Makani Catamaran Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Open Bar & Transportation reviews, Oahu tours & activities, fun things to do in Oahu | HawaiiActivities.com

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Makani Catamaran Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Open Bar & Transportation

Overall Rating

4.64 4.64 / 5

Reviews

171 reviews
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Just outside Waikiki, way less crowded

Reviewed by: Yes to Hawaii, 2022/09/29

This sunset sail is outside of Waikiki. We loved the 2-hour cruise and opted for the open-bar option. The catamaran was pretty spacious and is a docked catamaran (walk right from the pier to the boat) instead of a beach catamaran like many of the Waikiki ones. The crew was really friendly. Would recommend getting the souvenir cup! It comes with a lid so you don't spill your drink when it gets a little windy and makes a fun souvenir.

  • Colorful sky!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2022/04/27
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Amazing experience

Reviewed by: Kenneth, 2021/06/16

Great view, amazing service, and great customer service. I highly recommend for couples looking to relax and enjoy the ocean with a few drinks.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2021/06/14
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Wonderful experience!

Reviewed by: Cheryl and Will, 2020/03/18

We had a wonderful trip, saw whales, and .... manta rays coming and going! Knowledgeable captain and marine biologist made this an informative and exciting experience. Thank you!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2020/03/14
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Excellent

Reviewed by: ぶーちゃん, 2019/12/19

このツアーに参加して、まず言いたいことは皆さん参加するべきです!!船から見るサンセット、船上で食べるビッフェ式のディナーなどどれも100点満点!!まず最初にバスで迎えが来るんですけど運転手の方の対応も良く、船員の方々もとてもハワイらしくフレンドリーでこちらも気分がとても良かったです!舟も大きく私たちが参加した時は20人程度だったのですが広々して、窮屈という感じは全くありませんでした!またハワイに行く機会があったら参加したいと思います!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/12/18
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Good crew and nice experience

Reviewed by: Stephen, 2019/12/06

The booking was easy to make and the round-trip bus ride was a definite plus - the driver dropped us off at our hotel as a courtesy. The boat ride was pleasant and the food was decent and bountiful. The crew was very friendly and excelled at their jobs. I thought it was very thoughtful of them to help passengers with motion sickness by providing a bottle of essential oils. The sky was cloudy on this particular evening, a sunset was not seen. However, the lights of Honolulu were gorgeous and the overall atmosphere was most enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this excursion, I only advise that you try to plan accordingly in terms of weather so that you may see a sunset. One thing to keep in mind during the winter months is whale sightings are possible. Thank you to the crew

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/12/05
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Nice Way to End Our Trip

Reviewed by: K&R, 2019/12/05

We booked as the ending of our trip in Honolulu. It was very relaxing. Food was ok and the drinks a bit weak for the price and the pricing was not clear. But the sailing was smooth, the crew was friendly, and the view was spectacular.

  • Great view

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/12/04
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Highly recommended

Reviewed by: Marcus, 2019/12/02

I have been around catamarans for 30 years and this boat and crew were fantastic!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you so much!! We always appreciate it when a fellow boater enjoys the Makani experience! We look forward to having you aboard again! Happy Sailing! Aloha

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/09/21
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Great cruise if you like sunset!

Reviewed by: Brian, 2019/11/18

The boat departed the pier just after the posted time. There’s a cash bar onboard and they have the must-haves there; Mai Tai, pina colada, among others. Buffet was open after the sail went up, about 15 minutes into the cruise. Basic stuff, chicken, rice, egg rolls, but nicely done. It’s mid November so the sunset was about 5:50, and on the one side the setting sun, the other Diamond Head and Waikiki, it really is a very nice setting for photos. The crew was friendly and took good care of us. We turned back after an hour and the last 30 minutes or so you also get the night view of Waikiki as the last light disappeared behind the horizon.
Make sure you take a Dramamine If you get sick on boats, because with all the activities in the area wakes can turn even the calmest sea into a roller coaster, and it was pretty windy that day. Also if you don’t show up on time the driver won’t wait, and you’ll just have to get a taxi or uber to the on-site check-in point.

  • Diamond Head at sunset

  • Last gleam of the sun

  • Waikiki at night, taken on the return

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/11/16
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Really nice

Reviewed by: Ursula, 2019/09/04

It was a really nice experience. The catamaran was clean. The food was really good. The drinks were delicious. I would recommend. We did this for our date night and it was really nice to see the sunset. It had a really nice vibe.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/09/01
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It was the most wonderful experience

Reviewed by: knguyen, 2019/08/31

Sunset sail, great crew, great music, good food. what more can you ask for. This is one of the best trips we have in Hawaii.
I have no word to describe how anyone would not join this cruise. The scene was gorgeous and the crew couldn't be more inviting. Everyone was kind and make sure that we are safe and still have fun. I enjoyed most is the Mai Tai and the buffet . What a relaxing way to enjoy the sunset. I highly recommend this event. Is a must to do in Oahu

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/08/27
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Dynamite Sunset Cruise

Reviewed by: Karrie B, 2019/08/28

Without having any expectations we can say that this excursion rocked! The captain and crew absolutely exceeded expectations in all areas - food, fun, booze, music, atmosphere and views! We weren't sure what to bring or really what to expect - bottom line is, you don't need to bring anything except a smile and a desire to relax and enjoy a great evening (and a camera if you're interested in getting some spectacular pics of the sunset, beaches, and some gorgeous coastlines). The food was quite delicious and well prepared (we've been on cruises like this before in other area's and is typical "rubber chicken" stuff - that was not the case here - excellent steak, bbq chicken, veggies, and fixings! The crew (doubling as bartenders) did not skimp on the drinks and made some truly good cocktails. The crew were also fantastic in checking on everyone and making sure everyone was having a good time and getting what they needed. The music they played was awesome and really helped set the atmosphere - you could dance by the moonlight or sunset and have a few romantic moments - or just some good atmosphere. We would absolutely go again!

  • A group of us together for sunset on deck!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/08/21
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Best sunset / dinner cruise on the islands!

Reviewed by: Stephen, 2019/08/26

The captain and crew of this boat were phenomenal! They created at atmosphere that was relaxed, fun and entertaining (no easy feat considering the diverse group on board!). The food was surprisingly excellent (we had low expectations and were quite pleasantly surprised) :) The drinks were quite good, generous and not watered down at all (again, something common on other cruises). The views were spectacular and the captain made sure that everyone knew what was coming and how / where to enjoy the sights. We would absolutely go out on this boat / trip again any time were on the island. Cannot recommend this trip highly enough.

  • View coming back into port!

Reply from activity provider

Thank you so much! We do try our best to bring a great sailing experience to all of our guests. Have a great day! Aloha MakaniCat

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/08/21
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Great - except for the sea sickness

Reviewed by: MarZ, 2019/07/30

The crew was great and the food was delicious. Advice for those who get sea sick: premediciate! The catamaran isn't huge, so riders definitely feel every wave. The evening we went the water was really rough and seasickness definitely puts a damper on an otherwise great experience.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/07/27
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Great - except for the seasickness

Reviewed by: MarZ, 2019/07/28

The crew was great and the food was delicious. Advice for those who get sea sick: premediciate! The catamaran isn't huge, so riders definitely feel every wave. The evening we went the water was really rough and seasickness definitely puts a damper on an otherwise great experience.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/07/27
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A Great Time On Oahu's South Shore!

Reviewed by: Dave, 2019/07/13

We had the most awesome time on Makani Catamaran! The views of the city are beautiful and give you a very different perspective of the city from the ocean.

The catamaran is well maintained, clean, and very stable on open waters. The best place to sit is up front near the trampolines as you head out towards Diamond Head.

Captain Brad, Adam, and Tommy were very personable, and made sure that all passengers were having a great time.

We highly recommend this sunset cruise. It is so relaxing and absolutely stunning!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/07/11
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We had such an amazing time!!!!

Reviewed by: Candace Manly, 2019/06/23

We actually got there a bit early so we’re lucky enough to get one of the few free parking stalls right in front of the dock. While standing in line I notice this seemed like it was going to be a crowded venue with how many people were there, but to my surprise it was quite comfortable.
We were greeted immediately once on the boat by the staff who were very accommodating. They answered any questions we had and even assisted with taking pictures of my husband and I so we could have the beautiful sunset in the background.
The food was also better than I expected. There was a wide array of options including some meats, vegetables, and vegetarian options. They were all really tasty.
The bar opened right as we got into open water and stayed open till last call after we docked. We bought the souvenir cups which if you refill more than twice is worth the $8 to purchase. You get more per refill and the refill is cheaper. Plus, it’s a great travel cup with lid and straw.
There was music playing in the background speaker than was a nice gentle theme. It set the tone for a nice relaxing ambiance. Not to obnoxious and not elevator type either. I quite enjoyed it as well.
Even my expectation with the boat itself was surpassed. It looked a little smaller than I expected but it was also quite comfortable. The seating was on the lower deck with several tables in the dining area. Most people started out The trip in this seated area (as we did). Everyone ended up on the top deck meandering around by the end of the trip.
I vividly remember this little girl who at the beginning of the trip was crying and fussing. Seemed like she was having a miserable time and no one could console her. By the end of the trip even this little girl was laughing and living the night up like the rest of us. I thought to myself if the staff can manage to make this little girls night amazing then they can do anything!!
This was an amazing adventure and I would recommend it to anyone who asked!!!

  • Enjoying the beautiful sunset scenery

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/06/20
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Great evening

Reviewed by: Keith stokes, 2019/04/29

This was a great experience, the shuttle arrived right on time to pick us up, had to wait on the dock for about 20 minutes while the prepared for us to load which wasnt to bad, there was just the right amount of people so it wasnt to crowded, the food was amazing, the bar service top notch, and it was a nice smooth sailing and a perfect position for everyone to see the fireworks, would recomnd to to anyone to do from couples to families

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/04/19
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A delicious, romantic, and exquisite dinner cruise

Reviewed by: MsTravelGal, 2019/03/26

This was our first sailing experience in Hawaii and we were more than satisfied with the evening. From the boat, to the crew, to the food, and the sunset, everything was perfect. The 65' vessel was clean and spacious with plenty of room to walk around and take in the views from every direction. Diamond Head crater in the evening light was majestic and stunning.
Throughout the sail, the crew were all helpful and attentive. In addition to their regular duties of serving food and drinks and providing knowledge of marine life (we saw a whale!), they also played the role of photographers and were kindly willing to take pictures of guests with the beautiful sunset as the backdrop.
Also worth mentioning was the delicious food. If you're vegan or vegetarian, no need to fear! They were very accommodating and provided various options like tofu wraps, spring rolls, rice, potatoes, and steamed/sauteed tofu with veggies. I certainly did not leave hungry! And of course the exotic cocktails were refreshing and yummy.
The Makani Catamaran dinner cruise exceeded our expectations and left us eager to set sail again!

  • Enjoying our complimentary mai tai and the view!

  • A stunning, multicolored sunset

  • Mesmerizing sunset in paradise

  • Mixed veggies, white rice, tofu roll, and grilled tofu. Also available: beef and chicken.

  • Another sailboat enjoying the evening water

  • Diamond Head in the golden sunset glow

Reply from activity provider

Mahalo! We are so happy to have you experience Makani, we look forward to having you aboard again!
Have a great Makani Day!
Aloha MakaniCat

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
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Amazingly great tour!!!

Reviewed by: Kathy, 2019/02/24

Amazing tour!! Captain Brad, Adam, and Chris did a great job pointing out whales. We saw 6 including a baby. Beautiful sunset made the trip even more special. The boat was spotless and comfortable. The food was good and they had a good selection of trips. The boat trip on the catermaran was fun and it wasn’t too crowded. Highly recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/02/21
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Amazing experience! Best tour!!

Reviewed by: Alaskan Fans, 2019/02/22

This was a wonderful experience! Whale watching was great. Brad, Adam, and Chris were very friendly. They were helpful pointing out where the whales were. We saw 5 or more whales. Even a baby. The boat is clean and comfortable. Food was good and they had a good selection of drinks. Highly recommend this tour!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/02/21
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Great Experience and Friendly Crew!

Reviewed by: Christa, 2019/02/22

This was a great cruise. It was very relaxing. The catamaran was well-maintained and clean...even the bathroom!
The crew, Captain Brad, Chris, and Adam were very friendly. They offered to take pictures, informed us about the area and Were very quick to spot Whales.
The food was good, particularly the spring rolls.
The sunset was beautiful!
The captain did a good job making sure that we were able to have the best view of the sunset. We saw several Whales, including a juvenile.
The drinks were delicious.
Be sure to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket if going in February.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/02/21
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Great experience!

Reviewed by: Julian, 2019/02/18

The staff were very friendly and helpful! There’s an open bar with a variety of drinks, non-alcohol are bottomless! The buffet tasted great! Only down side is the amount of food wasn’t quite enough for few rounds for everyone given there were 20 plus people. We happened to catch a few whales during the sail, which was extra! Highly recommended!

  • The view against the shore

  • Sunset

  • Night lights

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/02/17
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Makani Sunset dinner sail

Reviewed by: Robert , 2019/02/16

Very nice casual and restful trip. The crew was very personable.

On our trip we saw whales.

Food was great with one exception that there was not enough. There is always a few customers that load there plates heaping full so other respectful customers don’t have enough to enjoy.

Suggest a little more food

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/02/13
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Good Service, good experience

Reviewed by: Silvia, 2019/02/05

The cruise was beautiful, the staff were very friendly and the duration of the trip was good. It was nice to receive a nice welcome and get a complimentary drink with the trip. The selection of the food was ok. Overall it was a nice experience and I would do it again.

Rating:
Attended as:Friends
Activity Date:2019/01/27
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A wonderful, laid back experience!

Reviewed by: Ild, 2019/01/04

Just got back to our hotel and my wife and I really enjoyed this experience. The sunset was stunning and we even got to see some whales! The captain and crew were really nice and friendly. My wife loved her cocktail and I got a Mana Wheat beer which was good. The food was nothing too special but my wife and I enjoyed it anyways. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. If you're not expecting a five star restaurant experience, you will enjoy it too.

  • sunset from boat

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/01/03
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Great experience great value

Reviewed by: yusuke, 2019/01/03

They provided free pickup to and from our hotel. The party was appropriate size. The food was surprisingly good. The crews we're all friendly and they made sure everybody was having a good time. The scenery was absolutely amazing and took loads of great photos. We saw some dolphins follow us and it was a pleasant bonus. We will definitely come back for the next trip.
The only minor problem was they picked us up at 4pm, dropped us off at the pier 4:10pm and we had to wait until 5pm to board the boat.

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/01/02
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Sunset catamaran sail

Reviewed by: Angeline L. Fasano, 2019/01/03

My husband and I throughly enjoyed the sunset cruise which happened to be on New Year’s Day 2019!
We were impressed by the professionalism and punctuality of the crew from start to finish.
We were picked up by their shuttle who pick up from Waikiki, cost was included. They arranged this at the time of booking.
Our favorite part of the cruise was the intimacy & the fact that we were able to see a whale!
There were 25-30 guests and the catamaran felt spacious and comfortable.
Tips; where something comfortable, long sleeves or sweater is a must. It gets quite windy and chilly. Photo opportunities are endless. Have fun and make sure to purchase the “sippy cup.” It’s a nice keepsake, but most of all it’s essentially more bang for your buck if you’ll be drinking more than the 1 drink ticket that is provided.
Oh and make sure to take Dramamine if you’re worried. about getting seasickz it can be a rocky one. Hope this helps. Enjoy!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2019/01/01
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Great evening!

Reviewed by: Rob, 2018/11/25

An overall outstanding experience! Food was good but not crazy good. Can’t have too high expectations for a buffet on a catamaran though. The crew was wonderful. Initially thought there would be too many people for the boat to be comfortable but there was plenty of space for people to move around and take the pictures they wanted. The sunset was amazing and the trip lasted the perfect amount of time. I didn’t feel like they were rushing us back but we weren’t out so long that we got bored. Would highly recommend overall!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/11/11
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Beautiful sunset and amazing crew

Reviewed by: Kyna, 2018/10/14

It was actually my second time doing this with my boyfriend. We did the cruise back in february 2018.
We had a great time and the crew was amazing as always. They’re very accomodating & energetic. They made sure everyone was having a great time which is awesome. We really did appreciate it! I loved the sunset especially when we were sitted in front. We were also able to take different photos in a different angle. The cocktails that were served as well taste amazing! I highly recommend this activity for anyone who wants to experience this beautiful sunset cruise. For future participants it might get cold so just bring a jacket or sweater to be sure. Enjoy!

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/10/13
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Wonderful Experience...Great Customer Service.

Reviewed by: Emily R, 2018/10/02

This trip was definitely above our expectations. First, I want to applaud the customer service of this Company. Our first tour was cancelled due to weather. They informed us promptly and immediately rescheduled us for an alternative date. When we arrived after the boat, there had been an error in some customers booking causing a delay in the boat's departure. Not only did they extend our time, but our drinks were compensated due to the delay. We were more than obliged to wait for the late arrivals :). The boat was not crowded, the service was fantastic, and the music was great. As promised, we enjoyed the beautiful boat and the fantastic views of the sunset, city and diamond head. Everything was literally as promised. We would definitely recommend to friends.

  • Sunset

Rating:
Attended as:Couples
Activity Date:2018/09/30
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