South Shore Open Sail from Kewalo Harbor Including Drinks

The ocean is your vacation switch. This 90-minute catamaran sail from Honolulu gives you two things I especially like: included drinks, from mai tais to beer, and open views of Waikīkī and Diamond Head. The roomy boat also gives you space to move instead of trapping you in one seat. The main drawback is the short route, since the experience is over in about an hour and a half.

The crew adds much of the fun. Names praised during the sail include Allison, Dave, Caleb, and Captain Dan, with plenty of help for photos and drink refills. At $47.50 per person, this is a strong value for a casual ocean outing, though it is best for relaxed sightseeing rather than a long, quiet sailing lesson.

Key points to know before booking

• Diamond Head stays in view: The route runs from Kakaʻako toward Waikīkī, with striking views of Oahu’s famous volcanic crater.
• Drinks are included: You can enjoy mai tais and beer during the cruise, with the crew handling top-ups.
• A roomy Na Hoku II catamaran: The boat has enough open space to move around, find a view, or take photos.
• A social, easygoing mood: Music, friendly crew service, and a casual boat setting make this more of a fun outing than a formal cruise.
• A 90-minute commitment: You get a scenic ocean break without giving up half a day of your Honolulu schedule.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled trip or a full refund.

Setting out from Kewalo Harbor

Your starting point is the Na Hoku 2 Catamaran at 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu. The boat departs from Kewalo Harbor, close to the Ala Moana and Kakaʻako area, and the activity returns to the same meeting point.

That return matters. You are not left arranging a ride from a different beach or marina. The location is also near public transportation, which makes it more practical if you are staying around Waikīkī, Ala Moana, or central Honolulu.

Once aboard, the main appeal is simple: you are on the water quickly, with the city behind you and the South Shore opening out in front. This is not a heavy sightseeing program with constant narration or a string of scheduled stops. It is a short sailing break built around views, drinks, music, and time outside.

The catamaran can carry up to 49 people. That is not a tiny private boat, but the wide layout gives you more room than a narrow sightseeing vessel. You can shift around the boat for different angles, spend time near the edge for photos, or settle into a more comfortable spot as the sail continues.

The route from Kakaʻako toward Waikīkī

The sail moves along Honolulu’s South Shore from Kakaʻako toward Waikīkī. The city-facing views give you a different look at Honolulu than you get from the road. Instead of seeing Waikīkī as a wall of hotels and traffic, you see the shoreline from offshore, with the buildings backed by Oahu’s mountains.

Diamond Head is the star of the route. The famous crater remains a strong reference point as the boat travels along the coast, and its shape changes as your angle shifts. It is the kind of view that works well for both quick phone photos and simple moments when you put the camera away.

The route is especially useful if your Honolulu schedule is tight. In 90 minutes, you can get an ocean outing, coastal views, and a drink without committing to a full-day boat trip. I would not choose it if you want a long voyage far from shore, but I would choose it as a compact break between time at Ala Moana, Waikīkī, or other Honolulu sights.

There is no separate sightseeing stop listed along the way. The sailing itself is the activity. That means the experience depends on enjoying the movement of the boat, the scenery, and the social setting rather than expecting a guided visit to a beach or island.

Drinks, music, and the boat’s easygoing mood

The included drinks are a real part of the value here. Mai tais and beers are available during the sail, and the crew keeps an eye on drink service. You are not paying for a cruise and then adding a costly beverage tab on top.

That makes the trip feel less formal. You can look toward Diamond Head, take a few pictures, and return to your drink without needing to plan the next part of the outing. The atmosphere described by the experience is relaxed and social, with music adding to the holiday feeling.

The crew also helps with photos. That is a small service, but it matters on a boat. You may be traveling with friends or celebrating a birthday, and a crew member can help capture everyone together rather than leaving one person out of every picture.

Allison, Dave, and Caleb received especially warm praise for making people feel welcome. Captain Dan was also singled out for the fun mood on board. Those names give the service a personal touch, though the exact crew working your departure can vary.

The drinks are generous enough to shape the experience, but remember that this is still a boat outing. You are paying for the whole package, not simply for alcohol. The best value comes from combining the drinks with the views, open space, crew attention, and time on the water.

Why the Na Hoku II catamaran works well

A catamaran is a smart choice for a short coastal cruise because it offers a broad deck and a steadier feel than some smaller boats. The available information does not promise a completely smooth ride, since ocean conditions can change, but the wide design gives you practical room to spread out.

Several details point to comfort. The boat is described as large enough for plenty of movement, and the maximum capacity is 49 people. That is a moderate group size for a commercial catamaran, though you should not expect a private charter.

I like the freedom this creates. You can change your view during the trip instead of sitting through the whole sail facing one direction. If one side gives you a better angle on Diamond Head, you can move there. If you want a photo with the Honolulu skyline, you can look for a clear spot on deck.

The boat also supports different travel styles. One person may focus on pictures, another may want a cold beer and music, and someone else may simply enjoy the open air. A narrow, tightly packed vessel would make those choices harder.

There is one practical limit. The material provided does not list specific seating arrangements, shade, or restroom details. If any of those features are essential to you, check with Na Hoku II Catamaran before booking rather than assuming they are available.

The best photo moments along the South Shore

The route offers several kinds of pictures without requiring a special photography plan. Diamond Head is the obvious subject, but the full setting matters too: Honolulu and Waikīkī sit along the coast, and the water gives you a broad view of the city.

You can take a classic shot facing Diamond Head, then turn back toward the shoreline for a city-and-ocean image. The catamaran itself also gives you an easy group-photo setting, especially if the crew helps with the camera.

The light and weather will shape the result. On a clear day, the coast and crater should look sharp. Cloud cover or rough weather can change the mood, and poor conditions may cancel the outing altogether. This is one reason I would keep some flexibility in your schedule.

A birthday or group celebration fits the trip well. One person specifically used the sail to celebrate a birthday with friends and also saw whales. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but that detail shows that the ocean can offer an unexpected bonus beyond the planned coastal views.

The experience works best when you avoid treating it like a checklist. You are not racing from one attraction to another. You are giving yourself time to watch the shoreline, enjoy the boat, and let the crew handle the small details.

What the $47.50 price really includes

At $47.50 per person, the price is reasonable for a 90-minute Honolulu boat trip that includes drinks. You are getting more than transport across the water. The fare covers the catamaran setting, the route along the South Shore, crew service, and beverages such as mai tais and beer.

The value improves if you would otherwise buy drinks during a paid cruise. A standard sightseeing boat with no included beverage service could look cheaper at first but cost more once you add even one or two drinks. Here, the package makes the final price easier to understand.

It is also a good option for a first or final day in Honolulu. On a first day, it gives you a quick look at the coast and Waikīkī from the water. On a final day, it provides a low-effort way to enjoy Hawaii before returning to airport or packing duties.

I would compare it less with a full sailing lesson and more with a casual sunset or harbor outing, even though the exact departure time is not provided. If you want instruction, snorkeling, a meal, or a longer trip offshore, this is not the right product. If you want a pleasant ocean hour with drinks and views, the price makes sense.

Who will enjoy this open sail most

This cruise suits couples, friends, birthday groups, and anyone who wants an uncomplicated ocean activity. It also works for solo visitors who are comfortable with a friendly, social boat setting.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value atmosphere over a packed schedule. The main pleasures are the crew, the music, the drinks, the open deck, and the views. You do not need special sailing knowledge, and most people can participate.

Families may also find the short duration useful, though the included drinks and social mood may appeal more to adults. Service animals are allowed, which is an important practical point for eligible visitors.

The group limit of 49 keeps this from being a private experience. If you want total quiet or personal control over the route, book a private charter instead. If you like having other people around and want the crew to create the mood, the group format should work well.

Booking timing, weather, and cancellation details

This experience is often booked about 21 days ahead, so I would reserve earlier if your Honolulu dates are fixed. It uses a mobile ticket and is offered in English.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Weather can affect the trip. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Those rules make flexibility important. I would not schedule this on the only day you have available if a weather change would ruin your entire plan. It is better placed on a day when you can shift activities around.

FAQ

How long is the South Shore Open Sail?

The sailing lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the catamaran depart?

It departs from Na Hoku 2 Catamaran at 1025 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.

Where does the experience finish?

The activity returns to the same meeting point where it begins.

What route does the boat take?

The catamaran sails from the Kakaʻako area toward Waikīkī, with views of Diamond Head along the way.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drink options include cocktails such as mai tais and beers.

How many people can join the boat?

The experience has a maximum capacity of 49 people.

What happens if the weather cancels the sailing?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.

Should you book the Na Hoku II open sail?

I would book this if you want a short, good-value Honolulu boat outing with drinks, music, photos, and excellent views of Diamond Head. The friendly crew, roomy catamaran, and included beverages give it more personality than a basic harbor ride.

I would skip it if you want a long-distance sailing trip, formal instruction, or a quiet private boat. The route is short and the group can be fairly substantial. But for a relaxed 90-minute break from city sightseeing, the Na Hoku II offers an easy way to get on the water without spending half a day or paying a premium price.