Watch Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Love being on the water? Enjoy sharing Hawaii with visitors from around the world?

Kauai Z Tours has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures on Kauai for more than 25 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while leading our snorkeling and seasonal whale watching tours.

This is much more than operating a boat. Our captains are professional mariners, hospitality professionals, safety leaders, tour guides, and ambassadors for the island of Kauai. Every tour is an opportunity to introduce guests to Hawaii's incredible marine life while providing a safe, educational, and unforgettable experience.

If you enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love creating memorable experiences for guests, we'd love to hear from you.

• Safely operate U.S. Coast Guardinspected Zodiac vessels.
• Lead snorkeling and seasonal whale watching tours.
• Deliver engaging narration about Kauai's marine life, history, culture, and coastline.
• Conduct professional safety briefings before every tour.
• Monitor weather, ocean, and sea conditions to ensure safe operations.
• Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
• Help snorkel guides ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable experience in the water.
• Safely launch and retrieve company vessels each day.
• Drive company trucks while towing boat trailers to and from the harbor.
• Confidently back trailers down boat ramps and safely retrieve vessels at the end of the day.
• Perform daily inspections of vessels, trailers, and company vehicles while reporting maintenance concerns.
• Fuel, clean, stock, and prepare vessels for daily operations.
• Maintain captain's logs and required U.S. Coast Guard documentation.
• Work closely with snorkel guides, office staff, and management to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Maintain all U.S. Coast Guard, company, and safety standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:
• Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a minimum Master 25 GRT license.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be able to provide documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
• Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Be comfortable driving fullsize pickup trucks while towing boat trailers.
• Be able to safely launch and retrieve boats using company trucks and trailers.
• Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and ocean conditions.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
• Two or more years of commercial boating experience.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain before your first day of work).
• Previous experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
• Familiarity with vessel maintenance and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
• Experience working in hospitality or tourism.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian marine life and ocean safety.
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
• Generous gratuities.
• Health insurance (eligible employees).
• Employee activity benefits.
• Consistent monthly schedules.
• Yearround employment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Availability Requirements

We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

Applicants must be available to work:
• Weekends and holidays.
• June through September.
• December 15 through January 15.

These are blackout periods, and time-off requests during these dates generally cannot be accommodated.

Why Join Kauai Z Tours?

Every day is different. One tour may feature Hawaiian green sea turtles and vibrant reef fish, while another may bring guests face-to-face with humpback whales during the winter migration. You'll work alongside a professional team dedicated to providing safe, educational, and unforgettable ocean adventures.

We're looking for dependable, positive professionals who take pride in safety, teamwork, and outstanding hospitality. If you're ready to help guests experience the very best of Kauai from the water, we'd love to hear from you.