Makani Catamaran | Sunset Sail
by Mariam Beard • Last Updated: June 6, 2022
This boat is a dream. I absolutely love catamarans and the MAKANI CATAMARAN does not disappoint. The catamaran was so spacious — Length 64ft x Width 32ft (19.5m x 9.7m). This is larger than the beach catamarans in Waikiki. If you haven’t sailed in Waikiki before, know that it does get quite breezy.
This boat is a dream. I absolutely love catamarans and the MAKANI CATAMARAN does not disappoint. The catamaran was so spacious — Length 64ft x Width 32ft (19.5m x 9.7m). This is larger than the beach catamarans in Waikiki. If you haven’t sailed in Waikiki before, know that it does get quite breezy. I wore a comfy capri-length romper (no Marilyn Monroe skirt incidents for me!) and packed a light cardigan. While it doesn’t get cold in Hawaii, it can get a little chilly once the sun goes down and you’re sailing. I wanted to spend as much time as possible on the nets outside so a light cardigan was perfect.
Love, love, LOVE catamarans! I’ve lived on Oahu for ages but I still love sailing the Waikiki skyline. There’s something really beautiful about seeing all of Honolulu by the Ward area where the harbor is, the Waikiki skyline with all the hotels, and then DIAMOND HEAD CRATER (extinct volcanic crater).
This catamaran is also a DOCKED catamaran instead of a BEACH catamaran. For those where accessibility may be a factor, click here to read my comparison of DOCKED vs BEACH catamarans.
For those wondering, this catamaran does have two (2) restrooms on-board.
The MAKANI CATAMARAN is located at KEWALO BASIN HARBOR. If you’re staying in Waikiki, KEWALO BASIN HARBOR is about 4 miles (6.4km) west of Waikiki. West would be going AWAY (instead of TOWARD) from Diamond Head crater.
Recommended
While there is limited parking, I’d recommend a drop-off with a TAXI or using UBER/LYFT. From Waikiki, it took us about 15-20 min drive with traffic.
If you’re unfamiliar with the harbor, it’s always best to get there a little early so you have ample time to find the boat.
This was easy. When we got to KEWALO BASIN HARBOR, the very 1st row of boats is commercial boats. MAKANI CATAMARAN was on the far RIGHT when you’re facing the ocean. It was right beside a food truck where we picked up some yummy $5.00 bentos before the sail. And these bentos were SO YUMMY! Since the sunset sail only came with drinks (open bar option), we wanted to grab a light bite before the sail. These bentos had the heartiest portions for just $5.00. Worth it!
We opted for the OPEN BAR OPTION so at the check-in kiosk, we were given wristbands.
- Check-in Time? → 4:30PM (for 5:00PM Sail, seasonal times)
- Bathrooms? → Yes, 2 on-board
- Is this a barefoot sail? → No, you can leave your sandals on.
- Accessibility | How do you board the boat? → This is a docked catamaran. You’ll walk down the pier, there are stairs (a few steps up, flat surface, then a few steps down). Read more about DOCKED vs BEACH catamarans HERE.
This is a detailed list of inclusions directly from Makani Catamaran’s website:
- Fully USCG certified & state-of-the-art catamaran
- Friendly & experienced crew
- Bose surround sound stereo system
- Covered & open-air seating
- Dual restrooms
- Full bar selection
- Eco-friendly & biodegradable cups, plates, & cutlery
- Frequent sightings of turtles & dolphins
- Humpback whale sightings (Seasonal)
- Spectacular views of Honolulu, Waikiki, & Diamond Head
- A beautiful Hawaiian sunset
- 2-hour sailing cruise
Beyond the sunset sail, MAKANI CATAMARAN also offers day sails and a Friday fireworks sail! The day sail is good if you’d like to relax in the sun. There is NO SWIMMING on any of the sails…but if you sit on the nets when the crew is sailing fast, you’ll probably get splashed!
DAY SAIL
Check out their day sails:
8:00AM-10:00AM (seasonal)
11:00AM-1:00PM
2:00PM-4:00PM
FIREWORKS SAILS
Fireworks sail (7:30PM-8:30PM)
- Sunscreen (It’s Hawaii and the sun rays can be strong, a little sunscreen goes a long way)
- Sunglasses (would recommend POLARIZED, click HERE for my favorites)
- Comfortable footwear (I wore simple sandals)
- Light jacket if you tend to get cold (I packed a light cardigan in my purse)
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