Escape Waikiki’s shoreline crowds on a private 3‑hour luxury catamaran—snorkel reef flats, watch for turtles and humpbacks, and set your own pace with a dedicated crew. Ideal for small groups wanting flexible wildlife viewing and relaxed sailing.
Escape Waikiki’s shoreline crowds on a private 3‑hour luxury catamaran—snorkel reef flats, watch for turtles and humpbacks, and set your own pace with a dedicated crew. Ideal for small groups wanting flexible wildlife viewing and relaxed sailing.
The catamaran slips out of Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city noise thins into gull calls and the soft push of the Pacific.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Pau Hana Sailing · Honolulu, Hawaii
The catamaran slips out of Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city noise thins into gull calls and the soft push of the Pacific.
On a three-hour private charter from Waikiki you sit in a shaded cockpit while the crew trims sail and steers toward Diamond Head, leaving crowded beaches behind. The sea here is active—currents nudging you past reefs where green sea turtles graze and schools of tropical fish cluster above a sunken barge. In winter months the ocean lifts its voice with humpback whales; in summer the water is clear and warm for snorkeling.
This stretch of Oʻahu has layered stories: Waikiki was once lowland fishponds and canoe landing places for aliʻi; Diamond Head (Leahi) is a volcanic tuff cone that frames the skyline and shows the island’s explosive past. Local crews blend that cultural context with practical seamanship—navigation that favors calm reef passes and protected swim spots.
Practical guidance: arrive 15 minutes early at the Pau Hana Sailing pickup point in Ala Wai Harbor; parking is a mix of free and paid. Best snorkel visibility tends to be before 1pm. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light wind layer for the return. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures before boarding — the ride is smooth but open ocean conditions change.
This private experience trades long-boat crowds for flexibility: pick your music, set the pace, and expect a small crew focused on safety, wildlife spotting, and comfortable downtime in nets or cockpit lounges.
Yes—private charters typically allow you to bring food and non‑commercial alcohol, but check with the operator about corkage or a private chef option.
Yes; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and the vessel is stroller accessible, but supervise children closely around open railings and the water.
Common sightings include green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, schools of tropical fish, and seasonal humpback whales from December–April.
No—basic swimming ability is recommended; the crew provides snorkeling gear and guidance, and chooses sheltered spots for safer swims.
Pau Hana Sailing operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The catamaran slips out of Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city noise thins into gull calls and the soft push of the Pacific.
The catamaran slips out of Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the city noise thins into gull calls and the soft push of the Pacific.
On a three-hour private charter from Waikiki you sit in a shaded cockpit while the crew trims sail and steers toward Diamond Head, leaving crowded beaches behind. The sea here is active—currents nudging you past reefs where green sea turtles graze and schools of tropical fish cluster above a sunken barge. In winter months the ocean lifts its voice with humpback whales; in summer the water is clear and warm for snorkeling.
This stretch of Oʻahu has layered stories: Waikiki was once lowland fishponds and canoe landing places for aliʻi; Diamond Head (Leahi) is a volcanic tuff cone that frames the skyline and shows the island’s explosive past. Local crews blend that cultural context with practical seamanship—navigation that favors calm reef passes and protected swim spots.
Practical guidance: arrive 15 minutes early at the Pau Hana Sailing pickup point in Ala Wai Harbor; parking is a mix of free and paid. Best snorkel visibility tends to be before 1pm. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light wind layer for the return. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take preventative measures before boarding — the ride is smooth but open ocean conditions change.
This private experience trades long-boat crowds for flexibility: pick your music, set the pace, and expect a small crew focused on safety, wildlife spotting, and comfortable downtime in nets or cockpit lounges.