Plan Your Shark Dive

Most cage-free shark diving tours on Oʻahu depart from Haleʻiwa Harbor, located on the North Shore about an hour’s drive from Waikīkī.

• Address: Haleʻiwa Small Boat Harbor, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712
• Parking: Free parking is available near the harbor restrooms and boat ramps.
• Check-in: Most tours recommend checking in 30 minutes before departure.

If you are staying in Waikīkī or Ko Olina, plan to leave at least 1.5–2 hours before your tour to allow time for traffic and check-in.

• From Waikīkī: Take H-1 West → H-2 North → Route 99 (Kamehameha Hwy) to Haleʻiwa. Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.
• From Ko Olina: Take Farrington Hwy → H-1 East → H-2 North → Route 99. Approx. 1 hour.

Plan to stop in historic Haleʻiwa Town before or after your dive for food, coffee, or local shops.

Shark dives run year-round, but conditions and sightings vary with the seasons:

• Summer and Early Fall (May–October): The ocean is calmer, visibility is excellent, and it is considered Tiger Shark season. Warm water and clear conditions make this the most popular time for cage-free shark diving.
• Winter (November–April): While the North Shore sees larger swells, tours still run in safe conditions. Winter is whale season, when you can often hear humpback whale songs underwater and encounter large numbers of Galapagos and Sandbar sharks.

For the best experience, book an early morning tour — seas are typically calmest, visibility is best, and marine life is most active.

To make the most of your experience, pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaiʻi bans harmful sunscreen ingredients)
• Swimsuit and towel
• Water bottle (refillable preferred)
• Motion-sickness tablets if needed
• Camera or GoPro for underwater footage
• A change of clothes for after the tour

Note: Snorkel gear is usually provided by your tour operator.

Each operator has slightly different requirements, but generally:

• Minimum age: 5–12 years old (depending on the company)
• Swimming ability: Basic comfort in the water is recommended for cage-free dives
• Supervision: Trained safety divers and marine guides are always in the water

If you prefer to observe without entering the water, some boats offer a ride-along option — a great choice for non-swimmers or families with young children.