Living Ocean Tours has a 5-star rating from 6,316 people. That means every single person—100%—gave them the highest score possible.
Why are their tours so popular? You’ll see the same two things come up again and again in the reviews: people talk about the value, and they call it an “unforgettable experience.”
The Wondrous Waters of Honolulu
Snorkeling sits right at the top of ocean-based activities. If you had to rank it? It’s easily in the top 1–2 things 80%+ of visitors plan before they even land.
Of course, when you mention that you’re going snorkeling in Honolulu to a local, they almost smile before you finish the sentence. What they’re actually thinking is, “Well… yeah. Obviously.”
But the first question they ask? “Sure… but you’re going with who?”
If you don’t answer quickly, they will say, “Go with Living Ocean Tours.”
1. Deluxe Snorkel & Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
When you check Living Ocean’s reviews, you feel confident pretty quickly.
You start reading and see that Belinda Tupaea gave their Deluxe Snorkeling Tour a 5-star rating today. That’s a good sign. Then you notice Barbara Schennder also gave it 5 stars today, and right under that, Yvonne Drake did the same—another 5-star rating, also posted today.
At that point, you think, ah, great… let me scroll a bit more.
So you keep going. But now your thinking changes. You’re not looking for more 5-star reviews. You’re thinking, okay… let me scroll down until I find someone who rated it lower.
So you scroll.
And scroll.
Let me save you about 2 minutes: you won’t find one negative review.
Living Ocean Tours has a 5-star rating from 6,316 people. That means every single person—100%—gave them the highest score possible.
Why are their tours so popular? You’ll see the same two things come up again and again in the reviews: people talk about the value, and they call it an “unforgettable experience.”
Their Deluxe Snorkeling Cruise is a 2.5-hour trip, starting with a scenic cruise along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head, before anchoring at a coral reef. You’ll get 90 minutes in the water. And you’ll snorkel over a reef filled with tropical fish and turtles.
Then there’s the boat itself. There’s the infamous waterslide, a trampoline, a lily pad… so even when you’re not snorkeling, you’re still in the water, still having fun. That’s important, especially if you’re going with family or people who don’t want to snorkel the entire time.
The boat is also unique. The SeaKeeper stabilizer keeps things steady, which means people who usually feel uneasy on the water can relax and enjoy it.
Another theme that keeps coming up in almost every review is the crew. “Friendly.” “Patient.” “Professional.” They guide you, help beginners feel comfortable, and keep an eye on everyone the whole time.
Ultimately, when you see the value you get with this tour, it’s not hard to imagine your review. You already know what yours would say. “Your Name — 5 stars — [today’s date].”
2. Luau Dinner with Hawaiian Show by Queens Waikiki Luau
Luaus are popular because they pull everything people imagine Hawaii to be into one evening. They are one of the top 3–4 most booked activities on the island.
At Queens Waikiki Luau, you’ll experience Hawaiian culture. You’ll watch hula, hear music, see the costumes, and it’s explained through movement and storytelling.
Yes, it’s dinner—but it’s also local food done traditionally. Things like kalua pig (slow-cooked underground in an imu), rice, fresh fruit, island-style dishes. You’re eating what belongs there, not something imported.
Most luaus run into sunset. So you’ll watch performances while the sky changes… then the torches come on. The whole setting shifts from day to night without you moving.
3. Waikiki Sunset Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
When you take a sunset cruise, you’re not going out on the water for the boat—you’re going for what comes into view once you leave the shore.
When you’re on the ocean, you’ll look back and see the entire strip—hotels, palm trees, the curve of the beach—all in one line.
You’ll also see Diamond Head sitting to the side of it all, anchoring the view. Most importantly, you’ll see the sun dropping straight into the Pacific. If you’re lucky, dolphins sometimes pass by. And in season (roughly winter), you might see whales in the distance—just a breach or a tail, but enough to stop everyone mid-sentence.
4. Walk Kalākaua Avenue
Kalākaua Avenue is the center of Waikiki. Beach on one side. Hotels, shops, and restaurants on the other. It’s where Honolulu comes together in one place. You’ll see surfers crossing the road with boards. Families heading back from the beach. Couples dressed up for dinner. Street performers pulling small crowds.
You’ll pass through it again and again—after snorkeling, before dinner, on the way to a sunset cruise. It becomes part of your day. It gives you that “I’m actually in Hawaii” feeling. Palm trees, ocean air, live music drifting from somewhere…
How popular is it? There’s no ticket count because it’s free—but Waikiki draws millions of visitors every year. And a huge percentage of Oahu tourists stay within walking distance of this avenue, so it’s one of the busiest pedestrian areas in Hawaii, day and night
And by the end of the trip, it’s one of the places they remember most clearly—because they’ve walked it more than once, at different times, in different moods… and it feels slightly different every time.
5. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
People visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial for one reason above all: it marks the moment the United States was pulled into World War II.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. Battleships were hit where they sat. Planes were destroyed before they could take off. And more than 2,400 Americans were killed in a matter of hours. The country woke up one way… and by the end of that day, everything had changed.
You can still see that moment, almost frozen in place.
The USS Arizona Memorial sits directly above the remains of the battleship USS Arizona, which sank during the attack. Over 1,100 sailors and Marines are still inside. Oil still rises slowly to the surface—people call it the tears of the Arizona.
A short distance away, the USS Missouri tells the other side of the story. This is where Japan formally surrendered in 1945. The war that began for the U.S. at Pearl Harbor… ended on that deck. Same harbor. Four years apart.
So why do people go?
Not for entertainment. They go because it’s one of those rare places where history stops feeling like something you read… and starts feeling real. You stand there and realize how quickly a single morning can change the direction of millions of lives.
Family Things to Do in Honolulu FAQs
What are kid-friendly things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Family things to do in Honolulu usually include snorkeling, visiting the Honolulu zoo, a sunset cruise, and exploring the Kualoa Ranch.
Are there free things to do in Honolulu, Waikiki?
Yes. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu cost nothing at all. You can relax on Waikiki Beach, watch the sunset over the Pacific, hike Diamond Head (small entry fee for non-residents), or explore Kuhio Beach and its evening hula shows.
What are the best evening activities in Honolulu?
Popular evening things to do in Waikiki include beachfront dining, live music along the strip, and the Friday night fireworks display. Likewise, fun family things to do in Honolulu include sunset cruises and luaus, which are traditional Hawaiian feasts.
Do you need a car for things to do in Waikiki?
Not necessarily. Many things to do in Waikiki are within walking distance of major hotels. For activities outside the immediate area—like North Shore tours or Pearl Harbor—shuttles are widely available.
What outdoor activities are popular for families in Honolulu?
Outdoor family things to do in Honolulu include surfing lessons, snorkeling tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking Diamond Head, and boat cruises along the coastline.
