Atlantis Submarines Waikiki — Attraction in Hawaii

While staying at our resort several years ago, we saw a pamphlet regarding this "submarine adventure" and since we were staying right next door, it was a convenient attraction for us to see.

The fare, which I thought was quite expensive, covered the ride over to where the subs were to meet us, roughly 1-2 miles off-shore.  This was our first experience, so I figured it would be worth the trip if we saw some of the things they were telling us about.

We were told we would be transported out to sea where we would "rondevu" with the submarine for our journey below.

We had our pictures taken before we boarded a boat and I knew they would try and sell you the pictures for extra revenue afterwards!

Anyway, they took us out and then we saw one of two subs break surface which was kind of neat to see.  One group went to one submarine while the other went to the other.

Once there, we were assisted on board and one by one walked down steps and into the sub itself.

Once inside there was a long bench down the middle of the sub and our group sat back to back facing outward.  We all had ample viewing of the outside of the sub through the circular windows.

I could see the waves splashing against the sub prior to descending below the sea.  I heard some of the other passengers say they felt claustrophobic.  I felt a little squeezed in but didn't feel it was confining as some.

On our way down, the Captain of the sub welcomed us and went over a few safety measures before giving us a narrated excursion.  In looking out into the ocean, it wasn't as clear as I had hoped it would be and distinguishability was roughly 50' give or take.  We did see some fishes that were native to the islands but nothing else.

As we approached the bottom we noticed several wrecks which the Captain said was transformed into a simulated reef for the fish.  He also mentioned that over the years, the reefs would become completely covered with coral and other sea life.

We saw a few more fish and someone on the other end mentioned something about seeing a sea turtle but we didn't see it.  I guess the bottom was just a bit cloudy on our trip and honestly, I just didn't see a lot of fish or they were on the other side, because I kept hearing others say, "Ooooh, and aaaaah," and "I kept saying, where's the fish!"

The entire trip was not bad but I really didn't see anything worth noting.  The submarine tour itself, I believe was roughly 45 minutes long.

Overall, it was worth the ride for first timers but nothing that I would do again unless there was something substantial to see.  I hate to say it, but I saw more "snorkeling" next to the launch where we waited to board our ship out to sea then on the submarine.

For first timers, it would be a worthwhile experience but I would ask returning passengers on what they saw before making a commitment to shell out...

Just had 2 really bad experiences with the submarine ride. On Thursday we got out to the submarine, boarded it and tried to descend. The submarine couldn't make it past 40 feet so the operator brought the sub up to the surface and informed us that because of a malfunction the sub couldn't dive, so for our safety they were canceling the ride. We then proceeded to wait in the middle of the ocean floating and rocking back and forth for over 15 minutes til the boat came to get us. My 11 year old son got so sick we had to stand on top of the sub while we waited for the boat and my wife was stuck in the sub getting even more sick with our 5 year old son waiting for the boat. We decided not to reschedule cause my wife and son were traumatized by getting so seasick. When they processed the refund the clerk said it would take 5-7 business days to go back on my account... they didnt even offer the photo package gratis for the trouble- that would have more than made up for the time and sickness it caused. Then, two days later, I tried to take my 5 year old son alone cause he was talking nonstop about trying again. We bought tickets at 1:10 for the 2:00 sub ride and was told the sub was operating perfectly and there were no issues. Right at 2:00 one of the attendants made an announcement that because of 30 foot visibility and choppy water they had to cancel our 2:00 sub ride due to safety operating. Needless to say, my 5 year old was very disappointed cause we saw a school of fish and 2 turtles while waiting on the dock, so he was stoked to go under and see more wildlife. This time when I went to the ticket booth I couldn't just reschedule cause we are scheduled to leave tomorrow. So, again, I got a refund and was told it'd take 5-7 business days to clear the refund. Now I have almost $500 in holds on my credit card waiting to be returned.

I understand safety protocols and maybe we just had extraordinary bad luck but twice canceled in 3 days seems like really bad business practices. If the ride was in question today at 2, there should have been no reason for them to sell other guests and myself tickets past 1:00. I just ended up with multiple hours of 2 days wasted on my short vacation, 2 sick family members, and a super disappointed 5 year old. I wanted this to be such a great experience cause I read the reviews and the activities desk employees at my hotel said it was super awesome. I can't put into words the amount of disappointed I have for myself and especially my son. And also, the refund thing taking so long on my card is absurd. Maybe, if I ever am lucky enough to come back to Hawaii I can finally experience...

Had a great time! Seen sharks, spotted eagle Ray, turtle, eels, conche shell, large predatory fish and other tropicals you'd see snorkeling. A great activity to do if you need to burn a couple hours. I feel the workers at the kiosk out front the Hilton Hawaiian could be way more welcoming though and engaging with heir customers. Especially when they're purchasing a tickets. The staff on board got the job done but also with them feel they could be more engaging and smile alot more. My only complaint would be the ridiculous price tag of the pictures they take of you prior to boarding. The picture itself is very scenic with the iconic landmark of Diamond Head. At the price people pay, I'm not willing to spend another $50 for my picture. Wouldn't you want the whole boat to buy their pics at say $10 instead of one or two families at $50? You're taking their pics anyhow. So if they don't purchase them, you just throw them away. That's pointless and after an extremely pleasant trip, that sort of leaves an unnecessary impression in your mind towards the complete experience. If you're on the fence about going, I think it'd be worthwhile to do it. Check the weather though and surf conditions. I think people who may not have enjoyed it as much may have had less visibility if the surf was up. That would also contribute to more motion sickness. If you have children, make sure they're well rested as it is two hours total. Plus a little more time to include waiting prior to boat departure. And for the love of God if you know you get sea sick or have the potential to, don't go or take some meds. And definitely don't eat...