Escape the Waikiki crowds on a private two-hour catamaran sail from Ala Wai Harbor. Combine smooth sailing, guided snorkeling (best before 1pm), and seasonal whale and dolphin viewing on a luxury vessel for up to 12 people.
Escape the Waikiki crowds on a private two-hour catamaran sail from Ala Wai Harbor. Combine smooth sailing, guided snorkeling (best before 1pm), and seasonal whale and dolphin viewing on a luxury vessel for up to 12 people.
The catamaran slips away from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city’s skyline falls aft — a strip of surf, the curve of Waikiki, and Diamond Head rising like a volcanic eyebrow on the horizon. Salt and sun set the pace; the shaded cockpit invites conversation while the nets ahead hum with the ocean's motion.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Pau Hana Sailing · Honolulu, Hawaii
The catamaran slips away from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city’s skyline falls aft — a strip of surf, the curve of Waikiki, and Diamond Head rising like a volcanic eyebrow on the horizon. Salt and sun set the pace; the shaded cockpit invites conversation while the nets ahead hum with the ocean's motion.
Oahu’s south shore is shaped by volcanic activity: Diamond Head (Leahi) is a tuff cone formed by explosive eruptions roughly 150,000 years ago, and the offshore reefs are the slow work of coral growth on ancient lava. Waikiki itself grew from a fishing and canoe-travel center into a global destination, but from the water the ocean still dominates — currents, schools of fish, and seasonal humpback migrations (Dec–Apr) carry their own calendar.
On a two-hour private charter you’ll sail along the coastline, stop to snorkel where visibility and currents cooperate (guides recommend before 1pm), and scan for turtles, spinner dolphins, rays, and schools above a sunken barge. The vessel’s amenities — snorkeling gear, freshwater cockpit shower, Bluetooth sound system, shaded seating and forward nets — make the outing both comfortable and purposeful.
Practical notes: arrive 15 minutes early at the Ala Wai dock, expect easy boarding but some movement while underway, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a light layer for breezy afternoons. If you love short, wildlife-focused outings with flexibility — and privacy — this two-hour luxury catamaran balances relaxation and active snorkeling with expert local crew to manage safety and find the marine life.
Yes — snorkel sets are included and a snorkel guide is onboard to help pick safe, high-visibility spots.
You can bring your own food and drink; options for catered service or onboard menu items are available for an extra fee.
Meet at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor by the Hawaiian Parasail dock; there is nearby free and paid parking as well as public transit access.
Common sightings include green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, rays, and, during December–April, migrating humpback whales.
Pau Hana Sailing operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The catamaran slips away from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city’s skyline falls aft — a strip of surf, the curve of Waikiki, and Diamond Head rising like a volcanic eyebrow on the horizon. Salt and sun set the pace; the shaded cockpit invites conversation while the nets ahead hum with the ocean's motion.
The catamaran slips away from Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city’s skyline falls aft — a strip of surf, the curve of Waikiki, and Diamond Head rising like a volcanic eyebrow on the horizon. Salt and sun set the pace; the shaded cockpit invites conversation while the nets ahead hum with the ocean's motion.
Oahu’s south shore is shaped by volcanic activity: Diamond Head (Leahi) is a tuff cone formed by explosive eruptions roughly 150,000 years ago, and the offshore reefs are the slow work of coral growth on ancient lava. Waikiki itself grew from a fishing and canoe-travel center into a global destination, but from the water the ocean still dominates — currents, schools of fish, and seasonal humpback migrations (Dec–Apr) carry their own calendar.
On a two-hour private charter you’ll sail along the coastline, stop to snorkel where visibility and currents cooperate (guides recommend before 1pm), and scan for turtles, spinner dolphins, rays, and schools above a sunken barge. The vessel’s amenities — snorkeling gear, freshwater cockpit shower, Bluetooth sound system, shaded seating and forward nets — make the outing both comfortable and purposeful.
Practical notes: arrive 15 minutes early at the Ala Wai dock, expect easy boarding but some movement while underway, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a light layer for breezy afternoons. If you love short, wildlife-focused outings with flexibility — and privacy — this two-hour luxury catamaran balances relaxation and active snorkeling with expert local crew to manage safety and find the marine life.