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87.5/100
Quality Score
11
Tours Available
Waianae, Oahu
808-234-7245
Our Review: Hawaii Nautical - Oahu
Hawaii Nautical runs catamaran tours from two departure points on Oahu — Waikiki and Ko Olina on the west side — giving them access to different stretches of coastline depending on what you're after. Their 11 tours average 87.5/100, with the top four all scoring 94 or higher.
The Waikiki Turtle Snorkel Sail with Lunch (96/100) is their signature experience. You sail out of Kewalo Basin on a catamaran, snorkel over reef systems where Hawaiian green sea turtles are practically guaranteed, and eat lunch on the water. The Signature Sunset Sail (also 96/100) is equally strong — Waikiki sunsets from a catamaran with drinks hit differently than watching from shore.
The west side offerings are where Hawaii Nautical has a real edge. The West Oahu Dolphin Watch and Turtle Snorkel Sail (94/100) departs from Ko Olina, where spinner dolphin pods are frequent visitors in the morning hours. The west coast is less crowded, the water is calmer, and the reef systems are in excellent shape.
For a splurge, they offer private charters from Ko Olina (88/100) — not cheap, but if you're celebrating an anniversary or traveling with a group, having a catamaran to yourselves changes the entire dynamic.
Their boats are well-maintained, crews are personable, and the operation runs on time. These aren't packed party boats — they keep group sizes reasonable.
Who This Operator Is Best For
Couples and families who want a proper ocean experience — not a mega-boat cattle call. The Waikiki departures are convenient, but the Ko Olina tours are the hidden gem here if you're staying on the west side or willing to make the drive.
Available Tours & Activities
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Ready to Book with Hawaii Nautical - Oahu?
Browse all 11 tours and find the experience that fits your Oahu adventure.
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
0:000:53
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Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:55
Voice
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Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:58
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out