Skip to main content
Atlantis Submarines Waikiki tour agency in Honolulu, HI
Photo: Atlantis Submarines Waikiki
View of Atlantis Submarines Waikiki in Honolulu, HI
Photo: Diana Hernandez
View of Atlantis Submarines Waikiki in Honolulu, HI
Photo: James Riley

Atlantis Submarines Waikiki

4.4(966 reviews)$$$Entertainment
🕑 2 hours total (including check-in, boat shuttle, dive time, and return)👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Children must be at least 36 inches tall to participate. Kids who are fascinated by marine life, submarines, or underwater exploration will be absolutely thrilled. The experience is also perfect for families with teens who might otherwise find typical tourist activities boring.

About

Atlantis Submarines Waikiki offers an unforgettable underwater adventure aboard a real, Coast Guard-approved submarine that dives 100 feet below the ocean surface. Kids will be amazed as they peer through large viewing ports to see vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reefs, and even a sunken shipwreck, all while staying comfortably dry in an air-conditioned cabin.

Highlights

  • Descending 100 feet in a real submarine with large viewing portholes
  • Spotting tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, and rays in their natural habitat
  • Exploring a sunken shipwreck on the ocean floor
  • Air-conditioned comfort while staying completely dry underwater
  • Educational narration about marine life and Hawaiian ocean ecosystems

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book the earliest morning tour (8:30 AM) for the clearest water visibility and fewer crowds, plus kids will be more alert and excited.
  2. 2.Take motion sickness medication if your family is prone to seasickness,you'll ride a shuttle boat to reach the submarine, which can be choppy.
  3. 3.Sit on the right side of the submarine for the best views of the reef and shipwreck on the standard tour route.
  4. 4.Bring a camera with no flash for photos through the portholes, but manage expectations as underwater photos can be tricky in dim lighting.
  5. 5.Check in 30 minutes early at the Hilton Hawaiian Village as the entire experience takes longer than the dive time alone.

Best Time to Visit

Morning tours between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM offer the best underwater visibility and calmer seas. Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend tourist crowds. The experience is enjoyable year-round, but summer months (June-August) typically have the calmest ocean conditions.

What to Know

Tours last about 45 minutes underwater plus travel time to/from the submarine. The experience is wheelchair accessible. Prices are premium (typically $100-150 per person), but this once-in-a-lifetime experience is often worth the splurge for families. No food is available onboard, so eat beforehand.

Seasonal Notes

Operating year-round with daily departures. Winter months (November-March) may have occasional cancellations due to high surf conditions, so check weather forecasts. Summer offers the calmest seas and best visibility. No special holiday events, but this makes a memorable birthday or special occasion celebration.

Nearby Eats

The Hilton Hawaiian Village (where you check in) has multiple restaurants including Rainbow Lanai for casual family dining with kid-friendly options. Alternatively, head to Duke's Waikiki, just a short walk away, for beachfront dining with a fantastic keiki (children's) menu and relaxed atmosphere.

More Activities Near Honolulu

Nature

Na Ala Hele: Manoa Falls Trail

Free

This enchanting 1.6-mile round-trip hike through a lush Hawaiian rainforest leads families to the stunning 150-foot Manoa Falls. The relatively easy, mostly flat trail winds through a canopy of tropical plants, giant bamboo groves, and towering eucalyptus trees, making it feel like an adventure through a real-life jungle. It's the perfect introduction to Hawaii's natural beauty for families who want an achievable outdoor adventure without an all-day commitment.

Museum

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

4.8Free

Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers families a powerful, educational experience exploring one of America's most significant WWII sites. Kids can walk through engaging museum exhibits, watch historic footage, and take a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, making history come alive in an age-appropriate way that sparks meaningful conversations.

Nature

Diamond Head State Monument

4.7$

Diamond Head State Monument offers families an achievable yet adventurous volcanic crater hike that rewards young explorers with stunning 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. The 1.6-mile round trip trail features tunnels, staircases, and old military bunkers that turn this scenic hike into an exciting expedition kids will remember long after your Hawaiian vacation ends.

Nature

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

4.7Free

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden offers families 400 acres of lush tropical paradise with stunning Ko'olau Mountain views, all completely free! Kids can explore diverse plant collections from around the world, go fishing in the lake (catch and release), hike easy nature trails, and even camp on weekends for an unforgettable family adventure.