catamarans oahu

Oahu Catamaran

Boat Charters In Honolulu Hawaii

Welcome aboard our catamaran in Honolulu. Certainly everyone’s favorite charter boat for group and private boat tours in Honolulu. Exclusive boat charters in Waikiki operating onboard the Kahala Kai catamaran . Spacious and accommodating, therefore, always plenty of room for guests aboard our 40 foot sailing catamaran.

Turtle Snorkeling Tours In Honolulu

We specialize in 2-hour Waikiki turtle snorkeling tours offered  daily  at  7:30AM, 10:00AM, 12:30PM  and  3:00PM . Snorkeling tours are fun for everyone of all ages!. Swimming and  snorkeling with turtles  are just minutes away at the famous  Turtle Canyon reef  in Waikiki. For instance, we will also take you on a scenic catamaran sail along the coast of Oahu’s south shore. Most importantly, all of the required snorkeling gear is provided on the turtle snorkel tour. In short, let us show you the best Honolulu snorkeling location.

Oahu Sunset Cruise, Waikiki Catamaran

We are now featuring a nightly 5:30 pm , 2-hour Oahu sunset cruise aboard our Waikiki catamaran. Experience Honolulu’s city lights as they illuminate the Waikiki shoreline. The skyline views of Waikiki at sunset are a sight few visitors experience on vacation in Honolulu. Enjoy yourself and of course, our guests are welcome to BYOB but must be at least 21 years old to partake.

Charter Boat In Honolulu, Private Catamaran Charters

Conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, just minutes away. Oahu Catamaran tours is at the Kewalo Basin boat harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu HI 96814. Pier A Slip 0.

In addition, we are now also offering exclusive private boat charters for birthday parties, special events, memorials and certainly weddings. Above all, the crew of the Kahala Kai have the expertise to help you plan the best catamaran charters in Waikiki.

Please feel free to contact us at 808-286-4880 if you have any questions.

Oahu Catamaran’s Splashing Turtle Snorkeling in Waikiki

Aloha sea-lovers! Have you ever dreamt of gliding alongside a graceful sea turtle, feeling just like Ariel from The Little Mermaid, only, you know, without the singing crabs? Waikiki is THE spot, and Oahu Catamaran? Well, we’re your magical chariot, aka the Kahala Kai. Dive in to find out what makes our Turtle Canyon snorkeling …

Continue reading “Oahu Catamaran’s Splashing Turtle Snorkeling in Waikiki”

Embark on a Captivating Sunset Sail with Oahu Catamaran

Leave Behind the Urban Bustle: Embark on a Two-Hour Sunset Sail A Natural Masterpiece: Sunset’s Vibrant Palette Honolulu’s Nighttime Charm: A Shoreline Aglow A Night to Remember: Waikiki’s Nocturnal Beauty Your Experience, Your Refreshments: BYOB for Guests Aged Twenty-One and Above Secure Your Spot for an Enchanting Sunset Sail Don’t miss out on the chance …

Continue reading “Embark on a Captivating Sunset Sail with Oahu Catamaran”

Experience Luxury and Adventure with Kahala Kai Catamaran

Unforgettable Private Charters in Honolulu When the call of the Hawaiian waters beckons, Kahala Kai Catamaran stands as the pinnacle of choice for a blend of luxury and adventure. Nestled in the heart of Kewalo Basin harbor in Honolulu, our charter service beckons families and small groups to embark on a voyage of exploration and …

Continue reading “Experience Luxury and Adventure with Kahala Kai Catamaran”

MAITAʻI CATAMARAN

The amazing Maitaʻi Catamaran is an ocean adventure, sight-seeing tour and party all in one. This “state of the art”, twin hulled, 45 foot catamaran seats 49 passengers comfortably. United States Coast Guard inspected and certified, the Maita’i is ultra-safe and a great time for the entire family.

Maitaʻi offers a variety of sailings for you to choose from. Enjoy the Island sun and scenery on one of our Tradewind sails. Watch the Oahu coast roll by as the wind fills the sails on a journey you’ll remember a lifetime.

Looking for something a bit more romantic? Try our Sunset Maitai Sail or Maita’i Fireworks Sail. Have a Maitai or one of the other refreshments from our bar while you watch the sun or moon set slowly into the horizon, closing another wonderful day in paradise.

You may also book one of our Exclusive Charters available with an open bar. Maita’i is always available for private use for weddings, receptions, parties, family gatherings, memorial services and many other special needs. Check our Sail with Us page for details.

Advance reservations are necessary with a pre-approved voucher or deposit.

MAITAʻI IS A TAHITIAN WORD MEANING "EXCELLENCE". YOU'LL CALL IT FUN!

Tradewind Sail

Pure exhilaration with the wind and waves off Waikiki as your engine.

• Departures at 11:00am & 1:00pm

Afternoon Delite Sail

Our Newest Sail! Pure exhilaration with the wind and waves off Waikiki as your engine.

• Departs at 3:00pm

Sunset Mai Tai Sail

This is one Mai Tai you’ll remember, but bring your  camera anyway!

• Departs at 5:00pm

Friday Night Fireworks Sail

Experience fireworks on the sea with drinks, charming crew, and a 90-minute adventure.

RAPID RIDE ON OUR TRADEWIND SAIL

TOUR FEATURED IMAGES

• #maitaicatamaran

• [email protected]
• 1-800-462-7975

Copyright © 2024 Maita`i Catamaran

Privacy Notice / Terms and Conditions

Website Design and Development by Webmaster Services Hawaii

Read more of our candid customer reviews:

🤙🏾 SHARE the ALOHA ! 🤙🏾

Pov: You decided you needed the trip. 🌊

Pov: You decided you needed the trip. 🌊 ...

Before summer is over 💙🤙🏾🌺

Before summer is over 💙🤙🏾🌺 ...

Smiles are our specialty 😄🤙🏾

Smiles are our specialty 😄🤙🏾 ...

On our way to Queensbreak Waikiki for a quick bite to eat 📷: @queensbreakwaikiki

On our way to Queensbreak Waikiki for a quick bite to eat 📷: @queensbreakwaikiki ...

A thousand reasons to say ALOHA 🏄‍♂️🌺🏝️

A thousand reasons to say ALOHA 🏄‍♂️🌺🏝️ ...

Ohana is forever. @kalai.cruise

Ohana is forever. @kalai.cruise ...

This is your sign, take the vacation 💙 #sailwithus

This is your sign, take the vacation 💙 #sailwithus ...

A view that should be shared.

A view that should be shared. ...

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok !

Use #SailKepoikai or tag us to be featured!

Waikiki Sailing Company

Sailing the coast of waikiki, oahu, waikiki sailing company, view our best-selling catamaran charters aboard the mana kai.

• Sells Out Fast!

Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Adventure

This is the best way to start your day, or spend your afternoon! Come snorkel with us at Turtle Canyon, a green sea turtle cleaning station.

• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Clock 2:30 p.m. , 8:30 a.m.
• User Ages 4+
• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• User All ages

Sunset Sail

We have the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and on this cruise, you have a clear view to enjoy it  from the water on the Mana Kai.

• Hour Glass 1 hour

Friday Fireworks Cruise

Welcome aboard the Mana Kai on our Friday night fireworks cruise. The spectacular night view of Honolulu city with the surrounding Ko’olau mountain range is breathtaking.

Mana kai - Hawaiian for “Sea Spirit”

Come aboard the Mana Kai for an unforgettable sail that shows you the island of Oahu from a unique perspective. Standing 32 feet long and 16 feet wide, the Mana Kai Catamaran accommodates up to 26 passengers. Based in Waikiki Beach, our famous Hawaiian Rainbow sail, lounge net, restroom, and a pleasant sound system add to your sailing pleasure. We are an environmentally friendly, USCG certified vessel. Bring aboard the drinks of your choice and enjoy a catamaran cruise on the beautiful waters of Waikiki. It does not disappoint! Private charters are also available and may be customized to make it a perfect sailing experience to fit your every need. Book a sail with us today!

Hear Why Customers Choose Us on TripAdvisor

This was one of my favorite activities on Oahu! We loved the sail. We even got lucky and saw dolphins and turtles! My family loved every minute of it. Captain Woody and the rest of the crew were so helpful and friendly!

We did the snorkeling tour and it was great! Captain John, Curtis and the crew were all super nice full and of knowledge. On top of seeing turtles we also saw dolphins!

We found this Sunset Cruise and chose it because it is a bit smaller than most and it is BYOB. It picks up right on the beach and the crew was great.

I loved our sunset cruise! We found this one pretty last minute and felt so lucky to get spots. It’s BYOB and super fun/relaxing. Our crew was great and happy to take pictures of us, and of course gave us some fun facts and tips!

Pink Sails Waikiki

Catamaran sailing tours in honolulu, hawaii, choose your pink sails waikiki adventure.

• Most Popular!
• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 2 Hour

Turtle Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the world-famous Waikiki “Turtle Canyon” in shallow, inner, coral reefs and be amazed at the underwater world that lives just offshore of Waikiki Beach on Oahu!

• Hour Glass 2 - 2.5 Hour

Sunset Splash & Sail

Enjoy the beauty of a sunset cruise in Waikiki! Whether you’re with your family, friends, or a loved one, a Hawaiian sunset is even more amazing from the water.

• Hour Glass 1.5 - 2 Hour

Friday Night Fireworks

Experience the best seats in the house as we get up close and personal with the brilliant colors of Waikiki’s Friday Night Fireworks Show. There’s no better view of this magnificent aerial display than from out on the water with the Waikiki skyline as the backdrop.

Whale Watching

Experience the thrill of watching majestic Humpback Whales frolic in the beautiful waters off of Waikiki as our guides educate you on their migration habits, their behaviors, and other fun facts. This Oahu tour is available from December 15th through April 15th.

• Hour Glass 3 Hour , 1.5 Hour , 2 Hour

Private Charters

Experience your dream Hawaii vacation aboard one of our private boat charters in Waikiki. Enjoy a personalized itinerary and have the boat all to yourself to explore the beauty of the island waters and its native wildlife.

A unique experience with a fun crew

Welcome to Pink Sails Waikiki, where adventure and relaxation collide on the sparkling waters of Hawaii! As the premier provider of Waikiki catamaran sailing tours, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the thrill of sailing with the breathtaking beauty of Oahu’s coastline. Join us for a fun-filled and professional journey, where the pink sails take you on an unforgettable tropical escapade.

Choose your preferred vessel and book your unforgettable cruise

Follow us and get excited for your pink sails experience, did you know that we also offer sailing lessons at our school, pink sails waikiki voted among top 10% best activities in the world, experience a day in paradise with pink sails waikiki ★★★★★.

What an amazing experience. The staff was wonderful and went above and beyond our expectations. I highly recommend Pink Sails Waikiki when visiting the islands. This is a must do experience.

I have taken multiple sunset tours in Hawaii. None of them let you swim. This was amazing. My kids and I swam in the ocean, we saw turtles and seals, they had free snacks and drinks for purchase. The crew was so chill and friendly. I highly recommend this tour!

It was truly amazing 🤩 saw a lot of turtles 🐢 tropical fish, water was crystal clear, staff on boat were friendly an very helpful, was highlight of my holiday so far would highly recommend 🙌

We had a fabulous time swimming with turtles off Waikiki beach. The crew were informative, friendly, entertaining and welcoming. I went with my husband and sisters and we all had a ball. It was definitely a highlight of our trip. I would highly recommend this activity.

E Komo Mai to Waikiki Boat Charters.

The largest selection of quality and award winning vessels located in Waikiki. No matter the size of your Ohana, we can find the catamaran, sailboat, or yacht that suits your needs. Our team specializes in Waikiki sunset sailing cruises, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle snorkeling trips, Oahu fishing charters, whale watching excursions, corporate events, ash scattering services, weddings, and much more…

Royal Hawaiian

• 52′ Classic Rudy Choy Catamaran
• Up to 30 Passengers

• 41′ Trimaran
• Up To 45 Passengers

• 40′ Sailing Catamaran
• Up to 12 Passengers

• 70′ Sunreef Catamaran
• Up To 25 Passengers

My Sunshine

• 43′ Sailing Yacht
• Up To 6 Passengers

• 50′ Motor Catamaran
• Up to 49 Passengers

• 74′ Luxury Sportfisher
• Up To 12 Passengers

• 64' Gold Coast Catamaran
• Up to 79 Passengers

Prince Kuhio

• Up to 138 Passengers

• Up to 350 Passengers

USEFUL LINKS

Harbor addresses.

• Ala Wai Harbor 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Kewalo Harbor 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
• +1 808-657-2178
• [email protected]
• © 2024 Waikiki Boat Charters

PLEASE NOTE: We operate RAIN or SHINE.

NA HOKU 2 & NA HOKU 3

Sailing adventures in hawaii, sailing adventures in honolulu, hawaii.

Na Hoku 2 departs from Kewalo Harbor

Sailing Adventures in Waikiki, Hawaii

Na Hoku 3 departs directly from Waikiki Beach

THE BIG YELLOW CATAMARAN ON WAIKIKI BEACH!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Users All ages

Diamond Head Sail (WAIKIKI)

Explore Diamond Head on this fun-filled sailing adventure! Set sail on the high seas and enjoy complimentary beverages of all kinds, great views of Waikiki, and maybe a splash or two!

• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Sunset Sail (WAIKIKI)

Navigate the seas of joy aboard our Waikiki sunset sail! Our Sunset Sail tour is a fun and wild 90-minute sail where all drinks are complimentary!

SAIL FROM KEWALO BASIN HARBOR

• Hour Glass 90 minutes

South Shore Open Sail (HARBOR)

Embark on a high-seas journey with complimentary drinks, breathtaking Waikiki views, and the possibility of a refreshing splash or two!

Sunset Sail (HARBOR)

Sail into the sunset with this Waikiki adventure cruise! Come enjoy a perfect sea breeze and a Maitai while shaking your hips to great music. Drinks are complimentary!

Friday Night Fireworks (HARBOR)

Enjoy complimentary beers and cocktails while you experience The Hilton’s Friday night fireworks display from a big yellow and red catamaran!

ABOUT NA HOKU 3 & 2 CATAMARANS

NA HOKU 3 is our brand new catamaran located in front of Duke’s Restaurant, departing directly off of the sandy shores of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Oahu.

NA HOKU 2 has retired from the beach and is now located at Kewalo Basin Harbor Slip F23!

Our breezy adventure cruises include complimentary drinks and will take you to the most beautiful spots, where you can marvel at Diamond Head or see an amazing Hawaiian sunset. With seating for up to 49 guests, including a splash action net area, get ready for some fun – you will likely get splashed! Sail beautiful seas while singing along to great music and sipping on our famous cocktails! You can even enjoy a beer from our sponsors, Pacifico and Modelo! Our team is at your service to keep you smiling all day!

Our catamarans are both USCG Certified Vessel.

RATED 4.5 STARS ON TRIPADVISOR!

They have this operation dialed in. It is short but very sweet. The open bar and fun, yet competent, staff makes for good times on the water. The views are great, they have good music going, and it is fun meeting other folks on board. Definitely check it out!

What a wonderful experience! The crew was friendly and fun. The drinks were tasty and plentiful. The sunset was gorgeous and the moonrise was a terrific bonus. I highly recommend!

This was a great experience. This sail is very calm and relaxing and a completely different experience from the trade wind sails, where you expect to get tossed around and get wet. The crew was very friendly and attentive. The sunset was gorgeous, even though it was overcast all day. My wife and I now prefer this sail over the trade winds sails we have done in the past. Great sail!

My friend was visiting me on the island and we both loved this experience! The crew is so refreshing and fun! It was a mix of young and old! It was a great time! Would definitely recommend!

This is the best deal in Waikiki. Was there for a week and went on this cruise three times. ~$30 for one hour sail with open bar. So, you can sit in a hotel bar and nurse one drink or be on the ocean enjoying amazing views, listen to lively music and chug down multiple drinks. No brainer. Shout out to Dustin for the amazing sailing experience.

This was a total blast! The guys running the boat were friendly and entertaining. The sites were phenomenal. The sea life is gorgeous. And the drinks were very good. I booked a second trip, can’t wait to sale again!

ENJOY YOUR TRIP.

Our policies.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Guests will receive a full refund only with a minimum 24-hour notice of cancellation. Full refunds are also issued in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

During the slower seasons and typically the morning sails, tour cancellations can occur due to a minimum requirement of 6 booked guests. In these rare situations, guests are always given the option to rebook or refund. If you are concerned about your tour, please call with any questions.

Guests wishing to rebook or reschedule must give 24 hours notice. Contact us by phone directly to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows and guests canceling within 24 hours of departure will be charged full price .*Groups of 20 or larger are required to give 72-hour notice to cancel or modify bookings.

PRESENTED BY HAWAII DISCOUNT

Call Now: (866) 482-9775

Maita'i Catamaran

Come aboard the Maita'i Catamaran for an ocean adventure unlike any other. Sailing daily along Waikiki Beach on Oahu's beautiful south shore, this is a fun sightseeing cruise and party all in one! Enjoy spectacular photo opportunities with views of Honolulu, Waikiki and Diamond Head. Relax on the spacious sundeck while sipping a refreshing beverage of your choice (e.g. beer, tropical cocktail, wine, juice or soft drink).

The Maita'i is a state-of-the-art 44-foot catamaran that seats 47 passengers comfortably. It is United States Coast Guard inspected and certified. Choose from the following four Oahu sailing adventures.

Tradewinds Sail

Experience a classic sailing adventure along Waikiki Beach. This tradewinds sail shows you what the modern and ultra-sleek Maita'i catamaran can do! The wind and waves rush by while you enjoy the spectacular views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Unwind with a tropical drink, enjoy the ocean breeze and look out for marine life, including turtles and humpback whales during the winter whale watch season.

Sunset Sail

Looking for something a bit more romantic? Then come aboard for Maita'i Catamaran's sunset sail. Leave your shoes behind, barefoot board right on Waikiki Beach, sail out through the surf line and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Sit back and enjoy the island's beauty and watch the sun dip below the horizon coloring the ocean and sky in a rainbow of colors. Sip a beer, wine or tropical cocktail while marveling at Oahu's scenic south shore.

Friday Fireworks Sail

Sail by the light of the moon while the stars guide your way on this romantic evening sail along Waikiki Beach. Enjoy the views of the city night lights in the distance as you glide across the deep blue sea with Mahina (Hawaiian for "moon"). It's a feeling unlike any other! This sail comes complete with the usual beverages, but with the magical night sky as the backdrop. With this tour running only on Fridays (and other special nights), it's the perfect way to watch Waikiki's Friday night fireworks.

Private Charters

Are you looking for a unique way of exploring the Hawaiian islands with a custom-curated experience away from the mainstream crowds? With our private catamaran charters, you can control where you go and what you do! The possibilities to explore any Hawaiian islands (weather-dependent) are endless! Our charters depart from Waikiki on the island of Oahu. From there, we bui ld an itinerary based on your dream adventure on the water. We have pre-planned packages to help get you started!

Below you will find pre-built packages to choose from. These are entirely customizable to suit your needs or liking. Charter length times start at 2 hours and can be spent on the water snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Waikiki or looking for wildlife like humpback whales. Choose to explore one of Hawaii's most popular turtle snorkeling spots: Turtle Canyon, or visit several Hawaiian islands on a luxurious 5-day, 4-night adventure!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The base price of all boat charters includes the full use of the catamaran and its equipment. An experienced, licensed captain and crew are included, as well as equipment like snorkeling gear, towels, ice, water, and local snacks. If you're having a fantastic time and want to spend more time on the water, all charter times can be increased while you relax for a discounted hourly rate! 

Half Day Charter

2-6 hours - ($349/hour)

Choose any of the following options or combine them any way you’d like and set sail for the adventure of a lifetime! 

Jump into the spectacular blue waters off Oahu's south shore in the Waikiki, Honolulu, and Diamond Head area. Catch a glimpse of magnificent marine life like Green Sea Turtles, Spinner Dolphins, and Tropical Reef Fish at one of our favorite snorkel sites, Turtle Canyon! We also have dive locations in the Hawaii Kai area along the coast between China Walls and Hanauma Bay, and with our catamaran, the boat ride couldn't be more relaxing. While on our way to dive locations located past Diamond head, there is a chance to see whales! During their time in Hawaii, whales sing long beautiful songs to attract mates. While diving along the walls near Hanauma bay, these songs echo through the water, amplifying them. 

Looking to capture the most magnificent moment of the day as the sun sets below the horizon along the Honolulu and Waikiki coastline? This boat adventure runs from Ala Wai Harbor to Diamond Head and back. Relax as you gaze upon the beauty of the Waikiki coastline with your friends or family while you create memories that will last a lifetime. Many guests have been lucky to encounter Green Sea Turtles, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Humpback Whales (seasonal), and the rare green flash! During your private catamaran boat charter, you will have the opportunity of snorkeling at the famous Turtle Canyon. There you can witness Green Sea Turtles having their shells cleaned by schools of Surgeonfish or simply relax and swim right in front of Waikiki Beach with a gorgeous sandy bottom.

WHALE WATCHING

Observe Hawaiian Humpback whales and their journey to Hawaii for the warmer waters to breed and give birth to their calves. This excursion is guided by a knowledgeable crewmember with years of boating experience in the waters of Oahu. This is a seasonal activity which is offered between mid-December and April. We guarantee Whale sightings or we will take you out on another catamaran boat cruise for free!!

FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS

The Hilton Hawaiian Village has an epic firework show every Friday night, and going on a private catamaran boat cruise is the best way to beat the crowds and enjoy the Waikiki coastline. With our friendly crew excited to catch the show with you, there is simply no better way to enjoy the show. 

Start or end your trip to Hawaii with a bang! Watch this beautiful firework show from the best seats in Waikiki with Oahu Ocean Adventures. Watching the lovely lights reflect off the ocean right off of Waikiki beach is an unforgettable sight that is sure to highlight your trip to Oahu. Relax on the bow of our sailboat with cushioned chairs or choose to lay on the front netting so you can feel the Hawaii ocean breeze!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Intimate Weddings

Ash Scattering

Holiday Parties

Corporate Events

Photo Shoots

Full Day Charter

8-12 hours - ($249/hour).

Looking to spend the whole day out on the water, tired of all the crowds in Waikiki? Join us for a full-day charter and keep the good times rolling. You have the option to spend the whole day doing what you want! Choose one of the options from our half-day charters, or do them all! With our Full day private charters, you can go further and explore the North Shore of Oahu or relax at the infamous Kaneohe Sandbar! 

Looking to spend the day on the North Shore of Oahu on your own private catamaran and explore all it has to offer? This charter packs everything you could ever want to do on the North Shore of Oahu and more! Skip the traffic from Laniakea beach, "Turtle Beach," and come for a ride along the famous North Shore to see some of the world's most renowned surfing locations, Sunset Beach and Bonzai Pipeline, with the tallest point on Oahu, Mount Ka'ala, in the background. Anything can happen on our journey, so keep an eye out for resting Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins in Waimea Bay, breaching Humpback Whales (seasonal), and the famous Ewa Bird soaring overhead. Once arriving at our dive location, an in-water snorkel guide will accompany you in the water for your safety. Our guide will highlight marine life, identify fish species, and showcase what makes Sharks Cove and Three Tables a unique place. Green Sea Turtles, schools of Convict Tangs, Parrotfish, and some of the clearest blue waters on Oahu can be found in these areas. While enjoying the beautiful water of the North Shore, There's no better place to watch a Hawaiian sunset! While watching the sun gracefully set, guests have been lucky enough to witness pods of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), and even pods of Melon Headed Whales, Pilot Whales, and False Killer Whales on rare occasions. 

Another great option (and one of the coolest things Oahu has to offer) is the Kaneohe Sandbar. Located just 16 miles from Waikiki on the east side of Oahu in Kaneohe Bay, it is one of the world's largest sandbars where people pull their boats up, park and relax, snorkel, and have some of the best parties on the island! With our private catamaran charters, you can party in style! BYO style, so feel free to bring drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner, or anything else you feel would elevate your experience! We all offer exclusive packages with DJs and live music to make sure to ask for available artists! The Kaneohe Sandbar is an absolute must for people visiting the island of Oahu, so why not experience it in style!

Overnight Catamaran Charter

24-30 hours - ($150/hour)

One of our favorite adventures is a beautiful overnight journey to the west side of Oahu! Sail into the sunset from Waikiki, enjoying a lovely dinner. Anchor overnight on the most exclusive side of Oahu to stargaze, where the milky way can be seen in all its glory. Wake up, enjoy a breakfast of muffins, fruit, coffee, and juice, and get ready to dive into the clearest waters of Oahu. Spend the day looking for fantastic wildlife like Pilot whales, melonhead whales, Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and other deep sea creatures. Enjoy snorkeling in some of Oahu's clearest and pristine waters before returning to Waikiki.

Multi-Day Catamaran Charter

5 days, 4 nights - $100/hour

Easily the most exclusive way to explore the Hawaiian Islands is to travel on your own private chartered catamaran. Skip the flights, hotels, taxis, and crowds of people while you see a side of Hawaii that very few people ever get to experience on our multi-day adventures. Below is a preview of our 5-day, 4-night adventure around Lanai, Maui, and Molokai. These charters are entirely customizable to fit your dream!  

This one-of-a-kind adventure starts in Waikiki on the Island of O’ahu. From the dock in Honolulu, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset then set sail and begin our journey to the Island of Lana’i! Lana’i is a truly remote place with a population of around 3,000 people. Some of the most untouched reefs in the Hawaiian chain are just off of Lanai's south shore. The water is filled with turtles, bright coral reefs, fish, manta rays, and more! This island’s beauty is truly one of a kind, we always have a hard time saying goodbye!

Wave aloha to the island of O’ahu after you enjoy a breathtaking sunset along the Waikiki coastline! Night one consists of our passage to Lana’i. Enjoy your dinner and sunset, then get cozy in one of the bedrooms and enjoy the ride! Close your eyes and dream about the day you will have when you reopen them in the morning!

Wake up to an amazing golden sunrise with stunning mountain views and spend the day snorkeling, diving, spearfishing, and exploring Lanai's beautiful underwater coastline! Enjoy lunch on the boat in the late afternoon while we make our way toward Maui's South Shore. Many marine mammals can be spotted along this journey – especially whales during whale season! During their season, the waters between Lanai, Maui, and Molokai have been known to be some of the best whale watching worldwide! Experience whales breaching, playing, and mating in the channels as we continue on our passage – a truly one of a kind experience! 

We will arrive at a beautiful anchorage near Maluaka beach, where Turtle Town is located! Turtle Town is one of Maui's best places to go snorkeling with turtles! This is just miles from Molokini crater, so it's the perfect place to settle in for the night as we get ready for another beautiful day on the water! During the night at our first anchorage, we commonly encounter beautiful manta rays passing by during the night. With our special in-water lights, we can easily spot fantastic marine animals as they come and feed off the plankton that are attracted to the light. If you would like to dine on fresh fish during our journey, there is always a possibility to catch fish, so this is the perfect time to enjoy a fresh fish dinner!

Day three is dedicated to snorkeling at Molokini crater and Maluaka beach (a.k.a. Turtle Town!), two of Maui’s most unique and famous snorkeling spots. We will start the morning snorkeling at Molokini crater which has two vastly different sides to explore. One side of Molokini crater is a shallow calm reef which is perfect for people who are new to snorkeling. For our more experienced snorkelers, the backside of Molokini crater is a beautiful sea wall that has over a 300 foot drop off with breathtaking schools of deep water butterfly fish, lobsters, puffer fish, and more! In the afternoon, we can fully explore Turtle Town to bring your turtle dreams to life! The crater is just a few miles away from Turtle Town, so it's just a quick sail over! If the weather is right, on our way to Turtle Town you can spot the Hawaiian islands Kahoolawe, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai all at once from the boat!

We will sail the west coast of Maui to enjoy a beautiful sunset and dinner. We will stop at the local supermarket for your favorite store bought ice cream and some snacks to finish off another epic day out on the water and the beautiful island of Maui!

We start our final full day with snorkeling at Mala Wharf, a broken down loading dock that was once used for shipping pineapples and sugar cane from Maui. This is such a unique snorkeling spot because of all the underwater structures it has to offer that definitely make for a unique underwater photo! For your final afternoon, we will visit Shipwreck beach (weather dependent) on Lanai’s north shore where a massive shipwreck lies just off the beach. If the weather is limiting us, we will spend the day fishing, snorkeling, and whale watching along the south shore of Molokai!

Celebrate your journey through the islands with one last dinner and a gorgeous sunset off the coast of Molokai! We can share photos we have all gathered along the way to make sure your memories last a lifetime. Tuck yourself in for the night and prepare for the journey back to Oahu in the morning!

Take in your last golden sunrise and prepare for the sail back to Waikiki on Oahu. As we make our way back to our home base on Oahu, keep your eyes peeled for pelagic marine life like whale sharks, orcas, whales, dolphins, and more! This channel is one of our favorites for spotting marine animals and their activity. We will arrive back at the dock mid-day to late afternoon to unload. This journey is filled with so much activity and so many beautiful views that we hope you will carry with you forever!

"Forrest is absolutely incredible. My boyfriend (now fiancé) booked a sunset cruise with Oahu Ocean Aventures and it was absolutely perfect. Forrest and Tyler made our night so special and helped coordinate my proposal!! Every detail was thought out and it was the most perfect evening. I can't thank them enough and I highly recommend you book with them. Forrest will work with you on a custom itinerary and he sails to other islands too, so what are you waiting for?!"

EMILY H. Yelp, May 2023

 WHERE TO FIND US 

Ala Wai Boat Harbor

1651 Ala Moana Blvd. 

Honolulu, Hawaii

We'll meet you at the first dock in the harbor.

 PARKING 

​Public parking is available in this area for $1/hour. Be sure to avoid permit-only parking spots. Parking is limited to 24 hours. For overnight and multi-day charters, consider taking a taxi or Uber to the harbor.

PLEASE NOTE: We operate RAIN or SHINE.

SNORKEL MANU KAI & KE KAI

Snorkeling & sailing in waikiki & kewalo harbor.

Ke Kai Catamaran departs from Waikiki Beach

Manu Kai Catamaran departs from Kewalo Harbor

SNORKEL MANU KAI

Snorkeling & sailing in waikiki & kewalo harbor, snorkeling & sailing in waikiki, sail from waikiki beach.

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours
• Clock 12:30PM , 10:30am
• Calendar Daily

Waikiki Snorkel

Join us for a special limited-seat snorkel. Swim and snorkel with the turtles and fish at Turtle Canyon!

*All guests who wish to participate in the snorkel must be able to swim as this snorkel tour is in open water and may not be ideal for swimming/snorkeling beginners

• Most Popular
• Clock 5:30pm

Sunset Sail (WAIKIKI)

Experience adventure sailing, sightseeing, and complimentary cocktails and a beautiful Hawaiian sunset!

• Hour Glass 1 Hour
• Clock 4:00 pm , 2:30 pm

Diamond Head Sail (WAIKIKI)

Explore beautiful Diamond Head on this afternoon sailing adventure!

• Clock 7:30pm
• Calendar Friday

Friday Night Fireworks Tour (WAIKIKI)

Join us on a Friday evening for our fireworks sail to see the Hilton’s firework display!

PRIVATE CHARTERS FROM KEWALO BASIN HARBOR

• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• Clock 11:00 am
• Calendar Friday - Sunday

Private Swim & Sail (HARBOR)

Join us for our special Private Charter on our South Shore Honolulu Swim & Sail!

Guests can choose between a swim and sail combination, or choose a sail-only option! You will experience views of Waikiki, Diamond head, blue rolling waves, and stunning views of the south shore of Oahu!

• Hour Glass 90 minutes
• Clock 9:00am

Private Morning Ceremony Sail (HARBOR)

This is a private 90-minute sailing trip to attend to morning charters, with a discounted rate for ceremonies, celebrations of life, funerals, organization charters, and more.

• Clock 3:30 pm , 1:30pm

Private South Shore Sail! (HARBOR)

Join us for a fun private 90-minute happy hour sail! Sail with us through the gorgeous waves off of the South Shore of Honolulu! With charter rates for groups of up to 10, 25, or 49 guests- we can accommodate your private group and customize the experience for you! Drinks are always complimentary!

• Calendar 7 Days a Week

Private Honolulu Sunset Sail (HARBOR)

Experience a private 90-minute sunset sail with complimentary drinks (alcoholic beverages for adults only)! Enjoy a beautiful Hawaiian Sunset, and perhaps if you’re lucky, witness the rare green flash! Charter options and pricing available for groups of up to 10, 25, and 49 guests! Book your private sunset sail today!

Private Friday Night Fireworks (HARBOR)

Join us on a Friday evening for our Private Friday Night Fireworks Cruise. Enjoy complimentary beers, maitais, and cocktails, and experience The Hilton’s Friday night fireworks display from the ocean!

KE KAI & MANU KAI CATAMARANS

Ke Kai Catamaran and Manu Kai Catamaran both offer a variety of Oahu sailing, swimming, and snorkeling trips! Ke Kai is located on Waikiki Beach in front of the famous Duke’s Restaurant (2335 Kalakaua Avenue), and Manu Kai is located at Kewalo Basin Harbor  (1025 Ala Moana Blvd) in gorgeous trendy Kaka’ako!

Our signature yellow and purple striped KE KAI , and yellow and blue striped Manu Kai are both USCG-certified vessels with a sailing capacity of 49 guests and a snorkel/swim capacity of 36 guests. We are proud to offer fun, stunning, safe, and entertaining sails in both Waikiki and Kaka’ako! Come join us on a beautiful and fun Hawaiian rollercoaster ride!

RATED 4.5 STARS ON TRIPADVISOR!

Great time snorkeling with this crew! We saw a lot of fish and many sea turtles. My daughter loved jumping off the side of the boat over and over! Drinks were great too!

My husband and I had a wonderful time on the 2:30 Sunset Cruise. The guys sailing us out were super nice. It was beautiful on the water, and we even saw a turtle in the water! The Mai Tai drinks they had on board, were actually the best we had the entire trip. I would defiantly recommend this experience! P.S. you could get soaked...we did :-)

So much fun! One of the more affordable sunset cruises and 100% worth it. The workers on the boat were friendly and upbeat and did a great job of cultivating a fun vibe. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Best part of my trip! Kalani, Mina, Mitchell and Justin were great. Super nice and friendly. The views during sunset were incredible. I will definitely be booking this again when I come back to Waikiki. Thanks Manu Kai crew!

This was a great experience. We went on the morning snorkel tour and had a fantastic time! The boat comes right to the beach at Waikiki. The people were fantastic!!! We saw 3 turtles and lots of fish at turtle canyon.

We did the Diamond Head Tour and had a great time. This is a 90 min tour with sails up. Captain and crew were great. Great views of Waikiki and Diamond Head from the boat. The Manu Kai is small enough that you really felt the waves and were really sailing. Crew were manning the sails but still had time to make sure you had mai tais. Overall a great time and highly recommend.

Well worth the money. Great crew, drinks included. Plenty of room on the boat. Friendly atmosphere. Bring a camera or iPhone, maybe a sweatshirt for after sunset. Expect to have a great time for $40.00. Definitely would go again.

We chose Manu Kai for the mid morning turtle snorkel at Turtle Canyon and had a terrific time. We saw plenty of turtles and fish and enjoyed the professional but casual, laid back vibe of the crew. Jess in particular was outstanding (with a background in marine biology). Post our snorkel we headed towards Diamond Head for a great view of the beach and were lucky enough to see dolphins at play. A great morning trip.

FIND YOUR BEACH.

Our policies.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Guests receive a full refund with a 24-hour notice of cancellation. Full refunds are also issued in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

During the slower seasons and typically for the morning sails, tour cancellations can occur due to not meeting a minimum requirement of 6 booked guests. In these rare situations, guests are always given the option to rebook or refund. If you are concerned about your tour, please call with any questions.

Guests wishing to rebook or reschedule must give 24 hours’ notice. Contact us by phone directly to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows and guests cancelling within 24 hours of departure will be charged full price.

CHECK-IN POLICY

Check-in time for all tours is strictly 30 minutes prior to departure, with no exceptions. Failure to check in on time will result in loss of reservation.

We require payment for all reservations. Otherwise all trips are first come, first served. We accept cash or credit card as payment methods.

Use code "SUMMER20" for 20% off Turtle Canyon bookings for Sustainable Summer!

Quick Details

• Clock Schedule: 5:00pm - 6:30pm (Oct - Feb) , 5:30pm - 7:00pm (Mar - Sept)
• Users Ages: All Ages (21+ Only on Fridays)
• Clock Check-in Time: 4:30pm (5:00pm in Mar-Sept.)

(4+ years old)

$10 discount available at check-in with proof of i.d. (*can't stack discounts), (0-3 years old), private charter, call to book (see private charters tab for more information), sunset sail, sunset catamaran sail from waikiki.

Our most popular trip for the fun-loving crowd, the sunset sail often turns strangers into fast friends in an hour and a half. Sit back, relax and bask in Oahu’s magnificent sunset together. We provide beverages including wine and a variety of domestic and premium local beers, along with non-alcoholic drinks. Ask about our famous holokai cocktail—guaranteed to make you smile.

All drinks are included on this lively cruise! Strangers become fast friends on this one, whether you’re cruising solo or with a crew! We provide juice, soda, bottled water, wine, champagne, and a variety of hard seltzers, domestic and premium local beers from Maui Brewing, as well as our famous “Holokai Hooch” cocktail. So sit back, have a drink, make some new friends and enjoy an amazing sunset!

While all of our activities are family friendly, Friday night Sunset Cruises are reserved for 21+ only.

5:00 PM departure Oct – Feb 5:30 PM departure Mar – Sept

The Holokai departs from the beach for all of our sails, so be sure to bring footwear that you can easily slip on and off! The specific beach for arrival and departure changes depending on the tides to ensure a safe boarding, so keep in mind that the departure spot may change and might not always be right outside the hotel. The walk down to the beach may take from 5 to 10 minutes, a maximum of 0.3 miles down to the boat.

Any guests with mobility issues or are a slower walker will have to let us know after or before you book, so we can make the appropriate accommodations.

For large parties of 9 or more, please call our reservations line to book.

• 1.5 Hour Sail
• All Inclusive Drinks || Open Bar
• Motion Sickness Aid
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Validated Parking at Embassy Suites Hotel ($15 for 4 hours)
• Dry Storage

Things to Bring:

• Sunglasses/Eyewear
• Longsleeve (weather dependent)
• ID (21 and over)
• Submit Online Pre-Arrival Waiver

PRE-ARRIVAL WAIVER FORM

All guests boarding the Holokai Catamaran must complete an online waiver form prior to check-in. Guests will not be permitted to board without a signed waiver. All guests 17 years of age and younger must have a waiver completed by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Guests 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 on all tours.

Related Charters

• Clock 9:00am - 11:30am , 12:00pm - 2:30pm

Turtle Canyon Adventure Sail

This morning sail takes you to Turtle Canyon, where you’ll get to swim around Waikiki’s most pristine coral reefs and get up close to turtles, tropical fish and other stunning marine life.

• Clock 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Tradewind Sail

See Oahu from a different perspective at a great value! We’ll follow the trade winds blowing from the northeast, for a spectacular view from the boat as you pass the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial and Diamond Head Lighthouse.

Special: Promo Code: ALOHA20

• Most Popular

Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail

Quick details.

Calendar Availability: Please check the calendar for most updated availability

Adult (13-62 years old)

Senior (63+ years old), child (3-12 years old), infant (2 years and under), our honolulu sunset cruise.

Prepare for an extraordinary evening unlike any other. Indulge in the enchanting Hawaiian sunset aboard the Makani Catamaran, basking in the open air. As you sip on our tropical cocktails, be captivated by the breathtaking vista of glistening waters, with the setting sun casting an amber glow upon the city skyline and the majestic peak of Oahu’s renowned Diamond Head towering above the azure waves. It serves as a reminder of the very reason you chose to visit Hawaii – to uncover the splendor of paradise!

Immerse yourself in this wind-in-your-face moment alongside your beloved, amidst an awe-inspiring ocean landscape. As the sun gracefully descends, painting the sky with vibrant amber hues, relish in the spellbinding surroundings and allow us to cater to your needs during this two-hour cruise. This experience is certain to be the pinnacle of your Oahu vacation!

Highlights:

• Marvel at the spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head as the sun sets, all from the deck of our exquisite catamaran.
• Embark on a two-hour coastal excursion with our friendly and experienced crew.

$1.00 per person State Ocean Stewardship User Fee will be added to the final prices starting January 1st, 2024.

Highlights & inclusions

• Fully USCG certified & state-of-the-art catamaran
• Friendly & experienced crew
• Surround sound stereo system
• Covered & open-air seating
• Dual restrooms
• Full bar selection
• Eco-friendly & biodegradable cups
• Frequent sightings of turtles & dolphins
• Humpback whale sightings (Seasonal)
• Spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, & Diamond Head
• A beautiful Hawaiian sunset
• Chevron down What to bring
• Comfortable footwear
• Light jacket if you tend to get cold

Related Tours

• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• Clock 11 a.m. 2 p.m.

Fun in the Sun Sail

Embark on a voyage along the sun-kissed south shore of Oahu, where breathtaking vistas of the verdant Ko’olau Mountains, glistening Honolulu skylines, and the awe-inspiring Diamond Head await. Stay alert and witness the enchanting marine wildlife that graces these waters!

• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Clock 7:30 pm

Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks Sail

Experience a breathtaking view of the fireworks show from the water as the moon ascends. The Friday Night Fireworks Cruise offers a mesmerizing spectacle, showcasing the Honolulu skyline and the majestic Ko’olau range. Indulge in an evening of unparalleled beauty and enchantment.

Gift Certificates

Give a gift of relaxation and the excitement all in one

Gift Certificates are available for *Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail *Fun in the Sun Sail *Friday Night Fireworks Sail

Hawaii Sailing Adventures, LLC

Private Charters in Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai

Private Hawaiian Catamaran, Sailing and Yacht Charters

It's time for the vacation of your dreams.

1/2 day, one-day, sunset, dinner, multi-day to multi-week inter-island vacation, and trip options are available.

Hawaii Sailing Adventures offers private boats, catamaran charters, and sailing trips on our luxury fleet. We provide charter options for Maui, Kaanapali , Kauai , Niihau, Lanai , Molokai , Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu , Kaneohe Bay, and The Big Island.   Snorkel, whale watch and visit Napali Coast, Kaanapali & Kohala Coast, exploring the beautiful "unknown" Hawaii through our one of our luxury boat trips.

Contact us  to learn more about booking a private catamaran or boat charter where you'll create a memorable adventure for your family and friends. Enjoy extraordinary encounters with whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, swim and snorkel in tropical island waters and have the best sailing experience in your lifetime!

Explore Our Fleet

Custom 49 catamaran

Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46

Fountaine Pajot Helia 44

Excess 12 – 39’

42 Catalina MK 11

Beneteau Oceanis 48

Nautor Swan 46

Beneteau 42

Beneteau Oceanis 41

Beneteau 393

Beneteau 39

Ready to find out more.

Get information on prices, itineraries, private daily or weekly charters & tours in Hawaii.

Napali Coast, "The Forbidden Island", North Shore Molokai, Kanaapali, Manele Bay

Niihau, Kalalau Valley, lagoon, reefs and beaches, sea cliffs, waterfalls, snorkel, scuba, swim, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard, surf, windsurf, fish, and dine ashore. Stay in the harbor as a pleasant, charming, quiet, relaxing home base with all the cooking and sleeping amenities, a more creative environment than a hotel or house, and explore on-island activities on a week or two sailing charter. Relax, work the sails, whale watch, extended inter-island trips, short sailing tours, sunset sail, and dinner cruise. Feel what it is like to offshore cruise in the most dramatically beautiful settings in the world. Our crewed sailing and luxury yacht charters and boat tour prices include skipper, food, fuel, gear, other vessel costs, Sail Blue Hawaii, and much more.

What our customers say...

"Thank you so much! We loved the day and the memories will be cherished. We hope to do it again some day."

The Ferrier Family

A dream wedding in hawaii.

Ask us about our tropical, romantic wedding and honeymoon packages. Then, let us arrange your marriage ceremony aboard your private yacht.

Catamaran and Monohull sailboats to; Maui , Lahaina, Molokai , Lanai , Oahu , Honolulu, Kauai , Niihau, Big Island Hawaii .

Oahu’s Best Snorkel & Sail Tour: Departs from Ko Olina

Welcome to our favorite snorkel and sailing tour on Oahu. Head out on their 8:30 AM or 11:30 AM tours for three hours of sailing and snorkeling with the chance to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, humpback whales, and amazing marine life.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

Activity Overview

• Departs From: Oahu – Ko Olina
• Duration: 3-hours
• Included in the price: Lunch, soft drinks, three alcoholic drinks, snorkel gear, chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, and more

Board a 53-foot catamaran from Ko Olina Marina, at the Ko Olina Resorts, to sail the leeward coast in the morning. Snorkel with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu), see spinner dolphins, and so much more marine life on the beautiful coral reefs along Oahu’s coast. Enjoy lunch, three complimentary alcoholic drinks, and transportation from Waikiki ( for an additional fee).

Humpback whale watching is possible during their migratory season from December through March.

Note, they also have a sunset sailing cruise with pupus (appetizers) and drinks.

Two snorkeling tours are available per day. We like the morning tour as the sun isn’t as harsh for the kids and the winds are more likely to be calm compared to the afternoon. They are both good tours, so pick what is right for you and your group!

Book Direct Here: Their Most Popular Snorkel Tour

Our experience on this oahu snorkeling tour.

Our whole family came along to this epic snorkel trip. We used to live in Ko Olina, so we love coming back to stay at the resorts, swim in the lagoons, and go snorkeling! Our son loved the snorkeling and seeing the dolphins. I enjoyed the sailing and the friendly crew. This is a wonderful tour for all ages.

Watch our experience out on the water below. If you’re interested in staying at the Ko Olina Resorts, see our Ko Olina Guide for details or explore our Oahu Where to Stay Directory .

They’ll Pick You Up

Let them pick you up from your resort or condo in the Waikiki area for a small additional cost per person. Add the pick up option when you go to book.

Explore the Waianae Coast

Depart from Ko Olina Marina to swim, snorkel, and sail the beautiful Waianae Coast of Oahu. Ko Olina is located 45-minutes from Waikiki.

See Dolphins and Swim with Turtles

Set anchor at one fabulous snorkel reef teeming with tropical reef fish, fascinating marine life, and frequent visits from Hawaiian green sea turtles.

HOUR DURATION

TOURS DAILY

STARTING FROM

Ko Olina Snorkel and Sail Highlights

• 3-hour tour – Book the 8:30 AM tour or the 11:30 AM tour . Tours are offered daily.
• Departs from Ko Olina Marina ( click here for directions ) 45-minute drive from Waikiki. Parking is available at the marina. There is free parking in the public lot next to the marina. You will find a spot for the 8:30 AM tour but for the mid-day tour, you may need to park in the Marina Parking Lot
• Sail along Oahu’s leeward coast and anchor at a pristine reef for the chance to swim with sea turtles, 45 to 60-minute snorkel session.
• Chance to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins year-round
• Lunch and soft drinks are included (vegetarian option available)
• 3 complimentary alcoholic drinks. $5 drinks available after that (price may change)
• Some of the best snorkeling on Oahu
• Humpback whale watching is possible from December through March
• All ages are welcome! (infants are offered a reduced ticket price)

Ko Olina Adventure Sail and Snorkel Tours depart from Ko Olina Marina, part of Ko Olina Resorts (45-minutes from Waikiki). Tours leave in the morning and mid-day for 3-hour sail and snorkel tours.

During your shoreline sail, your experienced catamaran Captain and crew are on the lookout for viewing encounters with playful, entertaining Hawaiian spinner dolphins and majestic, seasonal Alaska humpback whales (December thru March). Your Captain will also set anchor at one fabulous snorkel reef teeming with tropical reef fish, fascinating marine life, and frequent visits from friendly Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They usually stop for snorkeling just offshore Electric Beach, one of our top 5 best snorkeling spots on Oahu .

The crew is friendly and very helpful to beginner snorkelers. They provide detailed instructions, advice, and serve as lifeguards while you are in the water. They can’t guarantee marine sightings but they will do their best to find them along their sailing route.

Sail on the swift and comfortable catamaran, the Holole’a Kai. Holole’a Kai means “to sail freely and with adventure on the ocean.” Enjoy leeward Oahu’s panoramic coast and its vistas of beautiful beaches, mountains, and valleys. The 53-foot vessel features a cushioned suntan deck, teak bar, restrooms, and an outdoor freshwater rinse-off. She holds up to 40 passengers.

Snorkel Tour Details

See their cancellation policy below for details. A lot is included in this tour and is a favorite on Oahu. It is our favorite for snorkeling and the coastal views!

What is the cancellation policy?

Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours’ notice of cancellation (excluding private charters). Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Is snorkel equipment included? What is included in the tour?

Your Tour Includes  Pre-packaged lunch, unlimited soft drinks, three complimentary alcoholic beverages, snorkel gear, snorkel instruction, and life vests. Bottled drinking water, restrooms, and freshwater shower rinse onboard. If you bring your own snorkel gear, they do not allow a full face mask.

How long is the snorkeling par?

Your captain tries to get at least 45-minutes in the water, snorkeling time for you.

Do they offer discounts?

Yes, local Kama’aina, military, and children/infant prices are available at checkout.

Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety

Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.

Two decades ago Captains Todd Pickering and Mick Riegel took their ocean skills, love of the ocean world, and discovery of new and dramatic underwater vistas along the Ko Olina and Leeward Oahu coastline, and created new snorkeling tours and adventures for visitors and friends.

They were some of the first to pioneer safe and non-intrusive dolphin encounters and whale watching with these wonderful ocean creatures, with thousands of amazed, happy and repeat customers attesting to their success. They added another great snorkeling adventure, the Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour. They and their current Captains Matt, Todd, Travis, and Taylor, their crew, and staff continue Ko Olina Ocean Adventure’s tradition in providing Hawaii’s visitors with an adventurous, fun, memorable and safe ocean experience.

We are affiliate partners with Ko Olina Ocean Adventures which means we receive a small commission for each completed booking made through this site. This is done without any additional cost to you. You can  read more about our affiliate policies here . Know that we only recommend tour operators that we know and trust. Your positive experience and your trust in us mean more than any affiliate commission. By booking tours through our website you help us to provide free information and videos to help you and other readers plan their perfect Hawaii vacation. Thank you so much for your support — you are amazing!

This is the most comprehensive Hawaii vacation planning resource on the internet!

TOP RESOURCES

• Join Our Newsletter
• Hawaii Itineraries
• Tours & Activities
• Top Travel Gear
• Discount Car Rentals

ISLAND GUIDES

• Planning A Trip To Hawaii
• Oahu Island Guide
• Maui Island Guide
• Hawai’i (Big Island) Guide
• Kauai Island Guide

Your use of the information provided in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services is for your informational purposes only and is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Your use of the information described in, your participation in activities presented in, and/or your engagement of any Travel Service Providers presented in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and/or Services may carry the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, death, or property damage. You voluntarily and freely assume all risks and dangers that may occur pursuant to your access, use, purchase, or participation in any information, activity, good, or service described in our Content, Itineraries, Site, and Services or provided by any Travel Service Providers.

Don’t start planning without our cheat sheets

You’ll get:

• 4 can’t-miss activities on each island,
• a map with the main sights in town,
• and famous local grindz (eats)!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

'Bad practices': The controversy behind an unforgettable Hawaii experience

I t’s one of Hawaii’s unforgettable experiences. In the evening hours off the Kailua-Kona Coast of Hawaii Island, snorkelers by the dozens jump into the dark ocean. They swim toward bright lights illuminating the water to see reef manta rays with wingspans of about 12 feet wide.

The lights attract swarms of zooplankton, the manta rays’ preferred food. Snorkelers floating on the surface and scuba divers sitting on the sea floor watch the manta rays, which are filter feeders and harmless to humans, for hours as they circle gracefully around each other and swoop up toward the surface. It’s enchanting to watch as the 1,000-pound animals maneuver in what looks like an underwater dance.

The activity is one of the most popular on the Kailua-Kona Coast, where tour boats congregate around two main manta night viewing locations. Not to be confused with stingrays, manta rays bring more than 10,000 visitors to Hawaii, and tourism provides more than $4 million per year to Hawaii’s economy, according to a 2010 study.

But what people don’t notice is the chaotic churn of activity that happens around them. The increasing number of boats and people on the water, and no regulatory rules in place, is causing worsening safety hazards.

“Beginning in about 2010, entrepreneurs learned that to take people snorkeling in Hawaii requires no training. All you need is a captain and a vessel, and then you can take people snorkeling. And so the numbers have just exploded,” Keller Laros, founder of the nonprofit Manta Pacific Research Foundation , and co-owner of Jack’s Diving Locker , told SFGATE.

“There’s just a lot of bad practices going on, particularly among the historical operators, you know, driving through areas where there’s manta rays, divers and snorkelers,” he said.

In 2022, a person died during a manta ray night dive. A crew member fell off a tour boat and was killed when she struck the boat propeller. Last year, a woman drowned during a manta ray snorkeling tour.

The state is aware of the safety hazards. Seven years earlier, a study on manta ray viewing safety was conducted for the state. Given that the number of people in the water on the busiest nights exceeds 290 persons, it concluded that a severe accident, such as death, was mathematically inevitable.

The study recorded multiple vessels traveling over minimum operating speeds, boats passing within 10 to 20 feet of unlit snorkelers and right over submerged divers. It also saw some swimmers break away from their tour groups to follow manta rays into a boat channel. The dark seas make it difficult to see swimmers at night, and the bright lights are blinding to boaters and swimmers in their path.

“Given the large number of vessels and in-water persons participating in this night-time activity, a severe accident will likely occur in the future without significant mitigation of the existing risk factors,” the 2015 report said. “The number of vessels and persons participating in manta ray viewing activities are major factors increasing the likelihood of an accident, however, there are currently no effective controls regulating capacity despite the growing demand for this activity.”

No regulation

Hawaii issues commercial use permits to the tour boat owners, but there is no specific manta ray tours permit. The boats can go anywhere they want. There is no limit to the number of boats at any of the viewing spots.

It wasn’t even illegal to catch and kill a manta ray in Hawaii until 2009.

“That was a big first step in getting manta rays protected in the state of Hawaii,” said Keller, who campaigned and succeeded in getting the law passed.

Keller has also been a big proponent in trying to get manta ray tour operating guidelines put in place. He ended up creating his own, when he was unsuccessful in teaming up with the state. His foundation lists a voluntary set of guidelines that it hopes tour operators and tour participants will follow.

Aware of the safety issues, the Department of Land and Natural Resources has been working on draft rules to regulate the manta ray viewing sites for the past nine years, but it keeps hitting a stalemate. Neither the commercial operators nor the Native practitioners, who want zero commercial activity, have been able to agree on a solution.

DLNR would like to reach a compromise. “We’re trying to find that balance, because saying no to commercial activities is probably not going to happen,” Meghan Statts, administrator for the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, told SFGATE. “So what is the number that can be lowered to address the concerns of the Native practitioners as well as the commercial operators?”

The latest version of the draft rules would require a manta ray viewing operation permit for all tours in the manta ray viewing locations. It sets a limit of 24 commercial permits per location and each operator may have no more than 60 passengers per 24-hour period. There’s also a requirement of one guide per eight participants.

Statts estimates that there are somewhere between 60 and 70 operators conducting manta ray tours in the two locations.

“There were a lot of complaints coming in about props hitting mantas on the Big Island,” Statts said. “Some legislators were saying they were concerned about the type of activity that was taking place, and that it was just overcrowded.”

She said there were companies taking people to manta ray sites on surfboards, when it’s pitch black, while others are live boating (when boat engines and their propellers are running) around them.

DLNR is also concerned about how the tours are impacting the manta rays. “People are trying to get the mantas to go to different areas. Everybody’s trying to pull them everywhere because everybody wants to be able to see it,” said Statts. “So for us, it’s to ensure safety in the water, and then it’s to make sure that the mantas themselves are protected.”

The impact on manta rays

It’s unclear whether manta rays were swarming the popular manta ray viewing locations prior to the tours, but it appears that the manta rays are conditioned to show up at locations where there are lights. The more plankton there is, the more manta rays generally show up.

“I think they know there’s a pattern where if the lights are there regularly, they sort of pick up on that pattern, and the food might be more concentrated,” said Mark Deakos, co-founder of the nonprofit Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research . But it’s not known how it changes their natural behavior, whether only the dominant animals feed where there are lights, or how it affects their feeding habits without the lights.

“There are concerns with the lights, of course, you’re manipulating the natural environment. So we don’t know how that impacts ,” said Deakos. He sees competition with the lights among tour boat operators, who want to attract the most plankton. “And of course these animals have eyes, you know, they’re visual creatures. And tremendously bright lights for hours at a time every night are going to have some impact on their visual, sensory processing. So we don’t know how that’s impacting them.”

The impacts he does see are manta rays being hit by boat propellers. He’s spotted scars on some. Manta rays may also hit a diver or boat, injuring themselves. But he says that there’s no evidence that the manta ray populations are declining or that there’s a significant threat to the population.

However, Deakos believes that an unlimited number of boats will increase the chance of people or manta rays getting hurt. “Generally pretty good,” said Deakos. “But there are a few that are cowboys, right, like, ‘This is a moneymaker. Don’t tell us what you can and can’t do,’ and they come fly in. I think the minority is what sort of puts a lot more people at risk and threatens the scenario.”

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter

TOP STORIES FROM KCRA:

Interstate 80 closed after electric big rig catches fire in Placer County, releases toxic cloud

Sacramento commercial building catches fire near Richards Boulevard

What to watch for at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

Blinken, in Israel, says now is 'maybe the last' chance for a Gaza cease-fire deal

Placer County dive team searching for father who jumped in American River to help son

Sacramento business frustrated after third break-in in a year

READ THE FULL STORY: 'Bad practices': The controversy behind an unforgettable Hawaii experience

CHECK OUT KCRA: Stay informed. Get the latest Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento news and weather from the KCRA news team.

Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Continue in Browser

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

Boats in Gulfport damaged in storm has owners asking for help

GULFPORT, Fla. — It’s been weeks since Hurricane Debby saturated the Bay area with heavy rain and flooding. FEMA has made its way to most of those hard-hit areas, but there’s one group of locals who are still holding out hope that they will get help from the agency for their house boats.

What You Need To Know

Gulfport police said they had a total of 25 damaged boats on their shoreline after debby hit the area we reached out to fema and were told pinellas county is not part of the disaster declaration for this storm the city plans to move the remaining boats out of the waters soon, but as of now they don’t have a date. see also: more hurricane debby headlines.

The boats are still in the water — with a lot of damage. Gulfport Police said they had a total of 25 damaged boats on their shoreline after the storm.

Many have been moved by the owners, but the remaining boats will likely be removed and destroyed by the city. It’s the last thing one couple says they ever wanted to see happen.

It has been hard for residents like Kaylee Walker and her husband, Ian Wylie, who had their dream boat named Unbridled Spirit.

“It was a 35-foot Columbia. it was an old boat. It was a 1979. It was built back in the really good days of boat building,” Wylie said.

They rode out the storm during Debby on the water in Gulfport.

“The worst of it was probably when it broke off ball because it heeled over to a 45-degree angle and with the waves already pushing in the direction they were, we were worried about our boat capsizing,” Walker said.

Walker recorded videos showing the harrowing moments that ended with them jumping overboard right before their boat slammed into a seawall and took on water.

“I texted my family, and I basically told them I don’t think we’re safe and that this is probably it,” she said.

They did make it, but the damage was so severe, they couldn’t salvage their boat that they also called home.

“I mean, it’s totaled for sure. It technically could be repaired but it would be so much money, but that’s money FEMA wouldn’t even give us,” Walker said.

We reached out to FEMA and were told Pinellas County is not part of the disaster declaration for this storm. So, boats like theirs will either have to be moved or signed over to the city so they can move it.

“We signed it over with questions unanswered. They told us our 45 days was taken away because our boat was deemed hazardous. They did not give us documentation as to why our boat was hazardous. They didn’t give us any proof that it was hazardous,” said Walker.

We talked with city officials who cited safety and potential environmental hazards the boats are causing by remaining in the water. Those were not the answers the couple wanted to hear about their boat.

“It’s gonna be very, very frustrating to have to do everything over again on a new vessel, but I’m not giving up,” said Wylie.

The couple signed their boat over to the city so it can be removed. The couple, like many others, are still holding out hope for FEMA funding. But while they wait, they’ve also started a fundraiser to help since they lost everything thing they own. 

The city plans to move the remaining boats out of the waters soon, but as of now they don’t have a date.

GoFundMe.com, or any other third-party online fundraiser, is not managed by Spectrum Bay News 9 or Spectrum News 13. For more information on how GoFundMe works and its rules, visit  http://www.gofundme.com/safety .

Watch CBS News

Maps show Tropical Storm Ernesto's path and forecast as it moves away from Bermuda

By Emily Mae Czachor , Kerry Breen

Updated on: August 17, 2024 / 11:21 PM EDT / CBS News

Tropical Storm Ernesto  was moving away from Bermuda Saturday after making landfall on the island as a Category 1 hurricane. 

The British territory remained under a tropical storm warning Saturday evening after getting hit with heavy rains and powerful winds, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported in its latest advisory. 

As of 11 p.m. EDT, Ernesto was centered about 140 miles northeast of Bermuda and was inching north-northeast at 6 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, the NHC said, a significant weakening from the 100 mph it reached Friday when it was at Category 2 hurricane status. Forecasters said Ernesto could regain hurricane strength Sunday, but would likely weaken before passing near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday.

Swells fueled by Ernesto were forecast to cause "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions" on the East Coast of the U.S. and Atlantic Canada over the next couple of days, the hurricane center said. 

Ernesto had strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane Wednesday morning while moving north of Puerto Rico, as forecasters had predicted. The hurricane center upgraded Ernesto once its maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph.

Ernesto knocked out power to about 72% of customers in Bermuda Saturday, according to utility provider Belco. The island was expected to see rain totals of up to 9 inches. Although the storm was moving away from Bermuda, tropical storm conditions were expected to persist for the island into late Saturday night, the hurricane center said. 

Before making landfall in Bermuda, Ernesto brought heavy flooding to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands earlier in the week while gaining strength as it went through the Caribbean. Torrential downpours blanketed parts of Puerto Rico for much of Wednesday, dumping nearly 10 inches of rain, swelling rivers and flooding roads.

In the process, Ernesto knocked out power to about 750,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's electricity provider, LUMA Energy, said  about 101,000 customers still didn't have power as of Saturday night, a significant drop from when service outages peaked on Wednesday afternoon, the provider  said .

According to the utility tracker PowerOutage.us, just over 3,400 customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands had no electricity Saturday night, down from a peak of about 46,000 on Wednesday.

Ernesto became the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season when it formed Monday on a fast-moving path to the Caribbean. The storm came on the heels of Hurricane Debby , which lashed parts of the southeastern United States last week with disastrous flooding and severe weather that ultimately touched much of the East Coast. Ernesto isn't expected to strike the U.S. mainland, the hurricane center said.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story reported 975,000 customers had lost power in Puerto Rico, but that was the number of customers who still had power, according to Puerto Rico's electricity provider.

• Virgin Islands
• Tropical Storm
• Severe Weather
• Puerto Rico
• National Hurricane Center

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

More from CBS News

Crocodile kills woman bathing in a river in Indonesia

DNC centers abortion rights as women tell personal stories

5th body recovered from superyacht off Sicily, as questions mount

World's oldest person, U.S.-born Spanish woman, dies at 117, family says