Honu · Green Sea Turtles
Our snorkel stops visit the reefs where honu rest and feed. Stay 10 feet away — they'll usually come closer on their own.
Hawaiian green sea turtles are native, protected, and a familiar sight at the reefs where we snorkel.
Native, protected, and considered sacred in Hawaiian culture. Honu rest and feed at the reefs we snorkel year-round.
The same reefs that feed the honu are busy with yellow tangs and butterflyfish — a full snorkel show while you wait for a turtle to glide past.
Green sea turtles live on these reefs year-round — the real choice is what time of day you snorkel.
Calm water and the clearest reef light.
The warmest water of the day at the snorkel stop.
A reef stop earlier, golden hour on the way home.
Hawaiian green sea turtles — honu — are one of the most beloved sights in Hawaiʻi's waters, and the reefs along Oʻahu's leeward coast are among the best places to find them. On our snorkel stops off the Waiʻanae coast, near Mākaha and Ko Olina, honu graze on the algae that grows on the shallow reef and often rest right where our guests snorkel.
Ocean Joy Cruises sails from Ko Olina Marina, minutes from Kapolei, ʻEwa Beach, and Makakilo. Every morning, afternoon, and sunset cruise includes about an hour of guided snorkeling at a protected reef where honu are frequent visitors, alongside dolphin watching and a hot Hawaiian meal.
Honu are a protected species. We keep our distance, and we ask guests to stay at least 10 feet away and never touch, chase, or feed them — if you stay calm, the turtles will often glide closer on their own.
Green sea turtles are protected — admire them from 10 feet, never touch or feed.
Choose your cruise
3.5 HoursBest SellerPremier morning cruise up the Waianae coast with an hour of snorkeling, dolphin and whale watching, and a gourmet Hawaiian buffet.
3.5 HoursAfternoon cruise along Oʻahu's western coastline featuring dolphin watching, one hour of snorkeling at a prime reef, and a Hawaiian buffet.
2.5–3.5 HoursDate NightThe only Oahu sunset dinner cruise that includes snorkeling — watch dolphins at dusk, snorkel a secret reef, and dine on a Hawaiian buffet with cocktails.
Every cruise departs Ko Olina Marina and sails north along Oʻahu's calm, sheltered west shore — the leeward Waiʻanae coast.
