Islandview Hawaii

A week late with my review but Islandview Hawaii definitely deserves to be put out there!
So let’s rewind a bit. My boyfriend is the person to thank for this. He’s been wanting to go on a shark dive tour for a while so I decided to gift this to him for Valentine’s Day. I initially booked theccage tour with another company and when I told my boyfriend about it, he said he wanted to do the tour where you’re actually swimming with the sharks vs the sharks swimming around us in a cage. Of course, I was like «wth hell no» but decided to book it anyways. So I booked it and we were scheduled for Mar 13^th at 10am, check-​in at 9:45am.
The morning of the tour we decided to stop by the store to get some snacks and when we got back to the car, my car woudn’t start (battery problems). Long story short, I called Islandview countless times, straight to voicemail, left messages. Personally, it was a sign from God saving me from swimming with sharks lol. Anyways, we finally got a jump at 9:30 and decided to book it to North Shore from Ewa in hopes we would make it. About 15 till 10am, I get a call from Islandview and I’m like thank God. They were totally cool with us running late and we managed to get there exactly at 10am. We literally parked at the harbor and hopped on the boat.
As we got in the boat, we were greeted by two guys… I believe Kaiwi and his friend. They were very friendly and helped us in the boat. Kaiwi’s dad was the boat captain. So as we were heading out to sea, the Dad explains the do’s and don’ts and safety precautions. We ride out about 3 miles and finally stop to where we needed to go. We were provided with all the swim gear (snorkel gear and fins). They’ll give you a floater too if you’re not as great as a swimmer as I am lol. So Kaiwi got in the water first, then we went in one at a time (group of 4). I was the third to get in and got in when I was told to. Key thing is to listen to directions. Despite the fact that you’re jumping into the ocean with sharks, listening and keeping calm is the way to go. I was so nervous and scared but I just got in and swam towards the group. As soon as I looked into the ocean, there was 15+ sharks right below us, like feet away! It’s such a surreal feeling, truly indescribable. We were in the hour for 30 – 45 minutes, felt like a while honestly. The guys on the tour are really the best. They definitely look out for you. The other guy that swam with us offered to take shots of us swimming with the sharks for $ 50. At first, I didn’t really care for it because he’s literally taking it from his iPhone in a waterproof case but it was legit. Looked super professional and we got 300+ photos and he air dropped it to me right after the tour. I also brought my goPro and got some really good photos and videos.
So we had to get on the boat one at a time as well and as soon as I got on, I got sea sick. I do recommend taking bonine or some sort of seasickness pill. I did take one 15 minutes prior to getting on the boat and was fine going out. I think the calmness of being in the ocean and getting onto a rocking boat is what got to me. Also, we didn’t end up bringing any snacks on the boat so you can skip that too. Just a small breakfast will do, then have a hearty lunch after the tour.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to swim with sharks. You definitely need to keep an open mind and forget everything you hear about shark attacks and all that. These creatures were harmful and very peaceful. I say, skip the cage tour and book Islandview Hawaii. You won’t be disappointed!

Kiawi and Dave of Islandview Hawaii offered a one of a kind shark snorkeling experience. Forget the cages and go with this family owned and operated business that delivers on excitement that cannot be duplicated. We swam with several Galapagos sharks that were between 10 – 12 feet long. They photographed the entire adventure and everyone left feeling like they’d conquered the high seas. Will return for sure!

So glad I found out about Islandview Hawaii! Swimming with the sharks was peaceful and pretty much euphoric. I felt so safe with Dave and Evan, I don’t think I would’ve felt as safe even if I had been in a cage, and I certainly don’t think it would’ve been as amazing of an experience. I certainly plan to go again with these guys.

Had a great time with the crew! Communication was very responsive and helpful. Learning about Kaiwai and his family’s history was great. My girlfriend wanted to do this trip, not me so I was hesitant to get into the water with the sharks without a cage. My gf really wanted to see a tiger shark… But they kept me calm and informed me about all the things I needed to know about these beauties and I came out alive so I trust them to do it again. Very down to earth and humble family owned business. Our first attempt was cancelled due to weather and we were on a time crunch so they allowed us to get on an earlier time later in the week. The weather was perfect and the water was calm. Book the earlier times, bring your gopro and selfie stick. Maybe some Dramamine if you get sea sick. They have fins, masks and snorkels if you don’t want to bring your own. Even if it’s family owned. Don’t forget to tip! It’s still a service and we want to keep the mom and pops alive! Will return soon to perfect the selfie with the sharks. Thanks guys!

This was an AMAZING experience. We had been trying to make reservations with other shark tour companies to end our trip but because we had 2 babies with us it wasn’t happening. Found Kai’wi the night before our last day. He was happy to accommodate us and was ready to do whatever we needed to so that we could all enjoy the day. We met him at his boat around 10 am, he was on time and ready to go when we arrived. He had the perfect place for our kids to sit in a comfy bean bag chair and even held onto them for us so my husband and I could swim with the sharks together. The whole thing felt safe since not ounis he a life guard but he has been doing this his whole life. He built his boat and knows the ocean as only a local boy could. We very much enjoyed our shark experience and wouldn’t ever go with another company for any boating experience on Oahu now that we know where to go. The only thing you’ll regret is if you don’t choose Island View Hawai’i for your tour.

This was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Dave was very calm with us in the water and did the absolute best to make this a safe and amazing time. He’s very knowledgeable about the Sharks as well as pointing out which ones are which species. I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone interested in these beautiful creatures.

You are in the best hands with the father-​son duo that run this tour! They are extremely comfortable in the water and know exactly how to handle the Sharks. They were one of the (if not the) first tour boats to start taking people out on the North Shore. We saw a huge tiger shark on our tour, which made this a once in a lifetime experience. This is a must-​do activity if you are on the island.

Hawaii is our regular vacation spot and we have previously ‘swam with the sharks’ (in a cage) and that was sort of checked off our ‘bucket’ list. I had NO idea we could free swim with them! When I saw the article I was so excited… I called right away and Kaiwi took us out for my 47^th birthday for one of the most amazing experiences ever! He was calm and explained things clearly, he was very present with us in the water and even managed to take a few photos and answer a few emails… the commitment he has to his business is a serious one that is rooted in family and is close to his heart (just talk to him!) — what that means for YOU is an amazing experience… at one time we had 7 – 8 sharks all around us but over the course of the morning dozens made their appearance– coming up from the bottom, swimming around us, going back down, it was INCREDIBLE and I loved every minute. This was not an experience I am checking off my ‘bucket’ list but one I plan to add to my yearly ‘to-​do’ list while visiting Haleiwa!

Without a question a 5 star experience. Safe, knowledgable, local. My little brother and I did the pelagic tour with Kaiwi and Evan and it was an absolutely incredible life-​changing experience. We go up close and personal with big Galapagos sharks in their natural habitat and I never once felt like I was in danger even with a big guy about 4 feet from me!
If you’re looking for a great shark experience, go cage-​free with Islandview. You’ll be amazed by the grace, power, and curiosity of the ocean’s most feared animal. This company has deep roots in Hawaiian culture and has an incredible respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. I wish I could give it more stars.

If you want an up-​close, intimate, unique, and very respectful experience with sharks check out Island View. The Mo’o boat takes only 6 people out at a time.
The sharks swim around the boat and you have a very clear view of them, some even coming a few feet away from you.
This experience is life changing and amazing– highly recommend it.

Was greatly disappointed see your business being promoted by the blatant act of vandalism at a Pillbox I recently did a hike to. Promoting your company by spray painting your company’s web address on a pillbox is ugly and does nothing to make me want to use your company or recommend you to any friends.

This business advertises by spray painting their website around Oahu. I was disappointed to see that they had tagged a historic WWII era bunker (aka pillbox) on the North Shore. Shame on you. This business is part of the growing graffiti problem on this island. Don’t support them. We spend a lot of time and energy removing graffiti. You are on par with litterbugs.

What kind of business participates in an illegal activity to promote the business? I have never had any interaction with this business except for the ads I’ve witnessed on my hiking adventures. It is shameful that a business that promotes the beauty of Hawaii and the North shore to tourists is involved in defacing the very beauty that they are making money off of.
I will not support this business and if you care about Hawaii’s natural beauty, then you will not either.

holy mahi mahi, that was incredible! I dragged my partner along who is usually skeptical of canned tours, and we both had a dang delightful adventure. I am actually pretty terrified of open water, I almost wimped out, but very happy I didn’t. David and Kaiwi are a warm and knowledgeable pair, deeply thoughtful about the local wildlife, ecology, history, ocean physics, even politics. They effuse a passion and love for the sea and their home, and seem proud to share it with visitors. Their vibe is like you are lucky enough to have a cool uncle and cousin who offer to hang out with you. I confessed my open water phobia and they were encouraging and reassuring. You always feel like you are in good hands. You get to experience the island from another angle. We saw turtles bobbing along the waves and a WHALE cheerfully breaching in the near distance. And wow! on our way back, they caught this amazing, stunning beautiful mahi mahi, which Kaiwi killed using a fishing club handcarved by his grandfather. Straight up. I had never seen anything like it. It was surreal and to top it off they offered us fish to take home. A perfect highlight to our wonderful trip, although dangerously tempting to leave everything behind in California and start life over on a Pacific Island immediately.

An absolute MUST for visitors of Oahu!
Kaiwi and his father are true watermen and take you on an experience that few people get to see. We snorkeled around the reefs of Waimea Bay and got to hear the history of the area from people who have lived there for their entire lives. A one of a kind experience from a one of a kind crew.
Thanks again, Kaiwi for making our trip something we will always remember!

If you love marine life and want to get a personal, respectful, life-​changing experience (yeah I said it), have Kaiwi take you out on his boat.
Nothing like the big tours (compared to the Mo’o, Kaiwi’s boat, even a 12-​person tour seems big), this experience is extremely intimate and unique.
I found Islandview after I had a not-​so-​great experience with aforementioned bigger tour, and ended up going on a correctional experience a couple days later. Shortly after we left the harbor I found myself in deep blue ocean listening to whale song! We saw them from the boat up close and personal, and it was an incredible experience.
Kaiwi really knows his stuff. He’s been in the water forever, and navigates it smoothly. He’ll keep you safe, take you to some secret spots, and smile the whole way.
Thanks again Islandview! I’ll be coming back. :)

I can not begin to say how much we enjoyed our day out in the water with Kaiwi! We were staying on the North Shore and we did not want to drive all the way into Oahu to whale watch. I came across his brochure in one of the stores in Haleiwa and I am so glad I did. We had a marvelous day! We are in our 60’s (not that it matters) but he made us feel like we were in our 20’s.He was courteous, patient and attentive. He is also a lifeguard so I felt very safe. He made sure we both caught a fish, which was a real thrill! We saw whales and dolphins. I think of all the things we did on the North Shore this day with Kaiwi was the best!
I will definitely call him when I return to paradise and go out on his boat again. It was sooooooooo fun!

This snorkel/​sightseeing tour gives a one of a kind opportunity that only a native of the North Shore can provide. Kaiwi took time to show my wife and I special parts of the island that we would not otherwise have seen. He was also extremely knowledgeable.
While snorkeling we saw all of the beautiful wild life Hawaii has to offer including giant sea turtles. A smaller boat provides an intimate experience that larger charters do not.
Worth the trip to the north shore and should not be missed!

If you want a snorkel experience like no other — this is the place. Kaiwi is a patient, attentive and confident instructor to even the most novice snorkeler (me!) He’s a trained life guard and made me feel safe through the whole process. His dad steers the ship and they have an amazing harbor they took us to where we saw dolphins, swam with sea turtles, and got to see many of the island’s fish. An incredible adventure not to be missed!

Did this tour/​snorkel adventure with my wife today and it was awesome. Kaiwi was so great– he took us to a wonderful snorkeling spot and then snorkeled with us to show us around. I also had time to snorkel on my own. We saw tons of different fish, saw a lot of turtles from a distance and saw a turtle swimming while I was snorkeling.
He was super safety conscience and is a lifeguard, so we felt very safe too. He was able to accommodate very different levels of swimmers and snorkelers.
I would highly recommend this adventure. Its a highpoint of our North Shore trip and a value for the price.