The Official Waikiki Gondola Cruise Experience
OUR GONDOLA EXPERIENCES
EXCELLENT Based on 175 reviews Posted on Ronald DiasFebruary 24, 2025 WHAT FUN. First trip to Hawaii to celebrate 60th anniversary. Loved gondola experience. Have Larry pick you up and return you to hotel otherwise hard to find. Kept us fascinated in Honolulu traffic. Eliot was our gondolier and guide. We brought champagne, they did everything else including Don Ho recording of tiny bubbles accompanied by magically appearing tiny bubbles. There is a canal in Oahu, Eliot explains when it was dug and why. Every occupied boat waved and called aloha as we moved through the dock area. Eliot reminded us of the tradition where couples kiss as boat passes under bridges, three going and three returning. Felt like kids making out. Had a wonderful time. Running a little late for restaurant reservation, Larry took us directly to restaurant. Absolutely 5 star experience. MAHALO!Posted on Diane MillerFebruary 23, 2025 I did a solo ride and it was an awesome experience. Very relaxing. Beautiful views of the surrounding area and a spectacular sunset. Elliot and Larry were both very entertaining and knowledgeable on the history and culture of the island. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting the island.Posted on Chris CardwellFebruary 15, 2025 Amazing experience! Lovely experience from start to finish!Posted on Sarah BossFebruary 9, 2025 We had a lovely time- fun smooth waters with fun games and chat- totally recommend this experience! ( and the view of the fireworks was phenomenal!)Posted on Donna RoelofsFebruary 4, 2025 Excellent, Outstanding, Superb! The gondola cruise was very relaxing, informative and entertaining. The brothers sang a few appropriate songs and engaged in conversation that meshed with the serenity of the cruise through the harbor and canal. We walked to the dock from our hotel but they did offer a pick up service. Very nice evening under the stars.Posted on tony silvarFebruary 4, 2025 What an awesome idea to take a Gondola cruise in Hawaii! The experience was amazing, and the gondoliers were top-notch. We highly recommend this cruise; it's a great way to relax and view the sunset. I will definitely be revisiting this experience when I return to Hawaii.Posted on Jacqueline GooddineJanuary 25, 2025 This was the best activity my husband and I did to celebrate our anniversary. The ride on the gondola was amazing and peaceful fun great entertainment. We were served Macedonia Chocolates, Cold Apple Cider. Shawn and Elliott were the best host. I would highly recommend if you in Hawaii. I give this activity a five star.Posted on Bringer ofdawnJanuary 18, 2025 Was a wonderful experience and a wonderful evening! The fireworks were amazing, the boat ride was great, and the people were friendly. I would recommend to anyone!Posted on Sandy MillardJanuary 9, 2025 The gondola ride was a great way to start our day. Beautiful scenery and entertaining guides. The snacks on board were fabulous! We had a lovely time!Posted on William NaultJanuary 6, 2025 The experience was unique and incredible both for our eyes and for the encounters that me and my family had. Thank you for offering an unforgettable experience that brought joy to my family. My sister's eyes sparkled at the sunset. We come from Quebec and the hosts explained everything to us, the stories and legends of Hawaii. I definitely recommend it!
Day Cruises - Shared Ride
Day Cruises - Private Ride
Sunset / Evening Cruises - Shared Ride
Sunset / Evening Cruises - Private Ride
Experience The World with Hawaii WoW Tours
For kama’aina and tourists alike, we aim to provide a unique and memorable experience surrounded by the beauty and culture of Hawaii while influenced by a World of Wonders.
Our Happy Clients!
We pride ourselves with the positive testimonials we receive from our clients and continue to strive to improve our services every day. Thank you!
“Like a hammock on the water! So perfect and relaxing.”
Krystyna Henner
“The vacation experience of a lifetime. We have never been to Venice but your gondola cruise made it feel like we got to experience two amazing vacation destinations for the price of one. It was without a doubt our favorite family trip.”
Alex Vasquez
- juneleite
Edwardo did a great job trying to navigate all the obstacles that were not controllable. He had a way of making my 80 year old parents comfortably and telling them... read more stories along the way. Unique experience!
May 6, 2022michaelsZ7424MO
It was a very serene and peaceful experience. Totally different than the typical tourist outing. I highly recommend it. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
September 27, 2022justintJ515SZ
I was very interested in somewhere romantic and private that I could propose to my girlfriend of 2 years. After passing under the 3rd bridge the gondolier skilfully handed me... read more the engagement ring housed in a clear container atop a heart shaped white silk pillow with white silk flowers. It was a full moon and she said yes!. Excellent Gondola cruise.
April 16, 2022Amancio P
Me and my wife had an amazing experience !
The Gondola Cruise was an experience that was worth the money. Very professional, friendly
May 7, 2023mchristina_68
I booked this cute little gondola cruise for my husband and I to celebrate my husband’s birthday and his first time in Hawaii. We were running late due to valet... read more issues, traffic and not being able to find the exact location. Fortunately for us the staff was very patient, helpful and accommodating. Upon arrival we were greeted with leis and a beautiful arrangement of sparking cider, chocolate covered strawberries, cannolis and an assortment of cookies. The cruise itself was peaceful & lovely. Our gondola host was very entertaining and so was our photographer. We would definitely come back again and recommend this company to our family & friends.
August 6, 2022janicemsmith
I am so grateful that me and my family got to experience a BEAUTIFUL and authentic ride on this beautiful little canal in the heart of Waikiki with all the... read more locals!! Everyone was so kind and their hospitality was through the roof! It is an AMAZING experience for the price
April 22, 2022 - Wilma F
Thank you so much for the beautiful tour .
A truly Hawaiian Sunset Paradise experience at Waikiki's Grand Canal. My husband and I enjoy the enchanting Venetian... read more gondola the
atmosphere the setting drinks, pastries, and the forever lei. Love the classic Italian love songs.
Our gondoliers were very
knowledgeable, polite and friendly and they also sing along. Keep up the good work truly recommend it doing the Hawaii WOW Gondola Cruises
Definitely Love
December 1, 2022travelnurse88
My husband and I throughly enjoyed our cruise. It was relaxing and romantic. The music and snacks were perfect and our tour guides were amazing and full of personality, which... read more made the experience even better.
June 18, 2022C2752YCthomasl
The gondola cruise outdid all my expectations. It was a perfect fusion of fun and romance. Boat ride was calm with plenty opportunities to capture the beauty of Honolulu and... read more the surrounding scenery. You can take your own pictures and also they will take it with their own professional camera. Our guide was knowledgeable about Hawaii’s history and shared fascinating stories and fun facts along the ride. They provided a fine, rare drink and delicious pastries. They were so genuine and welcoming, truly felt like a friend invited us on a gondola cruise. One of a kind and worth every penny.
January 16, 2023jasminemQ9207DN
The gondola cruise was the highlight of our stay in Hawaii so far! My husband booked this lovely evening cruise through viator. The owners/operators were very personable, knowledgeable and just... read more genuinely, nice people. The cruise was relaxing and the sightseeing was just beautiful. The tiramisu, cookies, sparkling cider and singing were a plus!!!
October 4, 2022Gianna B
Awesome surprise valentines for me and my boyfriend . Loved every moment . Sweetest family we met and appreciated every aspect that they put into our ride . They made
... read more /> Our trip to hawaii very special.
February 14, 2023pjtopete
What a way to celebrate our 35th anniversary! From a very warm welcome and attention given from hotel pick-up and all throughout the gondola ride. A family-run business (Gondo-Larry... read more with his 2 sons: Shawn & Elliot) they make you feel so special. Paparazzi included with perfect view of the fireworks. You'll also appreciate the clear water compared to the Venice canal which is murky. Thank you guys for bringing Venice to Honolulu!!!
June 23, 2023 - Nibal A
This isn’t a review
This is a personal experience and big support to this professional family business. Larry, Alex and Sean are amazing.this romantic experience is something else, if... read more you want yo surprise your date with something special, do this and promise you won’t regret it and a plus I do strongly recommend to purchase transportation with Larry he is so kind and knows what he doing and how to make you feel special.
June 19, 2023chrispM806QD
Fantastic trip! This was an unexpected delight! The staff was so helpful, friendly, and fun! The beverages and snacks were above expectations! If you are on Oahu, this is a... read more must!
December 21, 2022RomaYamagin
Thanks to Larry and his family for the unforgettable memories they created on our special day. A canal gondola ride is a great idea to discover Honolulu from a... read more new perspective. The journey flew by unnoticed by interesting stories and attention from young gondoliers. Next time we will definitely come back with our children! Would definitely recommend to everyone! Gondola itself is very comfortable, lots of photos taken by the crew, lots of positive emotions, especially when riding under the bridge or having a glass of champange while gondoliers singing!
July 4, 2023extexj
The host was very pleasant. But the supposed canal ride ended up being circles in the marina only. We were very disappointed.
April 22, 2023 - N8146WMwills
What a wonderful experience! On this unique cruise, be prepared to kick back, relax, leave the “driving” to your friendly gondolier, and enjoy seeing the Ala Wai canal from a... read more totally different and pleasant perspective. My wife and I live in Waikiki. We see the canal from our high rise every day. But after our gondola ride, we have newfound appreciation for its beauty and tranquility, particularly at night when the stars are visible amid the glow of the city lights. Our affable and accommodating gondolier told us stories, educated us on little known details about the canal and the marina, and even tenderly serenaded us as we cruised along the glassy calm water. We opted for the fireworks cruise during which our gondolier expertly maneuvered us to a special spot where we had the absolute best vantage point for watching the fireworks all to ourselves. The gondola cruise was everything we’d hoped it would be as we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. It was definitely a memorable night!
April 9, 2023Angel N
We had an amazing time with Hawaii WOW Gondola Cruise. The experience was awesome and the customer service was the best. I would recommend that everyone who visit Hawaii... read more put this experience at the top of their to-do list! You will not be disappointed!
April 24, 2023randykK373EW
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII!
The boat was beautiful, safe and very comfortable, the ride was fantastic! The scenery was just spectacular, and we... read more thoroughly enjoyed seeing Honolulu from the water side view. But far and away the best part was spending time with Elliot and Shawn. Informative, witty, personable and absolutely professional in every way. We would highly recommend this tour to ANYONE. Made it very special for us to celebrate 50 years of marriage with a romantic gondola ride in paradise. We wish them every success.
February 20, 2023RodasDeleon77
Thank you to the Waikiki Gondola, for making my girlfriend and I experienced a smooth sailing. Elliot and Sean, your service was fenomenal! If you guys ever come to Waikiki,... read more definitely recommend coming here!
May 6, 2023Whoouwit W
What an amazing experience! We took the Friday night fireworks cruise and we’re able to see the beautiful night display from the water! We also cruised the canal to see... read more the city lights! The gondola was amazingly comfortable with amazing company and serenading from Shaun and Elliot️
April 29, 2023LovesToTravel2856
If you are looking for something exceptional and out of the ordinary, then this is for you! This was awesome! Eliot, Shawn, and GondoLarry were fabulous! They couldn't... read more do enough for us. Our sunset cruise ended up being a moonlight cruise. They met us and helped make sure we made it to the gondola ok. Then they showed us how to get in it, explained all the treats that they had for us, including a blanket in case we got cold. Shawn was very knowledgeable of the area and made the trip so fun. We learned about the canal, the marina, the area history and provide us with a nice, smooth cruise on the canal. It was definitely the highlight of our stay in Honolulu. Thanks again Eliot, Shawn, and GondoLarry - if we ever come back, we'll be seeing you again. You won't be disappointed in any of these gondola cruises.
April 18, 2023 - LeticiaZL
Its an amazing experience! Elliot and team made sure that we have a good time and an awesome experience to remember.
November 26, 2022Bigrigbush78
I’m a retired Army veteran and I’ve had the pleasure of traveling all over the world. I’m saying that to say this, two thumbs up for Waikiki Gondola cruise! I’ve... read more been to Italy on a gondola and even tried the one in Vegas. This one is by far the best! The tour was very informative about the history. The staff was so friendly, courteous, and made sure my wife and I had the best experience ever! To top it off, as we were sailing along we got to see a lot of box jellyfish. It seemed as if they were attracted to the lights on the gondola. Very breath taking experience and if you’re ever in Hawaii make sure you take the tour! You will not be disappointed!!
October 28, 2022Trek428135
This was amazing and peaceful. Our gondolier was very sweet. Good pastries. Definitely a go to for celebration or just date night. I took my husband and he loved it.... read more Scenery amazing. Family oriented. Great people.
September 12, 2022angiekJ8047QR
What a wonderfully unique experience!! Every detail was thought of - leis, sparkling cider, pastries,little cookies, music and parasols/umbrellas for the sun. The family was so sweet, welcoming and knowledgeable... read more about the area and history. I would definitely recommend this tour!
October 15, 2022628angelical
After a long day on the beach and ocean it was very nice to get to relax and learn about Oahu and enjoy a romantic sunset! Our gondolier is so... read more amazing and anyone visiting must have this experience!
April 6, 2023 - Victorya M
Due to the rain we made the best of this ride but all in all it was wonderful, our driver was nice, Elliott was very informative and very nice
April 3, 2023jovannab499
We had a beautiful ,relaxing night on the gondola cruise. Everything was delicious , the two brothers was so friendly to us . They were very social, accommodating and sang... read more for us . The mini light show was super cute . This was intimate and a fun experience for date night.
December 28, 2022renee c
It was an excellent way to spend my birthday! It was a romantic ride along the canal. Next time I would like to do the evening cruise when it... read more is not so hot.
July 19, 2022232kaitlinp
What a beautiful experience to have in the Waikiki canal! One of the top “wonders” of Honolulu and a “Hidden Gem” that gives you an experience unlike anything else! ... read more Gorgeous atmosphere on the gondola with drinks, pasties, and a forever lei. Among the ride we experienced music, facts, wildlife, many interested and curious bystanders, but most of all a quiet and scenic relaxing cruise. We plan to be back for their night tour in a few months! The service from this crew is also 100% amazing.
May 28, 2022Brooke L
My husband and daughter gave me this ride as a Mother’s Day gift. It was a delightful and unique way to experience Waikiki. Elliott, Shawn, and Gondolarry had... read more thought of everything and have absolutely put their heart into this experience. It’s a must!
May 15, 2023 - luisgerardoa445
Such an amazing experience!! Elliot was a great tour guide/gondolier. Watching the fireworks on a Friday night, then sailing peacefully on the Ala Wai enjoying the city lights was beautiful.... read more My favorite part was watching the Jelly Fish as they seemed to dance around the boat, giving us such a delightful view. We’ll totally recommend this experience to all of our friends that may visit Honolulu.
October 11, 2022tamekaa2018
This cruise was so relaxing and romantic. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting something unique to do in Hawaii
February 15, 2023blessbuilding2022
This was way better than the Gondola we took at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Firstly, it is in the real outdoors, you see beautiful yachts pass by and we... read more got to see Waikiki from a totally new perspective.
It was a decently long ride being 45 minutes as opposed to 15 minutes you get in Las Vegas.
April 19, 2022sousilahlah
I definitely had an amazing experience on the Gondola Waikiki Cruise. Watching the sunset on water in a beautiful Gondola, took it to a whole new level of beauty. Staff... read more were so kind and accommodating, not to mention patient with someone who has no sense of directions, like me. For those who get motion sickness easily, this is one cruise that will make you forget that you even get motion sickness. Smooth, beautiful, and a pleasant experience overall. Thank you Gondola Waikiki from the bottom of my heart!
July 19, 2022863henriettaw
It was fun for a “local” couple to see the Ala Wai from a different perspective in a gondola. Wish it was longer. Unique tourist type experience for someone who... read more grew up in Honolulu and not Venice. Great Gondoleer and host’s with food and drink.
July 29, 2022982karig
This gondola ride was the perfect experience for a couple looking for romance. My husband and I had an amazing time on the gondola with our wonderful tour guides. They... read more were so nice and friendly, which made us feel very comfortable and welcomed. It was so romantic going at night and would highly recommend this!!
June 23, 2023 - richardjX8841LI
Such a lovely way to experience the sunset and view Waikiki from the water. Would recommend to families for sure.
November 13, 2022KK-NYC13
We took the sunset time which was great because you have the quiet with enough light to see. In addition, the canal goes along the residential homes so you... read more can see the residents of Honolulu and the canoe club practices at this time so you can observe them as well.
They take pictures of you in the beginning but they don't give them to you unless you write a review for them so I recommend taking your own pictures. I don't appreciate them taking pictures of you and then holding them.
July 27, 2022Dianne H
Lovely personalised experience Venice in the pacific.....definitely a experience to try!
A family business who go the extra mile. Loved our experience with them...thanks!
October 11, 2022 - yolam2023
I have to say this was the most romantic evening I have had in a long time. We took this tour because my daughter booked it for our 27th year... read more anniversary. Waikiki WOW Gondola have definitely lived up to their name. They offer a Venetian Gondola ride around this beautiful Ala Wai Harbor and canal. They had complementary chilled Apple Cider, tasty pastries, music, and all around great ambiance. It is something you should experience if you come to Honolulu, Hawaii. A family owned business that can cater to a couple in love to a group or family who want to experience a Venetian gondola ride in Hawaii. It surpassed all my expectations and I definitely give it a 10 out of 10.
January 7, 2023Lzuni001
This was a very enjoyable, personalized, and thoughtful gondola ride! Perfect for viewing sunsets (and in our case, Waikiki fireworks)!! It exceeded our expectations and was a priceless memorable experience!!!
June 11, 2022amandarU5753CI
Amazing experience! The staff is wonderful and so accommodating. They really go above and beyond to make the experience one of a kind. We will definitely be doing this again... read more on our next visit! 100% worth it!
October 11, 2022M12J24c90
This experience was both relaxing and intimate. I love having the beautiful history of Hawaii with a mix of intimacy and romance
May 14, 2023930mildredp
Love this experience Shawn is so nice beautiful pics pointed out all the sight very informative he was so sweet love that it’s family owned a must do
July 20, 2022Shawn K
What a remarkable ride. I normally get seasick when I am on a boat, but this ride was very smooth. No waves, just a calm gentle current. The treats... read more were very tasty, and the gondolier was fun to talk to.
April 15, 2022 - 255randk
We went there today such a great time we enjoyed every single moment and everything was just perfect
They guy who drove the boat was very nice and friendly... read more and he has alot of knowledge as well as a nice voice
We are really happy that we chose them to go on that cruise
Also they were really nice because we were late caz I got some stomachache and we weren’t able to make it on time we called them and they understand the situation and they worked with us and they told us if we can come after two hours. And they didn’t charge us anything
So thank you guys for everything we really appreciate it and we had a lot of fun
August 20, 2022Jasmine R
My husband book the Gondola cruise for my birthday while we were in Honolulu. It was a beautiful romantic experience. The host Eliot was so nice and welcoming. He played... read more some of the most romantic song for us and also sing along. He also shared the history behind the canal and the beautiful infrastructure of the buildings. It was a great romantic and informative experience.
April 9, 2023422jermainef
I usually don’t write reviews, but I had to this time because the Gondola Tour was Better than what I expected. The staff was really nice, courteous and very friendly.... read more They had a lots of good and informative history of the Oahu. We had a blast and will definitely book the Gondola again if we visit Hawaii.
June 27, 2022annbH1884QX
5/17/22
Excellent experience! Loved every minute! Friendly staff, excellent tour guide, great entertainment and romantic setting. You’ll love it. The staff goes out of their way to keep you safe... read more and are so welcoming. A must do activity when in Hawaii. We’ll be back!
May 18, 2022