Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Cruise — Signature 90-Minute Cocktail Sail from Waikiki
A 90-minute catamaran cruise from Kewalo Basin that sails past Diamond Head at dusk. Enjoy local beer, cocktails and pupu while scanning for turtles, spinner dolphins and winter humpback whales.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early
Plan to be at Kewalo Basin Harbor 20–30 minutes before departure to secure parking and complete check-in.
Dress in layers
Evening sea breezes can be cool — a light windbreaker or sweater keeps you comfortable on deck.
Footwear for boarding
This is a barefoot cruise once aboard; wear slip-on shoes you can remove quickly and store at the pier.
Wildlife etiquette
Keep noise low and hands off marine life; do not attempt to touch or feed turtles or dolphins.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the short pier toward the west for unobstructed skyline photos of Waikiki after disembarking
- •Ask crew about lesser-known nearshore reef ledges where honu often rest at dusk
Wildlife
- •Hawaiian green sea turtle (honu)
- •Spinner dolphins — occasionally visible nearshore
Conservation Note
Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or feeding marine animals; operators in the area follow NOAA guidelines to minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) is a volcanic tuff cone created by explosive eruptions; its profile has guided seafarers and shaped Waikiki’s coastline for centuries.
What to Bring
Light windbreaker or sweaterEssential
Protects against cool evening breezes on open water.
Sunscreen (reef-safe)Essential
Evening sun and reflective water increase UV exposure; choose reef-safe formula to protect coral.
Non-slip slip-on shoesEssential
Easy to remove for the barefoot policy and safer when boarding.
Camera or binoculars
Captures shoreline silhouettes, marine life and distant humpbacks in season.
Common Questions
Where do I board the catamaran?
Boarding is at Honu Lani, Slip F28 in Kewalo Basin Harbor; look for the yellow "Hawaii Nautical" sign and arrive 20 minutes early to check in.
Is alcohol included?
Complimentary local beer, signature cocktails and wine are provided as part of the cruise for guests of legal drinking age (21+).
Can I see whales or turtles?
You may spot green sea turtles and spinner dolphins year-round; humpback whales are commonly seen during winter months (roughly December–April). Sightings are never guaranteed.
What if weather cancels the sail?
Tours run subject to favorable weather; if canceled due to conditions you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund per the operator’s policy.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
90 minutes
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels — minimal mobility needed but stable footing helps for boarding
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