Located in Hawaii Kai on Oahu’s beautiful South Shore near Waikiki, you’ll find a stretch of shore that’s perfect for your water adventures during your Hawaiian vacation. Extending from Diamond Head to Portlock Point, the bay was largely developed by post-World War II tycoon Henry J. Kaiser, who had a heavy hand in shaping much of the island’s southern neighborhoods.
With boat launch areas and calm waters, it’s a popular spot for kayaking clubs and charter companies. It’s also close to many popular landmarks, stores, restaurants, and vacation rentals, making it easy and convenient for most visitors. If you’re planning a vacation to Oahu, check out our ultimate list of things to do at Maunalua Bay Beach Park, and be sure to visit during your stay!
Seabob Tours
Maunalua Bay Beach is narrow and rocky, making it difficult for sunbathers or those just looking to swim. Most visitors come for water activities that take place offshore. One of the most popular activities is definitely booking the popular Seabob Tour with Island Water Sports Hawaii.
Our Seabob tour is the perfect family or group activity. First, you’ll board our 50-foot power catamaran and enjoy a scenic ride out to deeper water. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will point out popular sites like Koko Head and Diamond Head and give you fun information about the island.
Once you arrive at the diving spot, your guide will explain how to operate your Seabob, and you’ll be free to explore! These electric-powered super-dolphins let you zip through the water as smoothly as a real dolphin. Make incredible jumps and hairpin turns as you cruise through the waves. It’s one of the most exhilarating underwater adventures you can have on your Hawaii vacation.
After your ride, enjoy refreshments on the deck as you relax in the sun or swim and snorkel while other groups enjoy their turn. From start to finish, you’re guaranteed 2 hours of epic fun.
Snorkeling
You won’t find great snorkeling right off the shore of the bay beach park, so it’s recommended to book a tour that gets you into deeper water. One of the best on Oahu is Island Water Sports Hawaii’s Sub Scooter tour!
Perfect for non-swimmers and participants as young as ten, the underwater sea scooter operates on the diving bell principle. This means there’s no heavy scuba gear, and you can breathe freely inside the helmet, which keeps you nice and dry. Tethered to a floating buoy, you’ll be lowered 7-8 feet underwater, where you can gently cruise around and take in the sights of vibrant tropical fish, sea stars, octopi, and even the occasional Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle!
Much like the Seabob tour, after your ride, you’ll be treated to refreshments as you relax on the sundeck, followed by optional swimming in the bright blue waters. This one-of-a-kind adventure is not to be missed during your Oahu vacation, so check it out and book your tour today!
Restaurants Near Maunalua Bay Beach Park
After your Seabob or Submarine Scooter snorkel tour, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Luckily, there are some fantastic restaurants near Maunalua Bay where you can grab a bite!
Kona Brewing Co. Hawaii Kai
- Address: 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI
- Distance from Island Water Sports: 2 minutes
- View Menu
- Instagram: @Konabrewinghawaii
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KonaBrewPub
- Google: 4.5 ⭐️
- Yelp: 3.9 ⭐️
- Open: Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Located directly on the water, Kona Brewing Co. offers delicious pub fare with a Hawaiian twist. Try their Uncle’s Ahi Poke for a fresh fish classic or dig into a grilled steak burrito. Walk-ins are welcome at this casual dining spot, so bringing the family after your water adventure is the perfect end to a great excursion.
Mala Market Hawaii Kai
- Address: 333 Keahole St #2B9 Honolulu, HI
- Distance from Island Water Sports: 4 minutes
- View Menu
- Instagram: @malamarkethawaii
- Google: 4.8 ⭐️
- Yelp: 4.7 ⭐️
- Open: Daily from 10 AM to 3 PM
Fast, family-friendly, casual, and healthy – this sandwich shop serves phenomenal creations that are filling without making you feel full. Stop by before or after your tour for a fresh bite that will fuel you up for the rest of your day’s fun. Choose from 10+ sandwiches and wraps + a soup of the day. You can even make something vegetarian-style or gluten-free!
We recommend the pastrami. Piled high with tender meat, carrots, sprouts, purple cabbage, lettuce, cheese, and sauce/dressing of your choice, it ticks every box for what a good sandwich should be.
Hana Pa’a Market
- Address: 333 Keahole St #2B9 Honolulu, HI
- Distance from Island Water Sports: 1 minute
- View Menu
- Instagram: @hanapaa_market
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanaPaaMarket
- Google: 4.7 ⭐️
- Yelp: 4.6 ⭐️
- Open: Monday through Thursday from 10:30 AM to 6 PM. Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7 PM. Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5 PM.
Poke, plate lunches, and pupus are the focus at this local spot located just steps away from Island Water Sports Hawaii’s doors. With unbeatably fresh ingredients, this spot highlights authentic Hawaiian flavors and will leave you craving more. Select a traditional poke bowl or opt for a plate lunch served with rice and your choice of side, plus greens. The seared furikake ahi or the misoyaki salmon are always a winner. Have a picky eater? The teriyaki chicken is a crowd pleaser.
There are so many restaurants near Maunalua Bay Beach Park, you can really find whatever you’re looking for. So, whether you’re grabbing a coffee before your morning tour, or refueling after a day on the water, you’ve got options that will appeal to everyone in your group.
Island Water Sports Hawaii Tours
As one of the most popular water tour companies on the island, we guarantee safety and fun for all our guests. Whether you want the adrenaline rush of the Seabob tour or the calm of the underwater sea scooters, we have you covered for all your Maunalua Bay Beach Park activities. Check out our availability and book your desired adventure today!
See All Island Water Sports Tours
Add-On Adventures: Banana Boat & Bumper Tube Rides
Looking for a little more action in Maunalua Bay? Our Banana Boat and Bumper Tube rides are the perfect way to wrap up your tour day. These quick, high-energy add-ons are available in half-hour intervals from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week.
- The Banana Boat seats up to six people and gives you a wild, wave-jumping ride across the bay—perfect for groups who love to laugh and hang on tight.
- The Bumper Tube is a shorter, 15-minute spin that delivers big thrills in a compact package.
Both rides are guided by our USCG-certified captain and crew, and can be booked on the same day as your Seabob or Submarine Scooter adventure. Just bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen—we’ll handle the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions about Maunalua Bay Beach Park
Q. Is Maunalua Bay Beach Park good for swimming?
A. Not really. The shoreline is rocky and narrow, and the water near shore is shallow with a soft, muddy bottom. It’s not ideal for casual swimming or sunbathing. Most people visit the area for offshore activities like snorkeling, boating, and water tours, like those offered by Island Water Sports Hawaii.
Q. Can I snorkel right from the shore at Maunalua Bay?
A. Snorkeling from the beach isn’t recommended here due to low visibility and limited reef life. For the best experience, book a snorkeling or submarine scooter tour that takes you into deeper, clearer waters where marine life is more abundant. The Subscooter tour is the perfect way to get the thrill of snorkeling even if you can’t swim!
Q. Are there restrooms or facilities at Maunalua Bay Beach Park?
A. Yes. The park has public restrooms and a small parking lot. There are also shaded picnic areas and easy access to the boat ramp, making it a convenient spot for water tours and excursions.
Q. What should I bring for a tour with Island Water Sports Hawaii?
A. Bring a bathing suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a sense of adventure! You won’t need scuba gear or fins—everything is provided. If you book an add-on ride like the Banana Boat or Bumper Tube, pack a change of clothes for afterward so you can easily move on to your next adventure without needing to go back to your hotel or vacation rental first.
