Why I Love a Waikīkī Sundown Cruise

Regardless of the way you spend your day in Waikīkī — browsing, buying or simply enjoyable on the seashore — I’ve discovered that the easiest way to finish it’s by stepping onto a Waikīkī sundown cruise. There’s one thing about watching the solar dip behind the horizon from the water that makes Waikīkī really feel much more magical. For a lot of guests, it’s a must-do expertise and among the finest methods to see Honolulu from a special perspective.

Waikīkī Sundown Cruises Straight From the Seashore

One of many issues I really like about Waikīkī is how straightforward it’s to catch a sundown sail. Many catamarans depart proper from the sand in entrance of the foremost resorts, so that you don’t even want to go to the harbor. You merely stroll throughout the seashore, examine in and inside minutes you’re aboard a catamaran to your night sail. Once you’re researching, you should definitely ask the place the boat leaves from as some firms have boats on the harbor and on the seashore.

My Sundown Sail Expertise

On Friday, my pal and I made a decision to go right down to Waikīkī for comfortable hour and a cruise. We began at Duke’s Restaurant for a drink, then made our method towards the Sheraton to examine in for our sundown catamaran tour with Maitaʻi.

The method was seamless. We booked on-line, accomplished legal responsibility waivers prematurely and obtained clear directions through textual content all through the day. The catamaran pulled proper onto the sand, and we boarded barefoot. After a fast security briefing, we had been crusing towards Diamond Head, drinks in hand with dozens of different sailboats having fun with golden hour.

About 45 minutes in, we turned again towards Waikīkī. All eyes shifted to the horizon because the solar melted into the Pacific — the form of second that makes a sundown boat journey in Hawaiʻi unforgettable.

Standard Waikīkī Sundown Cruises from the Seashore

Oʻahu Sundown Cruises From Ala Moana

A few of the bigger boats depart from Ala Moana Harbor, only a brief stroll or journey from Waikīkī. These cruises often supply extra space and infrequently embody reside music or dinner service, making them nice choices for {couples} in search of a romantic sundown cruise or households preferring a extra spacious setting.

Standard Sundown Cruises from Ala Moana

Selecting the Greatest Sundown Cruise on Oʻahu

Not all sundown cruises are the identical, which is a part of the enjoyable. Some are calm and romantic, with champagne toasts and Hawaiian music. Others are vigorous, with upbeat playlists, dancing and mai tais flowing.

After I’m in search of a quiet night, I’ll select a mellow Oʻahu sundown dinner cruise. However after I need to have fun with buddies, the party-style catamarans that sail straight from Waikīkī Seashore are my go-to. All of it relies on your temper — and that’s why many individuals do a couple of.

Friday Night time Fireworks

In the event you can, e book your Honolulu sundown cruise on a Friday night. The Hilton Hawaiian Village places on a free weekly fireworks present, and the view from the water is unbeatable. Out of your boat, the bursts of colour mirror throughout the ocean as town lights twinkle alongside the shoreline.

It’s a type of uniquely Waikīkī moments that mixes the fantastic thing about Hawaiʻi with a contact of celebration — a reminiscence you’ll carry dwelling.

What to Count on Onboard

Most Oʻahu sundown cruises final 90 minutes to 2 hours. Right here’s what I’ve discovered most useful to know:

• Examine-in is simple: For seashore catamarans, you meet immediately on the sand. For Ala Moana, you examine in on the harbor.

• Informal is ok: You’ll typically board barefoot, so sandals and beachwear work finest.

• Meals and drinks fluctuate: Many catamarans embody open-bar beer, wine and mai tais. Some enable BYOB, whereas dinner cruises present a full meal.

• Climate is often good: It might probably get breezy after sundown, so carry a light-weight sweater.

• Carry your digital camera: The view of the sundown from the boat is one you’ll need to seize.

Why It’s Price It

The great thing about a sundown cruise on Oʻahu isn’t simply the view — it’s the attitude. From the water, Waikīkī appears each vigorous and peaceable, and Diamond Head glows in opposition to the night sky. Whether or not you select a Waikīkī sundown dinner cruise with reside music or a barefoot catamaran with mai tais, the expertise feels unforgettable.

For me, ending a day in Waikīkī with a sail is the final word solution to decelerate and savor Hawaiʻi. It’s inexpensive, straightforward to rearrange and at all times a spotlight of my journeys.

FAQs About Waikīkī & Oʻahu Sundown Cruises

What’s the finest sundown cruise on Oʻahu?
In the event you’re staying in Waikīkī, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with the Maitaʻi Catamaran or the Na Hoku, which each depart from the seashore in Waikīkī. Each supply free drinks, nice service and an unforgettable sail. For one thing extra romantic, contemplate an Oʻahu sundown dinner cruise from Ala Moana.

How a lot is a Waikīkī sundown cruise?
Most Waikīkī sundown sails value between $50–$80 per particular person. Some boats have discounted kids’s charges, whereas others are BYOB and priced slightly decrease.

Is meals included on a sundown cruise?
Most Waikīkī cruises embody drinks however not meals. Some supply pupu (appetizers). Dinner cruises from Ala Moana do embody full meals, so examine the outline earlier than reserving.

Are drinks included?
Sure, most catamarans embody mushy drinks, beer, wine and mai tais. Some cruises are BYOB and others have a money bar so you should definitely learn the outline earlier than reserving.

What ought to I put on?
A sundown boat journey in Honolulu is informal. Put on one thing snug, carry sandals you’ll be able to slip off simply and contemplate a light-weight jacket.

How lengthy is a sundown cruise?
Most final about 90 minutes to 2 hours, although dinner cruises could be two to a few hours.

Are you able to e book a non-public sundown cruise on Oʻahu?
Sure. Mana Cruises and different operators supply non-public luxurious charters with meals and drinks — an ideal alternative in order for you a extra unique expertise. Visitors can take pleasure in personalised boat charters that includes scenic views and native spirits from Koʻolau Distillery on their ocean expertise. Charters can accommodate households, {couples} and particular events.