BOOK A DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER AT DOLPHIN QUEST ON OAHU
Dolphin Quest Oahu provides a variety of dolphin encounters which allow guests the opportunity to meet, touch, and play with dolphins in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and dolphins. Our ocean water lagoon setting enables diverse interactive experiences with dolphins from docks, submerged platforms, or deeper water swimming areas. Each encounter is unique based upon the guests, marine mammal specialists, and dolphins, with a variety of opportunities to select from based upon age, dolphin time, and whether you prefer to join a small, shared group, or book an exclusive experience.
REVIEWS FROM PAST GUESTS
BOOK A ROOM AT THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT
While you don’t have to be staying at The Kahala Hotel & Resort to join us at Dolphin Quest Oahu, we highly recommend it!
Nestled along the pristine shores of Oahu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort stands as a luxurious oasis where timeless elegance meets unparalleled hospitality. Renowned for its rich history and unparalleled service, this iconic Hawaiian retreat seamlessly blends the tranquility of a private estate with the allure of a world-class resort. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Kahala invites guests to experience a harmonious fusion of traditional Hawaiian charm and contemporary luxury. With its stunning beachfront location, impeccable accommodations, and a commitment to providing an exclusive and unforgettable experience, The Kahala Hotel & Resort sets the standard for refined indulgence in the heart of Oahu.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Dolphin Quest Oahu is located at The Kahala Hotel & Resort on the island of Oahu in Honolulu’s residential area of Kahala just East of Diamond Head.
- The address for Dolphin Quest Oahu and The Kahala Hotel & Resort is 5000 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816.
- From the Honolulu International Airport, please allow 45-60 minutes to travel to Dolphin Quest.
- Click here for directions to The Kahala Hotel & Resort from the airport.
- Please allow yourself about 10 minutes walking time from the hotel’s parking area to Dolphin Quest.
- Dolphin Quest is located outdoors in the center of the hotel between the waterfall and swimming pool.
- It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please feel free to ask for directions upon arrival to avoid staircases.
- Click here to view a map of The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
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We are open from 8:30am-5pm HST every day.
- This includes the check-in desk and gift shop areas.
- Guests are welcome to visit the dolphin lagoon at any time to view the dolphins.
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Dolphin Quest offers program guests a four-hour parking validation.
- The Kahala Hotel & Resort charges for self-parking and valet.
- Dolphin Quest provides program guests with a four (4) hour complimentary parking validation.
- Guests that sign up for the Trainer for a Day program will receive a six and a half (6.5) hour complimentary parking validation.
- You can call (808) 739-8888 for current parking rates.
- Guests who participate in Dolphin Quest programs may request parking validation at the Dolphin Quest kiosk during check in.
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No. Dolphin Quest Oahu is a separate company from The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
- The Kahala is our hotel partner.
- Dolphin Quest is not owned or operated by The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
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No. Anyone visiting Oahu, including local residents, can experience a Dolphin Quest program.
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Yes. All guests are welcome to watch our dolphin encounters and view the dolphins throughout the day from all areas around the dolphin lagoon.
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The pool at The Kahala Hotel & Resort pool is reserved for hotel guests only.
- The Kahala pool and jacuzzi are reserved for Kahala guests only.
- The beach (with the exception of beach chairs and cabanas) is open to the public.
- Everyone is welcome to visit the stores and restaurants while visiting The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
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Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
- Book now with our online reservation system or call or text us at (808) 400-9877 during operating hours.
- For more information, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
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There are a variety of ways to make a reservation with Dolphin Quest while at the Kahala.
- Call or text Dolphin Quest Oahu directly at (808) 400-9877.
- Dial extension 8918 from your room phone or any resort house phone.
- Visit the Dolphin Quest kiosk located outside between the waterfall and swimming pool.
- Book now with our online reservation system.
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Our programs fill up quickly during the busy summer and holiday seasons.
- We have a limited number of spaces for the various programs offered daily.
- We occasionally have cancellations, so if you are unable to reserve a spot, contact the Dolphin Quest kiosk and ask about our waitlist.
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Our goal is to make all encounters safe and exciting for the dolphins and guests, so we have some basic requirements for all participants:
- Participants must be able to follow directions and instructions provided by the program trainer and other Dolphin Quest Crew Members.
- Participants must be able to move about freely within the water environment.
- Guests must be comfortable in the water and be able to manage their movements as instructed in and around the animals while wearing required water safety gear.
- Participants must be able to physically move from one location to another by walking in sand, climbing stairs, walking across floating platforms, crossing slippery and uneven surfaces both in and out of the water, and be able to transition between standing and sitting positions.
- Local weather conditions vary, so individuals should be able to handle heat, humidity, direct sun exposure, wind, and heavy rain.
- Participants can expect to be around large marine mammals as well as other marine animals within the natural environment. Dolphin Quest has an exemplary safety record. There is still inherent risk in and around the dolphin habitat as a natural ocean environment.
- Guests under the age of five are restricted from participating in our standard encounter programs. However, we do offer the Wee Family, Fins & Fun as well as our popular private programs where children of all ages can participate. Please call us at (808) 739-8918 for more information.
- Participants may be denied the opportunity to participate or to continue participation in a dolphin interaction or education program should their actions be of a safety concern or are a disruption to others.
- For assistance in making a reservation contact us at (808) 739-8918 during operating hours.
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Our goal is to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable for both you and the dolphin.
- We welcome guests who may require additional assistance in our programs due to a disability or special need.
- Each encounter is customized to the comfort level of our guests while also ensuring safety for our guests and animals.
- To discuss making dolphin encounter reservations for a guest with special needs, please call or text us directly at (808) 400-9877.
- For more information, please fill out our Contact Us Form.
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All program fees are charged in full to the credit card used when making a reservation.
- If you have already checked in to The Kahala Hotel & Resort, you may also charge the program fees to your room with the addition of a 2% processing fee.
- If using a Dolphin Quest Gift Card for payment, this can be processed online or through a reservation’s agent.
- For any other payment questions, please call or text Dolphin Quest Oahu directly at (808) 400-9877 during operating hours.
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Guests who do not show up on time or are a “no show” to check in for their reserved program will be charged full price.
- Any cancellations made prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time will receive a full refund.
- Guests can cancel their reservation online prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time.
- Guests can reschedule their reservation by contacting the site directly prior to 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time.
- No rescheduling or cancellations allowed within 72 hours of the scheduled Encounter Program time unless Trip Protection was purchased at the time of booking.
- Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their original reservation up to 24 hours from scheduled Encounter Program time by contacting the site directly.
- Any cancellations within 72 hours of scheduled Encounter Program time, without Trip Protection, will not be refunded.
- To cancel or change a reservation, please call or text Dolphin Quest Oahu directly at (808) 400-9877 (daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm HST).
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Check-in time for all programs* is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time.
- *For the Marine Mammal Specialist for a Day program, you may check in the day before during normal business hours (8:30am to 5:00 pm HST).
- For morning programs, the earliest check-in time is 8:30 a.m. HST.
- Please check in at the Dolphin Quest kiosk located next to the dolphin lagoon for all programs.
- It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but please feel free to ask for directions upon arrival to avoid staircases.
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Yes, changing areas and lockers are available for use.
- We offer complimentary and secure lockers near the Dolphin Quest kiosk for Dolphin Quest participants.
- There are restrooms located next to the pool area at the Kahala for use as a changing area.
- It is suggested, if possible, to come to Dolphin Quest with your swimsuit on and ready to go into the water.
- You may wear sunscreen while in the water, and we encourage you to use ocean-safe products.
- An outdoor, freshwater shower is available for program guests to use.
- Dolphin Quest is not liable for lost or stolen items.
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No. Dolphin Quest does not provide towels, so we ask our guests to bring their own.
Towels are also available for purchase in our retail area.
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Yes. Please contact Dolphin Quest Oahu directly at the Dolphin Quest check-in desk during our normal business hours from 8:30am to 5pm HST daily.
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Personal cameras and GoPros are not permitted in our program areas.
- However, someone with you who is not doing the program may take pictures or video your interaction from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
- You may also take pictures of our animals before or after your program from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
- Dolphin Quest’s photographers will be taking posed and candid photos throughout your program.
- Your program photos are available for pre-order or as a post-program purchase.
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Your program photos are available for pre-order or as a post-program purchase.
- Pre-order pick-up, viewing, and post-program photo orders will be at the Dolphin Quest kiosk.
- Your program photos are available for purchase for up to five days after your program from 9am to 4pm daily at the Dolphin Quest kiosk.
- If you are unable to purchase your photos directly from Dolphin Quest Oahu, on-line photo ordering will be available for 14 days from your program date.
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No, Dolphin Quest Oahu does not offer videos of your programs.
Non-participating guests and family members are welcome to film you during your program from the spectator side of the ropes and railings.
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- All guests are welcome to film programming from the designated viewing areas around the lagoon. No personal cameras are allowed in the interactive programming areas.
- Any marketing collaborations must be reviewed and approved prior to the program participation date. To contact us about a potential marketing collaboration, please fill out the MEDIA CONTACT form.
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Yes, Dolphin Quest Oahu has a gift shop located in the Guest Services area.
- The gift shop is filled with Dolphin Quest and marine-themed items.
- Items available include plush animals, t-shirts, rash guards, towels, jewelry, ornaments, toys, books, local Hawaiian-made gifts, and much more.
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Yes, Dolphin Quest Oahu will sometimes offer free dolphin demonstrations throughout the year for special events and holidays.
- Contact the site for exact show times and for more information.
- The general public is welcome to watch all encounters from the designated viewing areas overlooking the lagoon.
- During regular business hours, our crew members are available to answer questions.
- If you would like to host a group function, or schedule your own demonstration with Dolphin Quest, please contact us.
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- It is legal to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Quest Hawaii, but It is illegal to swim with wild dolphins.
- Actively seeking out and attempting to interact with local Hawaiian spinner dolphins disrupts their natural behaviors and essential periods of rest, negatively impacting their welfare.
- In September of 2021, NOAA Fisheries announced the protection of Hawaiian spinner dolphins and prevent their disturbance. This rule prohibits swimming with, approaching, or remaining within 50 yards of a Hawaiian spinner dolphin (for persons, vessels, and objects).
- For more on this topic, visit Protect Dolphins.
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Dolphin Quest has three beautiful locations worldwide on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Bermuda.
To learn more about each location, please click on the following location links: Big Island – Hawaii, Oahu – Hawaii, Bermuda
