Planning the Perfect Private Catamaran Charter in Waikiki

Choosing the Right Charter Length

Oahu Ocean Adventures offers several private charter options departing from Ala Wai Boat Harbor, each tailored to how much time you want on the water and what experiences you’d like to include. All charters accommodate up to six guests and include snorkel gear, towels and a professional crew. Here’s a breakdown of the choices:

Half‑Day Charter (2–6 hours) 

At $349 per hour, a half‑day charter is perfect when you want a taste of everything[18]. Suggested itineraries often include sailing past Waikiki and Diamond Head, snorkeling at Turtle Canyon or along Hanauma Bay, and returning in time for lunch or sunset. Activities can include snorkeling, whale watching (seasonal), sunset sailing, fireworks viewing, swimming and relaxing. Add‑ons such as catered meals, a full bar, a DJ or live music, an onboard photographer or event packages for proposals or weddings allow you to customize your experience.

Full‑Day Charter (8–12 hours) 

If you’d like to venture beyond Waikiki, the full‑day option costs $249 per hour and lets you explore more remote locations. A suggested itinerary might start with a morning sail to the Kāneʻohe Sandbar or Oahu’s North Shore, followed by snorkeling at Shark’s Cove or Turtle Canyon. You can then cruise along scenic coastlines looking for dolphins, turtles and whales, stop at a secluded bay, and finish with a sunset sail back to the harbor. Add‑ons include DJ or live band, catered lunch or dinner, in‑water snorkel guides and photography packages.

Overnight Charter (24–30 hours) 

For a romantic escape or family adventure, the overnight charter costs $150 per hour and includes dinner, a starlit night at anchor and a sunrise snorkel. Day 1 usually features a sunset cruise and dinner onboard; you then anchor along Oahu’s west side for stargazing and spend the night in the comfortable cabins. Day 2 brings a sunrise breakfast, snorkeling and marine‑life encounters before returning to the harbor. Add‑ons include dinner and breakfast packages, guided snorkeling, a photographer and even a local musician to serenade your evening.

Multi‑Day Charter (5 days/4 nights) 

For the ultimate island‑hopping adventure, the multi‑day charter costs $100 per hour and takes you from Oahu to Lanaʻi, Maui and back. Sample itineraries include sailing to Lanai on day 1, exploring Lanai and then heading to Maui on day 2, snorkeling at Molokini Crater and Turtle Town on day 3, visiting Mala Wharf or Shipwreck Beach on day 4, and returning to Oahu on day 5. Activities range from snorkeling and whale watching to beach landings and nighttime manta‑ray viewing. Optional extras include fresh seafood dinners, DJ or live music, fishing gear, underwater photography and even a private chef.

Meet “Love Well”: Your Luxury Catamaran

The centerpiece of every charter is Love Well, a 42‑foot Lagoon 420 catamaran. Crafted from polyester fiberglass with elegant wood trim, Love Well blends form and function. The helm station has a rigid Bimini top for shade, and the central salon features a well‑equipped galley and navigation station where meals and memories are shared. The port hull offers a queen‑size berth, lounge area and generous head with shower, while the starboard hull houses two more double‑berth cabins and two additional heads. There’s ample deck space for sunbathing or stargazing, and cushioned seating throughout ensures comfort on long journeys. For shorter excursions or wildlife viewing, Oahu Ocean Adventures also operates The Hummingbird, a 21‑foot Boston Whaler with a quiet engine and cushioned bow for getting close to dolphins and turtles.

Designing Your Perfect Day

Once you’ve selected a charter length, the crew will work with you to design an itinerary that matches your interests. Popular options include:

• Snorkeling and marine‑life encounters. Turtle Canyon, Shark’s Cove and the Kāneʻohe Sandbar are all excellent snorkel sites, each offering distinct marine life.

• Sightseeing cruises. Sail past Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head on the south shore or explore the rugged cliffs and surf breaks of the North Shore.

• Beach landings and sandbar parties. Anchor off secluded beaches or gather at the Kāneʻohe Sandbar to swim, paddleboard and relax.

• Celebrations. From proposals and anniversaries to family reunions or bachelorette parties, the crew can arrange decorations, live music, catered meals and photography to make the day unforgettable.

Tips for Booking

1. Plan ahead. Private charters are popular, especially during peak travel seasons and whale‑watching months. Book early to secure your preferred dates.

2. Discuss your vision. The crew will tailor the itinerary to your interests, whether that means focusing on snorkeling, stopping at multiple bays or simply relaxing on deck.

3. Bring the essentials. In addition to swimwear and reef‑safe sunscreen, pack a hat, light jacket, water, snacks and any speciality drinks you’d like. If you’re chartering overnight or longer, bring toiletries and motion‑sickness medication.

4. Meet at Ala Wai Boat Harbor. All charters depart from this central location in Honolulu. Public parking costs $1 per hour, but there is a 24‑hour limit, so take a taxi or rideshare if you’re booking an overnight or multi‑day charter.

With a custom itinerary, luxurious catamaran and attentive crew, a private charter with Oahu Ocean Adventures allows you to experience Oahu and the neighboring islands in whatever way you imagine.