Hawaii Nautical · Waianae Boat Harbor
A two-hour catamaran sail from Waianae Harbor on Oahu's quiet west coast, with pupus, drinks and the sun setting straight over the open Pacific. Pick it if you're staying at Ko Olina or the west side, or want a sunset away from the Waikiki boats.
This is Hawaii Nautical's sunset cruise from its home harbor at Waianae, on the leeward coast. The operator's page places check-in at Waianae Harbor, Dock C, 85-491 Farrington Hwy, 20 minutes before departure, with free parking at the harbor; boarding closes 10 minutes before. It also offers a free shuttle from Ko Olina resorts with an advance reservation (808-234-7245).
On board you get pupus and complimentary drinks while the crew looks for the best spot to watch the sunset. The listing promises talk about Hawaii's seafaring history: fishing, the invention of surfing and Hawaiian wayfinding. Guests write about the wildlife more than anything: spinner dolphins, and humpbacks in winter. Hawaii Nautical says dolphins are frequently seen and whales are often spotted from December to March, without a guarantee.
The catch is the drive. From Waikiki it is a long way out; one guest called it "about an hour drive from Honolulu", and another said it was worth it. The food is appetizers, not dinner, and one reviewer found it unexciting. You go for the coast, the crew and the quiet. Rated 4.7 from 189 reviews, from $89.
Look for the Hawaii Nautical sign outside the slip at Waianae Harbor. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure.
Guests take their shoes off to board.
The catamaran heads out along the Waianae coast.
Appetizers and drinks as the sun goes down over the Pacific.
Free parking right by the dock.
★★★★★This was an amazing Sunset Cruise. Our captain, Dave met us at the dock warmly. His crew of Ian and Quinn were wonderful and very informative. [...] we were privileged to watch whales putting on quite a show for us.
★★★★★Great way to end our Hawaiian vacation. The captain and crew were awesome! [...] The food was quite tasty, and they had a good selection of cocktails and local beers! Boarding was fast and easy. Plenty of free parking right there at the dock.
★★★★★The cruise was fun thanks to a great crew, seeing spinner dolphins, a beautiful evening, and great friends!
★★★★★The boat was the perfect size to move around and see everything the water, mountains and sunset has to offer but not feel crowded. [...] Have a drink, relax on the catamarans netting up front, take in the sunset and just be in the moment.
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Waianae Harbor, Dock C, 85-491 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, per Hawaii Nautical. Parking at the harbor is free.
It is on the far west coast; one guest put the drive at about an hour from Honolulu. From Ko Olina it is much closer, and Hawaii Nautical runs a free shuttle from the Ko Olina hotels if you reserve ahead.
Often, never for certain. Hawaii Nautical says dolphins are frequently seen and humpbacks are often spotted from December to March. Many reviews mention spinner dolphins.
Pupus (appetizers) and drinks are included. It is not a dinner, so plan a meal before or after.
Ready to book
Sunset off Oahu's quiet west coast, with pupus and drinks.
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