo is home to animals from around the world and is a great stop for younger travelers. It’s perfect for little ones who may still be in strollers.
- Diamond Head – The famous volcanic crater offers a relatively short hike with incredible views of Honolulu.
- North Shore – Known for big waves in winter, this area also has laid-back towns, food trucks, and scenic beaches perfect for families.
- Traditional Hawaiian Luau – Enjoy music, dancing, and a cultural performance that introduces kids to Hawaiian history and cuisine.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure in Hawaii
A trip to Hawaii is already special, but it becomes unforgettable when your days are filled with experiences your kids will remember for years. From underwater scooter rides to dolphin-like SeaBob adventures, Island Water Sports Hawaii offers some of the most exciting family-friendly activities in Hawaii.
Want to relive the experience later? Professional photography and video packages are available for every excursion and add-on ride, so you can bring those memories home with you.
If you’re planning a vacation to Oahu with kids under 12, now is the perfect time to secure your spots in our excursions. Our tours fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so reserve your dates today and get ready for an ocean adventure your whole family will love.
