Makani Catamaran Waikiki Sails

Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd Slip F31, Honolulu, HI
Not Rated
Duration

1-2 hours

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

Makani is a 64-foot carbon-fiber catamaran that sails out of Kewalo Basin, ten minutes from Waikiki.

She was built in the US Virgin Islands in 2005 and sailed 8,000 miles to Hawaii through the Panama Canal to get here. Today she runs short scenic cruises along the Waikiki coastline; daytime, sunset, and Friday nights when the fireworks go off over the beach.

No sailing experience is needed. The crew handles the boat; you pick a seat, in the shade or out in the sun, and watch Diamond Head go by.

Choose Your Sail

Guests on deck of the Makani catamaranFun in the Sun SailFrom $105 / 2 hours / all ages

The daytime cruise. Makani runs along Oahu’s south shore with the Waikiki skyline on one side and open Pacific on the other, and the Koolau mountains behind it all. Dolphins, sea turtles and reef fish turn up often enough to be worth watching for. It is an easy way to get off the beach for a couple of hours without committing to a whole day.

Details

  • 2-hour daytime sail along the Waikiki coastline
  • Views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the Koolau mountains
  • Covered cabin seating and open-air decks
  • Two freshwater restrooms on board
  • Beverage service available on board
  • Music and a relaxed, social atmosphere
  • Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed
  • No sailing experience required; all ages welcome
Makani catamaran at sunset off WaikikiHonolulu Sunset SailFrom $105 / 2 hours / all ages

The same coastline in completely different light. You sail out as the sun drops toward the Pacific and the sky turns over Diamond Head, then come back with Honolulu lit up along the shore. It is the one people book for anniversaries, proposals and last nights of a trip; but it works just as well as an ordinary evening out.

Details

  • 2-hour evening sail timed around sunset
  • Sunset over the Pacific with Diamond Head and Waikiki in view
  • Honolulu coastline lit up on the return
  • Covered and open-air seating
  • Beverage service available on board
  • Popular for anniversaries, proposals and celebrations
  • Bring a light layer; the breeze cools after sunset
  • No sailing experience required
Waikiki fireworks seen from the waterWaikiki Friday Night Fireworks SailFrom $79 / 1 hour / Friday evenings

Waikiki sets off fireworks over the beach most Friday nights, and the shoreline gets crowded for it. From the water you get an open, unobstructed view with the lit-up coastline behind the show. It is the shortest of the three sails at an hour, and the cheapest.

Details

  • 1-hour Friday evening sail timed to the weekly fireworks
  • Open offshore view of the fireworks over Waikiki
  • Waikiki shoreline and Diamond Head after dark
  • Covered and open-air seating
  • Beverage service available on board
  • Runs on select Fridays, subject to the fireworks schedule
  • Timing and viewing position depend on conditions and the captain
  • No sailing experience required
Guests on a private charter at golden hourPrivate CharterFrom $1,100 per hour (day) / $1,300 per hour (evening) / 2-hour minimum / up to 80 guests

The whole boat, with a captain and two crew, for whatever you have in mind; a wedding party, a company outing, a birthday, or a family day on the water. The itinerary is yours. Snorkeling can be added, and there are bar packages if you want drinks handled up front.

Details

  • Vessel with captain and two crew members, 2-hour minimum
  • Day rate (8:00 AM–4:00 PM) $1,100 per hour; evening (after 4:00 PM) $1,300 per hour
  • Up to 80 passengers
  • Indoor cabin seating, audio/visual equipment, two restrooms
  • Chafing dishes available for catered food
  • Snorkeling add-on: $500 water activity surcharge, gear included, maximum 60 guests
  • Certified lifeguard $145 for up to three hours (1 per 15 swimmers required)
  • Open non-alcoholic bar $15 per person for two hours
  • Open alcoholic bar $30 per person for two hours; cash bar also available
  • Taxes and harbor fees additional

The boat

Makani is 64 feet long and 32 feet wide, built from carbon fiber and foam core with a 70-foot rotating wing mast. She carries 79 passengers, does 13 knots under power and up to 30 under sail.

On board: a semi-enclosed main cabin, open fore and aft decks, two forward sunbathing nets, two freshwater restrooms, dual bar stations and a surround sound system.

Departure

All sails leave from Kewalo Basin, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F31; about two miles from Waikiki. Transportation from Waikiki is available for a fee. Arrive early enough to check in; the boat leaves on schedule and late arrivals may not be able to board.

A $1.00 per person State of Hawaii Ocean Stewardship User Fee is added to every reservation.

Book a Makani sail

Catamaran sails from Kewalo Basin with Makani. See live availability and reserve online.

Book Now

Questions? Call 808-922-1122 or email us



Highlights

  • Sail Waikiki on a 64-foot carbon-fiber catamaran built for speed and comfort
  • Four options: daytime, sunset, Friday fireworks and private charter
  • Views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the Koolau mountains from the water
  • Open offshore view of the weekly Waikiki fireworks on Friday nights
  • Sunset over the Pacific with Honolulu lit up on the way back
  • Covered cabin, open decks and two forward sunbathing nets
  • Two freshwater restrooms and dual bar stations on board
  • Dolphins, sea turtles and reef fish are often seen on daytime sails
  • Departs Kewalo Basin, about two miles from Waikiki
  • No sailing experience required — the crew handles everything

Check In at Kewalo Basin

Arrive at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F31, about two miles from Waikiki. Transportation from Waikiki is available for a fee. Check in early — the boat leaves on schedule and late arrivals may not be able to board.

Board and Get Settled

The crew welcomes you aboard and runs through safety. Pick your spot: the semi-enclosed cabin, the open aft deck, the helm seating, or one of the two sunbathing nets up front.

Out Past the Harbor

Makani clears Kewalo Basin and turns along the south shore. Waikiki, Diamond Head and the Koolau mountains open up behind you as the coastline slides past.

The Main Event

What you came for, depending on the sail: sunshine and wildlife on the daytime cruise, the sun dropping into the Pacific on the sunset sail, or the fireworks going off over Waikiki on a Friday night.

Drinks and Music on Deck

Beverage service runs from the dual bar stations, music plays through the cabin sound system, and there is room to move around and take photos.

Back to the Harbor

Return to Kewalo Basin at the end of the sail — one hour for the fireworks cruise, two for the daytime and sunset sails.

  • Sailing cruise aboard Makani Catamaran
  • Professional captain and crew
  • Covered cabin seating and open-air decks
  • Two freshwater restrooms on board
  • Onboard sound system and music
  • Access to forward sunbathing nets and open decks
  • Food and drinks (beverage service available on board)
  • Transportation from Waikiki (available for a fee)
  • State of Hawaii Ocean Stewardship User Fee ($1.00 per person)
  • Taxes and harbor fees on private charters
  • Snorkeling surcharge and lifeguard fees on private charters
  • Bar packages on private charters
  • Gratuities

2 - 3 hours

English

Tour's Location

Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd Slip F31, Honolulu, HI

Which sail should I choose?

Take the Fun in the Sun Sail if you want a daytime break with sunshine and a chance at dolphins or turtles. Take the Sunset Sail for the evening light and a celebration. Take the Friday Night Fireworks Sail if you are here on a Friday and want the show from the water. Book a private charter if you want the whole boat.

Where does the boat leave from?

Kewalo Basin, 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F31 — roughly two miles from Waikiki. Your booking confirmation gives the exact meeting point, check-in time and parking details.

Is transportation from Waikiki included?

No, but it is available for a fee. If you are driving yourself, allow time for parking and check-in before departure.

How long is each sail?

The Fun in the Sun and Sunset sails run about two hours. The Friday Night Fireworks Sail runs about one hour. Private charters have a two-hour minimum.

Do I need sailing experience?

No. The captain and crew handle the boat. You stay aboard and enjoy the ride.

Is the boat comfortable in the sun?

Yes. There is a semi-enclosed main cabin with covered seating as well as open decks, so you can sit in shade or sun. Two forward sunbathing nets are available for those who want them.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, two freshwater restrooms.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included in the sail price, but beverage service is available on board from two bar stations. Private charters can add an open bar package.

Will we see dolphins or turtles?

Often, on the daytime sail — spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and reef fish are all seen along this stretch of coast. They are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed.

Can I swim or snorkel?

Not on the scheduled sails. Snorkeling and swimming can be added to a private charter for a $500 surcharge, with gear included and a certified lifeguard required.

What should I bring and wear?

Comfortable clothing, non-slip footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a camera. Bring a light layer for evening sails — the breeze cools off after sunset. Bring photo ID and your booking confirmation.

How big is the boat and how many people does it hold?

Makani is 64 feet long and 32 feet wide, and carries up to 79 passengers with crew. She was built in 2005 in the US Virgin Islands and sailed 8,000 miles to Hawaii.

What does a private charter cost?

$1,100 per hour during the day (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) and $1,300 per hour in the evening, with a two-hour minimum, for the vessel plus a captain and two crew. Taxes and harbor fees are additional, as are bar packages and any snorkeling add-on.

Is there an extra fee on top of the ticket price?

Yes, a $1.00 per person State of Hawaii Ocean Stewardship User Fee is added to every reservation. It supports the management of Hawaii’s marine resources.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Sails may be modified or cancelled for weather or ocean conditions. You will be contacted if a change is needed. Fireworks sails also depend on the weekly fireworks schedule, which can change.

from $63,20

Why book with us?

Owner

Hawaii Tour

Member Since 2026

76 Reviews

You might also like

Book Now