At Liquid Hawaiʻi, our boats are made for the unpredictable ocean. We use RHIBs (rigid hull inflatable boats), like those used by rescue teams worldwide. Their deep-V hull manages rough waters well, while the inflatable tubes provide extra stability and buoyancy, perfect for Hawaiʻi waters. These boats are strong, reliable, and built for changing conditions where good handling is essential.
One of the best things about RHIBs is how close they keep you to the ocean. They are low in the water and very maneuverable, allowing us to safely position the boat for amazing wildlife encounters while respecting the animals. You’re not watching from a distance—you’re right there experiencing the moment. Whales surfacing nearby, dolphins swimming past, manta rays below—this type of boat makes the experience feel real and vibrant, not like a slow sightseeing cruise.
For our nighttime manta ray tours, these boats are ideal. The trip to the manta site takes just five minutes each way, giving you more time in the water with the mantas. Short rides also reduce exposure to night winds and choppy waters, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
That said, these are working ocean boats, each offering a thrilling adventure rather than a traditional living room experience. While seating is more limited and active on these vessels, the excitement and connection to the sea are unparalleled. Depending on sea conditions, you might feel a bit of spray, especially on whale watches, which adds to the adventure! While RHIB tours may not be the ideal choice for everyone, they are perfect for spirited individuals who love holding on tight, moving with the boat, and embracing the invigorating ocean atmosphere.
Experience Big Island’s marine life safely and professionally with our RHIBs, providing quick access and stunning views of the vast Hawaiian waters.
Common Questions About our Boats
At Liquid Hawaii, we design our boats for safety and stability, providing an ocean adventure. Each boat has a rear bench seat and a central seat with a backrest, plus extra seating on the pontoons with sturdy handholds for comfort. We ensure a smooth ride based on ocean conditions, avoiding high-speed thrills or sea cave tours found elsewhere. Our captains prioritize safety and stability over speed. Two of our boats have large shade canopies, while our 12-passenger boat has limited shade.
Please note: our boats do not have bathrooms onboard, so guests should plan accordingly before departure.
What to Wear
We highly recommend wearing sun-protective clothing such as sun shirts or rash guards, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for all daytime tours. A lightweight rain jacket is a good idea for daytime snorkel trips and whale watching, as wind and ocean swell can occasionally bring spray. For nighttime manta ray tours, bringing a light jacket especially if you tend to get cold after being in the water.
For all snorkel-related tours, please bring your own towel, as we do not provide towels onboard.
Dressing comfortably and prepared for ocean conditions will help ensure you have the best experience possible.
Physical Abilities Required
Our tours operate on RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) vessels, which provide a safe, stable, and exciting way to explore the Big Island’s ocean—but they do require a reasonable level of physical ability. While our captains always aim for the calmest and smoothest ride possible, ocean conditions can vary and guests should be comfortable riding in an active marine environment.
For snorkeling tours, guests must be able to climb a six-step ladder to reboard the vessel unassisted after being in the water.
This experience is best suited for guests who are steady on their feet, able to hold onto handholds, and comfortable moving with the boat as it responds to natural sea conditions.