makani catamaran cruise

Makani Catamaran

Review Highlights

“ The crew was great and Josiah was awesome, he offered to take plenty of pictures and was very hands on! ” in 218 reviews

“ The afternoon sail was lovely and you actually cover more distance than the sunset one from what I remember. ” in 23 reviews

“ Did a nice early morning sail through our Go Oahu card and I thought it was a pleasant activity. ” in 28 reviews

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Location & Hours

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1009 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96814

Kaka'ako

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About the Business

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Day Sailing Sunset Sail Friday Fireworks Sail Private Charters Weddings Birthdays Anniversaries Burial at Sea Company Meetings Incentive Programs School Groups Inter-Island Charters Bachelor/Bachelorette …

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How is the parking here?

There is a pay lot right next to the dock, also a parking garage across street. Plenty of parking

Can we bring outside food? Like snacks?

Hi yes you can bring your own food. No outside drinks though. See you on the boat!

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Overall rating

488 reviews

We used the GoCity all-inclusive pass for this activity and make sure you call them directly to make a reservation. We did the Makani Sunset Cruise and we had a blast! They were so nice to let us bring our balloons to celebrate my best friend's birthday (just make sure we don't let it get in the water) we popped them right away after we took pictures. After we took pics, we took advantage of the open bar and the drinks were strong (not that I'm complaining) LOVE LOVE it! T'was nice that they had an option to buy a $10 glass with a lid on it for clumsy guests like ME lol. Unfortunately, we did not see whales or dolphins while we were sailing but we were gifted a very beautiful sunset coming back to shore. I would definitely come back here. The crew were so awesome and I need to try other timeslots next time. My best friend and I had the time of our lives! Cheers to 29!!

Pretty nice experience! It was a bit choppy so not for those who get sick beautiful views and good time with friends. We had some drinks and enjoyed the views! The staff was super friendly

What an experience! The boat was clean & comfortable. The staff were helpful and friendly. The drinks were absolutely delicious. We will definitely recommend to anyone !! What a once in a lifetime sunset!

Good time! We saw a bunch of dolphins. The view was amazing. I will come back here for sure!

Great Catamaran trip! Beautiful scenery, friendly crew, drinks included! Only criticism ... a few minutes shorter than advertised. Supposed to be 2 hours, took off a few minutes late and arrived back about 10 minutes early. I wanted more.

The perfect way to enjoy a beautiful sunset. A wonderful crew did a great job. Surprise open bar was super fun.

we did the sunset cruise. very friendly staff. Open bar, staff even walked around asking if they could refill your drink. The cruise was amazing! highly recommend!!

We highly recommend this experience. It is so relaxing and enjoyable. An afternoon on the water really makes you feel like you are on vacation. The two hours is a great amount of time. Just remember to wear your sunblock.

Diamond Head from the catamaran.

We had GoCity all-inclusive passes and chose to do the Makani Sunset Cruise as our premium activity, and it was a great choice! Unfortunately, with unpredictable tropical HI weather in December, we didn't witness a sunset given that it was completely cloudy and rained earlier in the day. But the overall experience was great and the staff was wonderful. They also had an open bar (free for those with the GoCity passes) with no limit on how many drinks you could order. Bartender made good drinks with proper shots. Our cruise was out on the water for only 1.5 hours and not the full 2 hours though, given how cold and windy it was. We did see a whale while we were out on the water though, which was nice.

Great experience! Crew was friendly, nice, and helpful. Catamaran was clean, sail was smooth, wonderful weather. Can't ask for more! Just wish it was longer.

39 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Feeling the Wind on a Sunset Dinner Sail Aboard the Makani Catamaran

Makani Catamaran is the best sunset catamaran cruise if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation. Nothing is more refreshing than a peaceful sail at sunset.

You want to go on a Waikiki sunset cruise, but there are so many to choose from. If you have narrowed it down to wanting a dinner cruise on a catamaran-style boat (rather than a yacht) then it is easier to choose the best option for you.

Picking a Catamaran Cruise in Waikiki

Compared to yacht style dinner cruises, catamarans bring a more adventurous and casual feeling to your evening.

Personally, I much prefer being on a catamaran sailboat rather than a large yacht. Something about being on an open deck with a gentle breeze gives you a great sense of freedom and peace as you sail across Waikiki towards Diamond Head.

To me, sailing on a catamaran is equivalent to having a spa day or taking a dip in the ocean. If you just want to clear your mind and feel rejuvenated, then give Makani Catamaran a shot.

Makani Catamaran is a great cruise if you are looking for a delicious dinner, bigger sized boat, casual theme, and harbor-departure.

The overall vibe of the Makani Catamaran sunset dinner sail is chill, relaxed, and romantic. Compared to some other catamarans that have more of a party scene, this one is more suited for those who just want to have quality time with loved ones and take in the amazing views.

The Makani Catamaran Experience

My boyfriend and I went on this cruise together and we had the most amazing time. There is enough space on the boat to have your own private space but you can also chat with other passengers if you feel like socializing.

Getting There

We drove out to the check-in location at Kewalo Basin Harbor, which is a short drive from Waikiki. We were able to park right in front of Makani Catamaran and they have a little booth where you check in. The metered parking is very affordable at $1 an hour.

This is one of the very few Waikiki sunset sails that includes transportation from Waikiki! You don’t have to worry about navigating through Waikiki or catching an Uber/Taxi; you can be picked up close to your hotel! Also, everyone in your party (over 21) can enjoy drinks on the cruise without having to worry about driving after.

Since you depart from the harbor, the boarding is much easier compared to other catamaran cruises that depart straight from the beach. There’s also a ramp for easy (and dry) access onto the boat.

Makani is a very nice, clean, and elegant 65 ft sailing catamaran. There is an abundance of space to spread out across the boat: bean bags to sit on, nets to lounge on, railing if you prefer to stand, and plenty of indoor cabin seating with tables. This makes for a very spacious and comfortable sail so you can have a romantic time.

Most of the time we were hanging out on the front of the boat either standing on the side or lounging on the comfortable nets. It was so enjoyable and peaceful to soak in the beautiful views.

We avoided the inside cabin area because (pro-tip) if you are prone to seasickness like me, being inside the cabin will just make things worse! Try to stay outside where you get fresh air and can look out to the horizon.

The only time we spent time inside the cabin was when we were eating so we didn’t have to worry about the wind and holding onto our plates. It was so great that they have the option of this indoor space with easy seating in case you have older folks or children in your party.

They served dinner about 20 minutes after departure, after getting the sail up and the boat on its way towards Diamond Head. The dinner was great. They set up a little buffet with dish heaters to make sure the hot-food was staying warm.

The main dishes include island style chicken, beef & vegetable medley, and curried tofu vegetable wraps. They did a great job of making sure to represent different dietary options in the buffet as well, including vegan and gluten free dishes.

It was the perfect island style meal to enjoy out on the water. I suffer from a never-ending sweet-tooth, so the macadamia nut chocolate chip cookie was my favorite part.

Makani Catamaran hosts a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer. Every passenger gets one free drink ticket, but after that you can purchase drinks at a reasonable price.

I love a good beer, so when I found out they served Maui Brewing Co Big Swell IPAs, I was very excited. If you haven’t tried any of the locally-brewed beers of Hawaii like Kona Brewing Co or Maui Brewing Co, I highly recommend them!

Located right in the middle of Waikiki is Maui Brewing Co restaurant which is a great place to taste some local beer with great food and a fun atmosphere.

The crew was very welcoming, helpful, and friendly. They were all eager to help us take photos and they chatted with us a bit too. There were plenty of amazing photo opportunities during this sail.

In the service industry, it is very obvious to notice workers who actually enjoy their jobs because then they are usually really good at it. You could tell that the crew of the Makani Catamaran truly loved what they were doing, which makes the whole experience better.

The Sunset Cruise

We went all the way from Kewalo Basin Harbor to Diamond Head, and the sail was so smooth despite some swell. The views are breathtaking as you see the city and crater from a new perspective.

We witnessed the sky change colors as the sun dipped below the horizon. As the sky began to turn dark and the breeze chillier, we made our way back to the harbor.

On Fridays, Makani stays out later so you can view the Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks Show as well! Weather permitting, this firework show happens every Friday right in Waikiki. The best spot to view is from the water! After enjoying your dinner and the sunset, you end the night watching the fireworks show from the ocean. Whether you’re a local or tourist, this is a unique way to spend your Friday evening.

What to Bring

This is a casual sunset dinner cruise so wear whatever you’d like! That being said, I did regret wearing a sundress since I had to hold it down the whole time because of the wind. So I’d recommend ladies wearing either a long dress, shorts, or pants for a more comfortable time.

It may get a bit chilly out on the water with the cool breeze as the sun goes down, so you might want to bring a sweater as well! And don’t forget sunglasses or else you’ll be squinting the whole time!

Another thing you are welcome to bring is your camera! In contrast to beach departures on smaller catamarans, there is basically no chance of your camera getting wet from ocean spray because the boat is large and departs from a calm harbor!

So bring your camera if you would like to take amazing photos. In the chance that it starts raining, you always have the option to keep your camera dry in the covered cabin.

Like I mentioned earlier, I am usually prone to seasickness. So I decided to take Bonine prior to this cruise. I was completely fine for the whole duration of the cruise and had no sense of seasickness!

If you are prone to seasickness or are not sure if you are, I would recommend taking preventative measures because trust me, it is not fun to be seasick on a boat.

You can take over the counter preventatives, seasickness prevention bracelets, or other natural remedies like ginger. You’d rather be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to this!

Waikiki has a wide selection of different sunset sails to choose from varying in many different aspects.

A few highlights of Makani catamaran are that it includes a buffet dinner, the catamaran is larger than most others, you depart from a harbor (rather than a beach departure where you wade through water), and the duration is 2 hours which is longer than many others.

The price is on the higher end compared to other sunset sails but you really get what you pay for if you are looking for a larger/nicer boat and a great dinner.

I think a sunset sail is a must-do for visitors staying in Waikiki! Book the Makani Catamaran for the best way to get the most out of a casual sunset sail. It has tasty food, a great crew, and a beautiful boat.

Born and raised in San Diego, Hawaii has always been Bailey's second home. She moved to Oahu four years ago and in addition to being a Hawaii travel expert, she enjoys spending time outdoors and cooking.

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Waikiki Sunset Cruise Catamaran Sail

Quick details.

Duration:  2 hours Start Time: 5 p.m.

Honolulu City Lights Sunset Sail

Adults (13-62), seniors (63+), children (3-12), join us for a sunset cruise in waikiki.

A beautiful night in Waikiki is calling. Come aboard our catamaran for an incredible evening like no other. Your day ends in the open air, as you enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian sunset on our catamaran! Enjoy our tropical cocktails as you gaze over miles of glistening waters and an amber glimmer of the setting sun reflecting off the city skyline. Looking out at Diamond Head from the waters you’re reminded why you came to Hawaii in the first place… to discover the beauty of paradise!

We know you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your time in Hawaii, and we’ve got just the ticket: our two-hour Waikiki sunset cruise on the waters of the famous Waikiki Beach. Our staff will serve you with a smile and aloha, so that you can relax and enjoy all the beautiful sights of this island paradise.

This is sure to be the highlight of your vacation!

• You’ll be awestruck by the stunning views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head at sunset from our catamaran sail.
• Sail with a friendly and experienced crew on a two-hour excursion along the coast

All Prices Includes Taxes and Harbor Fee

Waikiki Sunset Cruise Catamaran Sail FAQ

• Chevron down Highlights and Inclusions
• Fully USCG certified and state of the art catamaran
• Friendly and experienced crew
• Bose surround sound stereo system
• Covered and open-air seating
• Dual restrooms
• Full bar selection
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable cups, plates, and cutlery
• Frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins
• Humpback whale sightings (seasonal)
• Spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head
• A beautiful hawaooan sunset
• 2-hour sailing cruise
• Chevron down What should I bring?
• Comfort footwear
• Life jacket if you tend to get cold

Private Charters

Private catamaran experiences.

Embark on your next unforgettable journey aboard the magnificent Makani! Whether you’re commemorating a wedding, birthday, anniversary, corporate event, Ashes committal service, or simply savoring an intimate evening with friends, Makani guarantees a world-class sailing experience.

Our exclusive sails are meticulously tailored to impress your esteemed clientele or cherished companions. You dictate the course! Immerse yourself in a thrilling snorkeling adventure, be invigorated by the spirited sail powered by Hawaiian trade winds, or indulge in a serene sunset sail. Makani Catamaran is the idyllic venue for those seeking an intimate gathering.

Join us and discover the epitome of luxury and elegance on the high seas!

Rates start at $1050.00 per hour*; 2-hr minimum *Vessel & 3-person crew – Captain, 2 Crew

2024 Retail Hourly Rates (2 hours min.)

DAY (8:00AM—4:00PM) $1,050.00/hour EVENING (4:00PM & Thereafter) $1,250.00/hour

Plus taxes and Harbor fees

$1.00 per person State of Hawaii Ocean Stewardship User Fee will be added

Private Charter Amenities

• Indoor cabin seating
• Audio/visual equipment
• Two restrooms on board
• Chaffing dishes available

Snorkel Charter Swimming

• Complimentary snorkeling equipment (includes masks, fins, snorkel, and life jackets – required for everyone who goes into the water)
• Water activity surcharge $500.00 per a charter

Certified lifeguard services for all water activities ADD – $140 per LG for up to 3 hours charter. Rate increases for a longer charter ; ratio 1:15 required

Full Bar Available – Open non-alcoholic bar $15 per person – Open bar – Alcoholic drinks $30/person – Cash bar…$2/non-alcoholic or $4-$8/alcoholic

Transportation Available Round trip transportation from Waikiki to Makani can be arranged for $12 per person.

Please fill our contact form for your charter request 

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