Oahu: Makani Catamaran Sunset Cruise & Waikiki Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.55 (688 reviews) 72% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/18

Duration2h

GroupUp to 50

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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.