Oahu: Makani Catamaran Sunset Cruise & Waikiki Pickup

Sixty-five feet of deck space, one drink in your hand, and Waikiki getting smaller behind you.

You board at Kewalo Basin with no beach wading, sail past Diamond Head and Waikiki with one complimentary drink, and spot marine life from a 65-foot catamaran that's wider and more stable than most. Round-trip transport from Waikiki hotels is available for fifteen dollars per person, and the crew handles everything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Oahu coastline and beaches

• Depart from Kewalo Basin Harbor
• Enjoy sailing on Makani Catamaran
• View Diamond Head and Waikiki skyline
• Spot dolphins, turtles, and whales
• Relax in covered cabin and shaded seating
• Visit Ala Moana Beach Park
• See Waikiki Beach from outside

The experience

"Is this the boat?" someone asked as we pulled up to Kewalo Basin Harbor, and yeah, it was: the Makani, sitting there bigger than I expected. No wading through the shallows to board. The dock lets you walk straight on, which sounds small until you're in flip-flops with a camera and a drink you don't want to spill. The catamaran itself is wider and steadier than the usual Waikiki sailing cruises, with a covered cabin if the sun gets too much, shaded seating scattered around, and actual restrooms below deck. The crew moves through the crowd like they've done this a thousand times, which they probably have.

Once we cleared the harbor and the sails went up, Diamond Head came into view on the left, and the whole Waikiki skyline started to shrink. The boat holds groups and couples and families without feeling cramped. There's sunbathing nets if you want to stretch out, and the bar is open the whole time. One drink is included, so you're not doing the math on every refill. The water was clear enough that we spotted a turtle near the reef, and the crew pointed out where dolphins sometimes show up, though we didn't see any that day. On sunset cruises, the light hits the coast differently (less harsh, more golden), and that's when you understand why people come back to Oahu.

The round-trip transport from Waikiki is optional but worth it if you're staying in the hotels and don't want to figure out parking or the drive to the harbor. It's fifteen dollars per person, and the pickup window is set so you're not guessing about timing. The whole sail runs two hours, which is long enough to feel like you've actually left, but short enough that you're back before dinner plans get weird. Bring sunscreen (the reflection off the water is stronger than you think), and wear something you don't mind getting salt spray on.

What’s included

Your afternoon or sunset sail includes the catamaran cruise aboard the 65-foot Makani, one complimentary drink from the full bar, and views of Diamond Head, Ala Moana Beach Park, and the Waikiki skyline. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is available for fifteen dollars per person and can be added when you book.

Options for this experience

3 options

Friday Fireworks SailGuide in English · 19:30Friday night fireworks at sea: take in the unmatched beauty of the fireworks from the water, on a 1-hour sail.

Sunset SailGuide in English · Available from 1 May 2027Catamaran cruise lasting 2 hours with a sunset view, departing at 5:00 pm (September to April). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered.

Sunshine FunGuide in English · 11:00 and 14:002-hour catamaran cruise off Waikiki and Diamond Head, with departures at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 14:00 and 19:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Makani Catamaran

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Waikiki who want to get on the water without arranging their own transport or worrying about a small, crowded boat. The Makani's size and stability are what make the two-hour sail feel relaxed instead of rushed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I have to wade into the water to get on the boat?

No. The Makani boards from Kewalo Basin Harbor with a dry dock, so you walk straight on.

What's included in the cruise?

The catamaran cruise and one complimentary drink. Round-trip transport from Waikiki is optional and costs fifteen dollars per person.

How long is the cruise?

Two hours for sunset cruises. Daytime sails are also available.

Will I see dolphins or whales?

Dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales are sometimes spotted, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes. There's a covered cabin and shaded seating areas throughout the deck.

Do I need to be fit or athletic?

No. The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Makani is wheelchair accessible.