catamaran cruise waikiki beach

7 Best Waikiki Catamaran Cruises Worth Booking (2024)

A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here .

Are you looking for the best Waikiki catamaran cruises? If so, you’re in the right place!

Taking a catamaran cruise off the shore of Waikiki Beach was a highlight of my trip to Oahu.

Waikiki catamaran cruises offer some of the best sightseeing opportunities – not only will you be rewarded with great views of Waikiki Beach and the Oahu coast, but you’ll also get the opportunity to marvel at the incredible wildlife that call the Pacific Ocean their home.

There are lots of different Waikiki catamaran cruises to choose from, from daytime sightseeing cruises to nighttime sunset cruises, party catamaran cruises, and more.

You can also take a private catamaran cruise with your group, tailoring the cruise to exactly what you and your travel mates want.

With so many cruise options, it can be overwhelming trying to choose exactly which cruise is the best one for you. No worries, though – I’ve got you covered!

Below, I’ve put together a list of the very best Waikiki catamaran cruises, complete with all the helpful information you need before booking!

With that being said, here are 7 of the best catamaran cruises in Waikiki, Oahu (including my top picks)!

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Waikiki Catamaran Cruises

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Turtle Canyon Catamaran Snorkel Cruise from Waikiki ✔️ Guaranteed turtle spotting ✔️ Great for beginner snorkelers

Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast ✔️ Breathtaking sunset views ✔️ Drinks included

Marine Life or Trade Wind Sail with Manakai Catamarans ✔️ Budget friendly cruise ✔️ Max of 26 passengers

7 Best Waikiki Catamaran Cruises

1. turtle canyon catamaran snorkel cruise from waikiki.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 2-3 hours | ⛵️ Book it now!

Many Waikiki catamaran cruises are focused only on the sightseeing aspect. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but this cruise takes it a step further: you get to snorkel with green sea turtles!

When booking, you can choose from a 2-hour morning tour or a 3-hour midday tour. On the day of your cruise, you’ll either meet at the designated spot or be picked up at your hotel by a shuttle (depending on which option you choose).

Then, you’ll board a power catamaran and sail along the Oahu coast towards Turtle Canyon, the best place to spot the magnificent green sea turtles. This is truly an Oahu bucket list experience !

Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with the residents of Turtle Canyon. Not an experienced snorkeler? No worries – this tour is fit for beginners!

“We loved this adventure and the crew. I enjoyed snorkeling way more than I thought I would. A sea turtle popped up right beside me while I was snorkeling. I can’t say enough good things! Thank you for this great experience. Aloha!” – Valerie C. ( Read more reviews )

You’ll also get to enjoy a lunch (with the midday tour – snacks are provided on the morning tour), 2 alcoholic drinks (and unlimited non-alcoholic ones), and sightseeing opportunities.

You’ll also have the chance to see other marine life, like dolphins and whales, as you sail out to Turtle Canyon. Plus, the views of the Waikiki coastline can’t be beat!

The best part of this tour? Seeing the turtles is a guarantee – if none are spotted, you’ll get a complimentary second tour!

Between the guarantee of turtle spotting, snorkeling that’s fun for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, the sightseeing opportunities, and nearly 1500 5-star reviews, this is my pick for the best overall Waikiki catamaran cruise !

⛵️ Check prices and availability!

2. Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ⛵️ Book it now!

Hawaii is famous for its incredible sunsets , and one of the best ways to experience the sunset for yourself is by taking an evening catamaran cruise off the coast of Waikiki Beach!

Upon arrival at the central meeting point, you’ll board the catamaran for a barefoot sail.

The cruise starts at 5:00 PM, which is the perfect time for getting out on the water to watch the sky change colors as the sun begins to set.

As you make your way out to sea, you’ll get incredible views of the Honolulu skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and Diamond Head (which is also one of Oahu’s best hiking trails ).

Another highlight of this cruise is the opportunity to spot dolphins and, from December to May, humpback whales. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an incredible experience!

You’ll also be rewarded with unparalleled views of the sun setting below the horizon, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

And this cruise includes some drinks – enjoying a drink or two while admiring the scenery is a great way to celebrate during your Oahu vacation!

Book the trip! It was so much fun. The vibes and music were great. The drinks were great quality and reasonable in price after your complimentary drink. Captain Chris and the crew were so sweet and lovely. – Danielle C. ( Read more reviews )

There are a lot of great sunset cruises to choose from, but I think this is the best Waikiki sunset catamaran cruise . With more than 600 5-star reviews, it seems that many other Oahu travelers agree!

3. Marine Life Sail Or Trade Wind Sail with the Manakai Catamaran

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ⛵️ Book it now!

If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly Waikiki catamaran cruise , look no further than Manakai Catamaran !

There are two different catamaran cruises to choose from.

The first is a morning Marine Life sail, which departs Waikiki at 11:15 AM. This tour is more relaxing than the afternoon tour, and focuses on spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and whales as you sail off the Oahu coast.

The second is an afternoon Trade Wind Sail, which departs Waikiki at 1:00 PM. Winds pick up in the afternoon, so you’ll enjoy the thrill of moving through the waters at a faster speed.

Both tours offer incredible sightseeing opportunities. You can choose to sit on the deck for a more relaxing experience, or ride on the net and get splashed!

The cruise price includes the cruise only, making it a cheaper option than some of the cruises that include drinks and food. But, there’s a bar on board if you want to purchase drinks, and you can even bring your own food and drink!

There’s also a maximum of 26 passengers, making this a more intimate cruise than some of the larger ones with 40+ passengers.

Great experience! Amazing staff! We saw a sea turtle! The water was so blue and great weather. Easy access to catamaran from our hotel at Waikiki. Would definitely recommend! Affordable price. – Amy B. ( Read more reviews )

If you’re looking for a fun Oahu experience at a low cost, this is the Waikiki catamaran cruise for you. Make sure to book your cruise in advance – it’s very popular and typically sells out!

4. Private Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 2-4 hours | ⛵️ Book it now!

Looking for a more intimate Oahu catamaran cruise experience? Consider booking this private catamaran cruise and snorkeling tour !

On this cruise, you will work with the Captains to design the best catamaran cruise for you and your group (up to 6 participants). You can choose from a 2-hour cruise or a 4-hour cruise.

After boarding the catamaran for your private cruise, you’ll sail along the Waikiki coastline towards Diamond Head, stopping for sightseeing opportunities and wildlife spotting .

You’ll even have the opportunity to jump off the boat for swimming and snorkeling!

Since this is a private cruise, you’ll only be on board with your group and the Captains.

Our private catamaran tour and snorkeling was amazing – we should have booked the 4 hour tour! Francisco and Nick made the entire trip feel personalized just for us. I couldn’t imagine going on one of the big snorkel boats after this experience. They made sure we were comfortable and got to see all the things snorkeling. – Kirsten L. ( Read more reviews )

While the price is higher than booking individual public cruises, it’s very reasonable when splitting amongst a group of 6.

Booking a private catamaran cruise is the perfect way to celebrate if you’re visiting Oahu for a special occasion, like a 21st birthday , a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a special family vacation!

5. Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks Catamaran Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ⛵️ Book it now!

Looking for a party-focused Waikiki catamaran cruise? Look no further than this Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks cruise !

Every Friday night, a spectacular fireworks show lights up the Oahu sky from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. And there’s no better way to enjoy the fireworks than from a catamaran cruise!

Aboard the catamaran, you’ll enjoy music and drinks with your fellow travelers before enjoying the fireworks from the water.

One downside to this cruise is that drinks aren’t included in the ticket price. There is a cash bar on board though that serves reasonably priced drinks.

This was the best sail I’ve been. They played music that actually fit the vibe. There was a bathroom available on the catamaran. The drinks were NOT overpriced and the crew was extremely kind. I would definitely go with this same sail again. – Jessica T. ( Read more reviews )

Grab your friends, family, or your significant other, and start your Oahu weekend with a bang aboard this catamaran cruise!

Since the fireworks are only held once a week, there’s a very limited number of spots available. Make sure to book your cruise in advance so you don’t miss out!

6. Oahu Whale Watching Excursion

From December to May, the waters off the coast of Oahu are home to one of the most incredible things you can see in Oahu: the migration of humpback whales.

And what better way to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat than from a whale-watching cruise ?

On this cruise, you’ll board a catamaran (or monohull) from Waikiki for a 2-hour whale spotting cruise.

Whale sightings are guaranteed – if none are spotted, you’ll even get to tour again for free.

As you sail through the waters, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to see humpback whales as they swim, breach, feed, and play around the boat.

Snacks and drinks are even included in the cruise ticket. And the expert guide on board will teach you more about the whales and their migration pattern.

We were so excited and hoped to see at least one whale. We saw so much more! We saw a baby and mama whale, some breaching and tail flipping, a school of dolphins, a double rainbow most of the day, parasailers, surfers, and heard so much interesting information about whales! – Angela O. ( Read more reviews )

7. Waikiki 5 in 1 Deluxe Turtle Snorkeling + Activity Catamaran

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ⛵️ Book it now!

Looking for an adrenaline-packed Waikiki catamaran cruise? If so, this snorkeling + activity cruise is for you!

Not only does this cruise include sightseeing off the coast of Waikiki, but it also provides snorkeling and water sports, including a water trampoline, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, a waterslide, and a 30-foot platform for diving into the water from the boat!

All equipment is included in the price of the cruise, including life vests. Plus, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and you can also bring your own food and drinks if you wish.

You can choose to meet at the pickup spot at Kewalo Basin Harbor or request a pickup from your Waikiki area hotel.

In addition to the fun activities, you can also watch for marine life and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Hawaiian coastline.

We all had a great time. We enjoyed the slide and jump and dive platform the most. We saw fish, turtles, and dolphins on the trip. – Julie B. ( Read more reviews )

Waikiki Catamaran Cruises: Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, taking a catamaran cruise off the coast of Waikiki is a must for your itinerary.

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and seeing it from the water on a catamaran is a great way to experience the scenery.

Plus, the waters off of Waikiki are filled with wildlife spotting opportunities, from sea turtles to humpback whales and more!

Whether you’re looking for a snorkeling cruise, a sunset cruise, or a traditional sightseeing catamaran cruise, you’re going to have an incredible time taking in the scenery.

Read more about things to do in Oahu:

• The Ultimate Oahu Bucket List: Best Things to Do in Oahu
• The Best Hikes in Oahu
• 19 Free Things to Do in Oahu – Local’s Guide

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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.

Waikiki Sailing Company

Sailing the coast of waikiki, oahu since 1947, waikiki sailing company, sailing the coast of waikiki, oahu, view our best-selling catamaran charters aboard the hawea.

• Sells Out Fast!

Waikiki Turtle Snorkel And Sail Combo

Dive into an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure aboard our new, hand-built 50′ catamaran, crafted by the owner with a family legacy passed down through generations. This 2.5-hour tour takes you to the vibrant waters of Turtle Canyon, where you’ll snorkel alongside Hawaii’s famous green sea turtles and friendly reef fish. Enjoy a relaxing sail along Waikiki’s stunning coastline with a complimentary mai tai in hand, or choose from a selection of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. For those looking to elevate their experience, local beers, local seltzers, wine, and signature tropical cocktails featuring island fruit flavors are available for purchase.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours
• Clock 11:45 a.m. , 8:30 a.m.
• User All ages
• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours
• Clock 5 p.m.

Sunset Sail

We have the most beautiful sunsets in the world and you’ll have a clear view from the water on Hawea. Our sunset sail is by far a must for anyone visiting Hawaii. We will sail out from the magical shores of Waikiki. Enjoy the breath taking view of the sun reflecting off our Hawaiian waters creating sunsets like no other. Don’t forget your cameras!

• New Addition!
• Clock 3 p.m.

Aloha Hour Sail

Step aboard our new 50′ catamaran, Hawea, for a 90-minute afternoon sail along the stunning Waikiki coastline toward the iconic Leahi (Diamond Head). Experience the beauty of Oahu from the water with the gentle afternoon breezes and sunshine lighting up the turquoise waters.

• Hour Glass 1 hour
• Clock 7 p.m.

Friday Fireworks Cruise

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

Hawea - Hawaiian for “To bring together”

Come aboard the Hawea for an unforgettable sail that shows you the island of Oahu from a unique perspective. Standing 50 feet long and 28 feet wide, the Hawea Catamaran accommodates up to 49 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. 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!