We had a great experience with Cruise The Island and Captain Nick. We reserved a four hour sunset charter and it was the highlight of our stay at Waikiki. Boat is compact but well maintained with lots of room to spread out on the nets, just be ready to get sea sprayed. Pick up food/beer at the Whole Foods a half block from the marina, then kick back and get ready to zip across the water, snorkel or just sip on some cod beverages and watch the sun set over Honolulu.
Honolulu is a crowded place compared to the rest of the state. We decided to get out on the water for some relaxation, and that means not on one of those boats with 70 drunk strangers. The reviews on Cruise the Island are all 5 star, and it fully merits the rating. If you're expecting a yacht, this isn't it. This is a "Trimaran" so don't expect luxury, (although the boat is well kept) it's more about sailing fun. At first the wind was a bit dead getting out of the harbor, (fortunately there is an engine), but it soon picked up and we were cruising to Diamond Head at a nice clip. It was just us, the captain and one deck hand, the views and the breeze were exactly what we hoped for. Very chill experience, and the captain and his mate were easygoing and fun to talk to. The kids loved steering the boat, and while snorkeling they were able to see a couple giant turtles. We did the sunset hour window and the light was amazing. Highly recommend as for us it was easily the highlight of our time in Honolulu.
If you’re reading reviews to decide on a sailing trip off Honolulu you can stop the search now and book with Cruise the Island.
I’ve been to Oahu a number of times and this trip was by far the coolest thing I’ve done on the island. We booked a 1.5 hour +1 extra hour sailing trip and the extra hour out on the water really made it the perfect trip.
Even before our trip date, Captain Dan reached out to us to make sure the time slot we booked would have us out on the water for sunset. (We booked it from the mainland and weren’t sure about how to time it just right.)
We had great sailing conditions and ended up getting out past Diamond Head and we’re able to see Oahu like we hadn’t before. We also saw two mother and calf pairs practicing breaching out of the water - the pictures below don’t do it justice.
Over all, our hosts were super accommodating and they really wanted us to feel comfortable and have a great experience. Their love of sailing out on the water really rubs off on you.
Highly Recommended!!
Sailed with Nick and Mike on a 2 hour tour that was exceptional. Nick is extremely knowledgeable and very willing to share that knowledge if you are interested.
The boat is a 20ft by 31ft catamaran and one of the fastest sail powered vessels in O'ahu traveling at 20+ mph.
We had a perfect day for sailing in early November and were able to really see them put the boat to the test as we sped along Waikiki beach. The tour included a 20-30 min snorkeling excursion where we were able to see various fish species and some sea turtles who frequents the area.
If you're up for it they will even allow you to take control and steer the boat to get a feel for the controls and how the wind and waves effect it.
A cruise with Cruise the Island is a must do if you really want to have a personal experience and not be part of a crowded and scripted outing.
Thanks to Nick and Mike for making our outing truly memerable.
Best sail ride you could ask for! We booked a private ride for our honeymoon and it was just us two and the captains (which are so accommodating and incredible) we were looking for something not so touristy and this was IT. It’s so thrilling & Nick let’s you get hands on (if you are comfortable). 15/10 recommend doing this!!