1. Where are you located?

Dolphin Quest Oahu (DQO) is located at The Kahala Hotel & Resort tucked below Diamond Head at the very end of Kahala Avenue.

Dolphin Quest Oahu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816

2. How do I get to Dolphin Quest Oahu?

Directions from Honolulu International Airport

Take the H1 Freeway East for 13 miles
Exit at 26B (Waialae Avenue)
Turn right onto Hunakai Street (second stoplight)
Continue 1.2 miles to Kahala Avenue
Turn left onto Kahala Avenue and this street will end at The Kahala Hotel & Resort

3. How far in advance can a reservation be made?

Reservations can be made one year in advance. Book now with our online reservation system, or call our Central Reservations office at 800-248-3316 (Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 9:00pm EST). For International callers please dial 540-687-8102. Please note that some programs are not available through online reservation system and must be reserved through our Central Reservations Office.

4. Do you have to be a guest at The Kahala Hotel & Resort to participate in a Dolphin Quest program?

No, anyone visiting Oahu can experience a Dolphin Quest program.

5. How do you make a reservation if you are staying at The Kahala Hotel & Resort?

Guests of the hotel can make their reservations directly with Dolphin Quest by calling ext. 8918 from either their room phone, as well as any Resort house phone.

6. What are the minimum guest requirements for participating in a Dolphin Quest Encounter?

Participants must be able to follow directions and instructions provided by the guided trainer and other 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 crossing sand, climbing stairs, traversing floating platforms, have mobility between standing and sitting positions, crossing slippery and unlevel surfaces both in and out of the water.
Local weather conditions expect individuals to be able to handle heat, humidity, direct sun exposure, wind and torrential rains.
Participants can expect to be around large marine mammals as well as marine animals within the natural environment. Our dolphins have been trained for interactions. As wild animals, their behavior can still be unpredictable.

Dolphin Quest welcomes guests with special needs and strives to meet those needs in our encounter programs at all of our locations. For more information and for our assistance in making a reservation please fill out our Contact Us Form or contact our Central Reservations office for additional information.

7. How do I pay for my program?

For all encounters, a major credit card is needed to guarantee your reservation. Guests pay for their encounter at the time of check in by credit card, cash or room charge (for Kahala Hotel & Resort guests only).

8. What is your cancellation policy?

Any cancellations/rescheduling made prior to 48 hours of the scheduled program time will not be charged
Any cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled program time will be charged the full price of the scheduled program
Any rescheduling made within 48 hours of the scheduled program time will be charged an additional re-booking fee of $75 per guest
Guests that do not show up on time for their reserved program will be charged full price

To cancel or change a reservation please contact either our Central Reservation office (Mon.-Fri. 8am-9pm EST) at 800.248.3316 or Dolphin Quest Oahu at 808.739.8918 (daily from 8:30am - 5pm HST).

9. When do I check in for my scheduled program?

Check-in time for all programs* is no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time. If not checked in by this time, the guest's reservations may be given to a Standby guest.

*For the Trainer for the Day program you may check in the day before during business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm HST) or on the day of your program. For morning programs, the earliest check in time is 8:30am HST.

A parent or legal guardian must be present to fill out paperwork for all participants under the age of 18. Under-aged participants without parent/legal guardian present to check them in will NOT be allowed to participate.

10. Do you offer changing areas or lockers?

Restrooms are located next to the pool area at the resort for use as a changing area. It is suggested, if possible, to come to Dolphin Quest with your swimsuit on. Also, Dolphin Quest doesn't provide towels for your programs, so remember to bring one with you.

A fresh water beach shower is available for use near the pool. The pool and Jacuzzi are provided for The Kahala Hotel & Resort guests only. The beach (with the exception of beach chairs/cabanas) is open to the public.

A secured storage area for your personal belongings is available for use during your program.

11. Do you offer a "Waiting List" when programs are completely booked?

At this time, we do not offer a waiting list. However, if you are looking for a specific time and date that is not available, we invite you to call the Central Reservations office for assistance at 800.248.3316.

12. What if I was unable to confirm a program reservation before my trip, do you offer a Standby list?

For guests without confirmed reservations wishing to participate in a Dolphin Quest program, a daily Standby List will be generated to fill any possible openings.

If a guest wishes to be placed on the Standby List, the guest will need to contact the Dolphin Quest Oahu Desk directly by calling 808.739.8918 or stopping by. Desk hours are 8:30am - 5pm HST daily. Please leave a voicemail in the event of a recording if you are calling.

13. Do you actually get to swim with the dolphins?

All of our programs are shallow water educational encounters. However, when possible (this is animal dependent), the trainers may move their group to the deeper parts of the lagoon to afford guests the opportunity to put on a mask and observe the dolphins in the water. This deep-water experience is only for adult programs.

14. Can I take pictures with my own camera during the program?

No, we do not allow cameras in our programs. This is because we want you to take part in the full Dolphin Quest experience, which might be hard if you are occupied by taking pictures.

Dolphin Quest has a wonderful staff of photographers who will be taking staged and candid photos (weather permitting) throughout your program. Those not participating in the program are welcome to take pictures or videotape from anywhere along the perimeter of the program areas behind the ropes and railings.

15. How can I purchase my photos?

Photos will be available for viewing and purchase after your program between the hours of 9am -4pm daily.

You may also purchase photos online after your encounter. Photos will be kept online for six months. You may also contact Dolphin Quest Oahu directly to purchase photos if you do not have access to the online system.

16. When is the next feeding time/show?

We actually don't have shows or special feedings, our dolphins are positively reinforced with food throughout the day, both during our programs, as well as in training sessions.

17. Is parking included in the cost of the program?

No, but Dolphin Quest offers validation for parking at the Kahala Resort and Hotel.