Hawaii Shark Encounters
Summer Special: Save 15% OFF the 6 am tour and 10% OFF all other tours through July 2024!
Depart Haleiwa Harbor on the Kainani. You will arrive at the shark grounds after a 3 mile, 15 minute ride. Drawn to the surface by the sound of the Kainani’s engine, sharks almost never fail to pay you a visit. The first "victims" get in the cage when the first shark arrives. Just getting in the water is a bit of a thrill. The water is around 400 feet deep and as blue and clear as the open ocean.
Once in the cage, the big plexiglass windows are nearly transparent, so
when that 10 foot long Galapagos shark presses his nose against the
glass, it looks like he is coming right on in. Don't worry though, he’s
not getting in. If you press your nose against the glass, you will be
just one quarter of an inch away from the business end of one big shark!
Galapagos and sandbar sharks are common visitors. Both of these shark
species are very curious, completely unafraid and come very close to the
cage.
Tour Highlights:
- Three mile boat ride to the shark ground off Oahu's North Shore
- See sharks up close from within the safety of a shark cage
- Plenty of great underwater photo opportunities
Tour Inclusions:
- Snorkel and mask are provided (but guests may also bring their own)
- Refreshments
The Boat
- 32-foot Radon built on the Big Island of Hawaii
- Can carry the largest shark cage in Hawaii
- Hot water showers aboard
Floating Shark Cage
In the Cage
Meet Wild Sharks
Shark Cage
Shark Near Cage
Sharks Up Close
- Where and When:
- Tour times:
6:00 am - 8:00 am
7:00 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 11:00 am
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
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 "Historic" 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 "Historic" 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.
- Requirements:
- 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.
- Special Notes:
- Operation Days:
- Daily
- Duration:
- Approx. 2 hours
- Vendor:
- Hawaii Shark Encounters
- Island:
- Oahu
- Capacity:
- 12
- Equipment:
- 32' Radon. This is an excellent vessel for holding the worlds largest cage on your Hawaii shark adventure.