Got Questions?
FAQ
Everything you'll want to know before you sail.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions
How many people can the Kai ʻOliʻOli accommodate?
The Kai ʻOliʻOli is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry up to 49 passengers plus a 4-person crew. We keep our public cruises capped well below capacity so every guest has plenty of room on deck, in the cabin, and on the snorkel platform.
Do your cruises offer whale watching excursions too?
Yes — during the humpback whale season (December through May), our Snorkel & Dolphin Watch cruises become Snorkel & Whale Watch cruises. We adjust the route based on whale sightings and pause for as long as the whales linger.
Do you provide snorkeling gear and is it safe for beginners?
All snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, optical masks on request) is included. Our crew gives a full briefing for first-timers, and we offer noodles + life vests on the snorkel platform. Non-swimmers can watch the dolphins from the boat — no one is expected to enter the water.
What if I don't see any dolphins or whales?
Our Morning Calm and Afternoon Adventure cruises carry a Dolphin / Whale Sighting Guarantee: if we don't see dolphins or whales, you're welcome to return on another date, subject to space availability (a $45 rebooking fee applies). The guarantee does not apply to the Sunset Dinner Cruise. See our Policies page for full details.
What kind of drinks are available on your cruises?
Non-alcoholic drinks — water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and Hawaiian juices — are complimentary on every cruise. We also serve alcoholic drinks: Hawaiian and domestic beer, wine, Mai Tais, Blue Hawaiians, and margaritas. Each adult guest receives up to four alcoholic drinks included; additional drinks are $3 each.
What food is served on board?
Every cruise includes a hot Hawaiian meal cooked fresh onboard — teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, salad with En Fuego dressing, rice, pineapple, and taro buns, finished with poi bread pudding and macadamia sauce. Vegetarian and gluten-free requests can be accommodated with 24 hours' notice. See our Hot Hawaiian Meal page for the full menu.
Is there a photo souvenir of my time aboard the Kai ʻOliʻOli?
Yes — a professional photographer is aboard every regularly scheduled cruise, capturing hundreds of photos (including underwater shots). Photo packages can be pre-purchased or bought on the day of your cruise with cash, credit, or Apple Pay, and are delivered digitally by email after your cruise. See our OJC Photo Program page for details.
Do you offer online discounts?
Yes — book online through our booking platform and you'll see live availability with the best published rates. Kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents) and military rates are available with valid ID — call our reservationists at (808) 677-1277 to book these. We don't sell through third-party resellers, so booking direct is always the best price.