2hr Luxury Private Sailing Catamaran for 7-12 People

A private catamaran gives you two hours to trade Waikiki’s busy shoreline for open water, with Diamond Head as your landmark and the crew watching for turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. You can snorkel, swim, listen to your own music, or simply stretch out in the bow nets.

I like the private, flexible format and the practical comforts, including shaded seating, snorkeling gear, a freshwater shower, and space to bring your own food and drinks. The main drawback is the short runtime: two hours goes quickly, and food, drinks, parking, and hotel transport cost extra or need your own arrangements.

• Ala Wai Boat Harbor departure: Sail from a convenient Honolulu harbor, then follow the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head.
• Private group, up to 12: The $1,495 rate covers the group, so the per-person price improves as your party fills the boat.
• Snorkeling works best before 1 p.m.: Gear and a snorkel guide are included, but time in the water depends on how you choose to use the charter.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: The crew looks for turtles, dolphins, fish, and humpback whales from December through April.
• Bring your own provisions: A cooler with ice and refrigerator space are available. Food and drinks are not included, though a snack and beverage menu is offered at extra cost.
• Useful for more than sightseeing: The boat has hosted family outings and a private ash-scattering charter, with crew members Flynn and Sabrina praised for their professionalism and warmth.

Leaving Ala Wai Harbor for the Waikiki Coast

The trip begins at Hawaiian Parasail Inc., 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, #600b, Honolulu. From Ala Wai Boat Harbor, the catamaran heads out along the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head. That simple route is part of the appeal: you get a close look at the shoreline from the water without spending the whole outing getting to a distant destination.

The boat is designed for comfort as well as sailing. Its large cockpit is shaded and has room to sit or lounge, with open views as the coast slips past. If you prefer a more exposed perch, you can stretch out in the bow nets and watch the water move beneath you. Catamarans are known for a smooth ride, though no boat can promise perfectly calm seas.

This is a private charter, so the only people aboard with you are your own group and the captain and crew. That changes the feel of the outing. You are not fitting into a fixed group’s social rhythm, and you can use the time in a way that suits your party: quiet sailing, swimming, snorkeling, or a mix.

The two-hour schedule is best understood as a short escape, not a full-day boating adventure. You have enough time to enjoy the coast and, if conditions and your group’s pace allow, get in the water. But every minute spent swimming is a minute not spent sailing or relaxing aboard. If you want a leisurely outing with several long stops, a longer charter would give you more breathing room.

Choosing Between the Cockpit, Bow Nets, and Water

The shaded cockpit is the sensible home base. It gives you protection from the sun and an easy place to settle in while still keeping the coast in view. For a family group or anyone who would rather stay dry, it makes the sailing itself feel like a proper activity, not just transit to the snorkeling.

The bow nets offer a different mood. You can lie back close to the water and enjoy the movement of the boat, but this is the more exposed spot, so bring sun protection. The boat also has a Bluetooth sound system, allowing your group to choose its own soundtrack rather than rely on a set program.

When it is time to swim, the included snorkeling equipment and snorkel guide make it easier to get started. The crew looks for marine life, including turtles and dolphins, and there may be schools of fish over a sunken barge. Those sightings are possibilities, not a wildlife guarantee. The water and animals do not keep a schedule just because your charter does.

Snorkeling is said to be best before 1 p.m. If seeing what is beneath the surface is a priority, choose an earlier departure if one is available. The tour details do not specify a guaranteed snorkeling site or a set amount of time in the water, so ask about the day’s plan when you book if that is the main reason you are going.

After swimming, a warm freshwater cockpit shower is a welcome practical touch. It gives you a way to rinse off before settling back into the shaded seating or heading to the harbor. A magic carpet flotation device is also included, adding another option for time in the water.

Wildlife and Seasonal Reasons to Go

The crew keeps an eye out for marine life both from the boat and during a snorkel outing. Turtles, dolphins, and schools of fish are among the possibilities along the route. If you are traveling between December and April, humpback whale season adds another reason to scan the water. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat wildlife as a bonus rather than the sole measure of a successful trip.

A Friday-night charter has an extra feature: the opportunity to watch fireworks from the water. That can make the outing feel like a special occasion without requiring a full evening cruise. The schedule and exact viewing conditions are not specified, so check that the time you are considering lines up with the fireworks.

The trip can also suit occasions that call for something quieter than a standard sightseeing cruise. A family has used the boat for an ash-scattering ceremony, and the crew’s professional, considerate approach was especially valued. That does not mean every charter is arranged as a ceremony, but the private format gives a group more room to make the time personal.

What the $1,495 Charter Buys You

The price is $1,495 per group, for up to 12 people. At a full group of 12, that works out to about $125 per person. With seven people, it is about $214 each. Those figures do not include food, drinks, parking, or transport to and from the harbor.

The value depends heavily on how many people share the cost. For a larger family or group of friends, a private boat with a captain and crew can be a good way to spend a couple of hours together without sharing the space with strangers. For a small party, the per-person cost rises quickly, and you should compare it with other ways to spend your time on the water.

Some useful items are already included: snorkeling equipment, a snorkel guide, filtered water, a cooler with ice, refrigerator space, reusable plates and glasses, linens, silverware, a Bluetooth sound system, and the warm freshwater shower. These touches reduce the amount you need to organize, especially if you bring your own refreshments.

Food and drinks are not part of the base price. You can bring your own, and the boat has a snack and beverage menu available for an added charge. That flexibility is useful: bring familiar food for children or a picnic that suits your group, or pay for items from the onboard menu. Either way, do not assume the quoted charter price covers a meal.

Parking is available at the marina for $1 per hour, but it is not included. One party found parking tricky, so allow time to sort it out rather than arriving at the last minute. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not provided. The meeting point is near public transportation, though you will need to arrange your own route there.

Who Will Get the Most from This Sailing Trip

This charter makes the most sense for a group that values privacy and shared time more than a tightly packed sightseeing itinerary. Families can divide the outing between swimming and relaxing aboard, while friends can bring their own food and music and set a casual pace. The shaded cockpit and the crew’s help make the trip approachable even if not everyone wants to snorkel.

It can also work well for a small celebration or a meaningful family gathering. The crew has been described as friendly and professional, and Flynn and Sabrina have been named as particularly engaging crew members on one past charter. Crew assignments may vary, so do not book on the assumption that you will have those two specifically.

If you are traveling alone or as a couple, the flat price may be hard to justify unless the privacy is a priority. Likewise, if you want a long snorkeling session, several stops, or a full day at sea, two hours may feel too brief. The format is strongest when your group is large enough to share the cost and happy to keep the plan flexible.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is received at booking. Most people can participate, but the available details do not spell out specific mobility arrangements, so check with the operator if you have a particular access need. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

A Short Charter with Room to Make It Yours

I would choose this trip for the combination of a private boat, a convenient departure point, and the freedom to spend the time how your group likes. The shaded cockpit, bow nets, snorkeling gear, and onboard storage are more than decorative extras; they make a short outing easier to enjoy, especially when different people want different things.

The tradeoff is that two hours passes fast. With swimming, sailing, wildlife watching, and a potential fireworks view all in the mix, you may not have time to linger over every option. Go in with one or two priorities, such as snorkeling before 1 p.m. or simply relaxing along the coast, and let the rest be a bonus.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran charter?

The charter lasts approximately two hours.

How many people can join?

It is a private activity for up to 12 people. The $1,495 price is per group.

Where does the trip start and end?

Meet at Hawaiian Parasail Inc., 1651 Ala Moana Boulevard, #600b, Honolulu. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a snorkel guide are included. A magic carpet flotation device is also provided.

When is snorkeling best?

Snorkeling is best before 1 p.m.

When is whale season?

Humpback whale season runs from December through April. The crew looks for whales, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own food and drinks. They are not included in the charter price, and a snack and beverage menu is available at an additional cost.

Is parking included, and is hotel transport provided?

No. Marina parking costs $1 per hour, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.