Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu

Explore Oahu’s premier luxury catamaran cruise experience

The Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu offers an engaging way to view the island’s scenic coastlines and tropical waters. Priced at $89 per person, this 2-hour voyage departs from Kewalo Basin or your Waikiki hotel and is operated by Makani Catamaran. It’s an ideal choice for visitors seeking a relaxed yet memorable ocean adventure, with options for daytime or sunset departures. The sunset cruise features a buffet dinner and a complimentary drink, making it a popular choice for those looking to combine stunning views with a delicious meal.

This tour receives a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 675 reviews, praising the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and wildlife sightings. However, some reviews mention issues such as crowded conditions and limited commentary during the sail. This cruise appeals most to those wanting a leisurely experience on a fast, spacious catamaran, with the potential to see dolphins, sea turtles, and, seasonally, whales.

Key Points

• Price: $89 per person, with options for day or sunset sails
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Departure Points: Kewalo Basin or Waikiki hotels for pickup
• Wildlife: Look out for dolphins, sea turtles, and whales during the season
• Extras: Sunset cruises include a buffet dinner and a complimentary beverage
• Group Size: Limited to 50 travelers for a more intimate experience
• Booking: Usually booked 29 days in advance, with free cancellation available

Meeting point and logistics at Kewalo Basin and Waikiki hotels

The tour begins at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, with hotel pickup available for added convenience, or travelers can choose to meet directly at Kewalo Basin. The full bar on board offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which can be purchased during the cruise—note that you must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. The cruise ends back at the initial meeting point, making for a straightforward experience.

Most passengers find the public transportation options nearby, and service animals are permitted. For those who want a seamless experience, roundtrip transportation is available for an additional fee. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility issues should consider the boat’s layout and seating.

Setting out on a cruise aboard one of Honolulu’s fastest catamarans

The vessel used for this tour is among Honolulu’s swiftest catamarans, ensuring a smooth and exhilarating ride. Once aboard, guests are welcomed by a friendly crew and captain, who introduce the vessel and safety procedures. The speed of the catamaran allows for quick travel to scenic spots, maximizing time spent viewing wildlife and coastline.

The boat’s spacious design and modern amenities create a comfortable environment, even during peak times when the boat might be crowded. Despite some reviews citing limited seating, many appreciate the ample space for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Wildlife sightings: dolphins, sea turtles, and whales

One of the key highlights of this cruise is wildlife viewing. The waters around Oahu are known for dolphins and sea turtles, which are often seen during the sail. During the seasonal whale migration, humpback whales are also visible, adding an extra element of excitement for nature enthusiasts.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the crew actively seeks out these animals and provides commentary to enhance the experience. Many reviews highlight whale watching as a memorable part of their cruise, especially during the winter months.

Sunset cruises: spectacular skyline views and buffet dining

The sunset departure transforms the cruise into a romantic and scenic voyage. Guests experience the glow of Honolulu’s skyline, with sparkling lights reflecting on the water. The Island-Style Buffet served during sunset includes a variety of food options, and one complimentary beverage is included.

If desired, additional drinks are available for purchase from the full-service bar. The Friday sunset cruise uniquely features a fireworks display set off from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, providing an extra visual treat for guests.

Afternoon sails: relaxing coastal views and casual drinks

The afternoon cruise offers a more relaxed vibe with coastal scenery and fewer crowds. Guests can sip a complimentary drink as they glide past iconic sights like Ala Moana Beach Park and the city skyline. Snacks are available for purchase during this sail, which concludes with a gentle return to the starting point.

This option is perfect for travelers looking to escape the city for a couple of hours without the evening hustle, and many reviewers appreciate the laid-back atmosphere.

Stops at Ala Moana Beach Park and Waikiki’s sights

The tour includes visits near Ala Moana Beach Park, a popular public beach with a half-mile-long gold-sand shoreline protected by a shallow reef. This site is renowned for ocean swimming, attracting approximately 4 million visitors annually.

While the cruise does not stop at these locations, the views of Waikiki and its surroundings from the water provide plenty of photo opportunities. Some reviews mention seeing Waikiki outside looking in, emphasizing scenic vistas and the vibrant cityscape against the ocean backdrop.

Food and drinks onboard the vessel

While the cruise includes a buffet dinner during sunset cruises and a complimentary drink, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from the full bar. The food options have generally been described as good, with many guests enjoying the Island-Style Buffet.

It’s worth noting that all alcoholic drinks come at an extra cost, and you need to be 21 or older to consume alcohol. The bar offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, providing options for all guests.

Tour reviews: a mix of praise and constructive feedback

The tour’s average rating of 4.5 from 675 reviews reflects many positive experiences. Guests frequently praise friendly crew members, beautiful views, and wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.

However, some reviews mention crowded conditions and a lack of commentary or narration during the sail, which can detract from the experience. A few guests found the price not fully justified by the activity, citing limited sightseeing or crowding.

Cancellation policy and planning tips

Booking this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of bad weather or changing plans. The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to storm or poor conditions, guests are offered an alternative date or full refund.

Most travelers find it advisable to book well in advance—about 29 days ahead—to secure a preferred departure time. The tour’s small group size, capped at 50 travelers, makes for a more personalized experience.

Final thoughts on this Oahu catamaran cruise

The Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Oahu provides a relaxed, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience for visitors wanting to enjoy Hawaii’s waters from a speedy, modern vessel. The sunset cruises stand out for their breathtaking skyline views and buffet dinner, while the daytime options are perfect for coastal sightseeing.

While the activity offers good value and memorable scenery, potential passengers should be aware of crowding and the limited narration during the sail. It suits travelers looking for a casual yet comfortable cruise with the chance to see marine wildlife and enjoy Honolulu’s iconic vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be over 21 if they wish to consume alcoholic beverages.

Does the cruise include food and drinks?
The sunset cruise includes a buffet dinner and a complimentary beverage. Other drinks are available for purchase during all sails.

Can I see whales during this cruise?
Whale sightings are seasonal and depend on the time of year. The crew actively searches for whales during the season, making sightings a common highlight.

What should I bring onboard?
Guests are advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Comfortable clothing and a camera are also recommended to capture the views.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 29 days ahead. Early booking helps secure preferred times, especially for sunset cruises that are popular on Fridays with fireworks.

What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are fully cancellable free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

This luxury catamaran cruise offers a well-rounded experience for those seeking a leisurely ocean adventure with beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings. It balances relaxation and sightseeing with the convenience of easy booking and flexible options.