Manu Kai Catamaran

We had so much fun and clearly tube people running this catamaran like their not. They were entertaining and we all enjoyed our evening. .even if it did rain a but :)

Wow! What an amazing time. I went out on a snorkel in the morning and had such a fantastic time seeing all the sea life. I got to see turtles, fish, and some octopus and finished my snorkel with a nice cocktail. To cool! Had such a great time I decided to return for the sunset sail. Where I got to see whales and dolphins! Was a memorable experience with captain Chris and his crew. Highly recommend and will be back soon!

Best experience ever. Crew was so very welcoming and took great care of us. Will definitely be doing this again and again! Fireworks on Friday nights are beautiful!

My boyfriend and I went on the midday cruise January 23^rd. It was fantastic! Crew was awesome. I can’t remember all their names, I do remember Chris and Rocky. The cruise was fairly empty, just us and 3 others. It was pleasant, very relaxing, personable crew. We really enjoyed ourselves. The view was amazing as usual. Would highly recommend this to others. We live here but we were playing tourist for the day, great time!

This was such a great experience. We found a Groupon deal for 2 for $ 60 (20% off with some promotion they were having). It was really nice because the night we went, there were only 5 of us passengers, and 3 crew members — so we pretty much had the whole catamaran to ourselves! We got to see some whales, and the sunset on the way back setting over Diamond Head was gorgeous. Very romantic. Drinks were $ 5 (got some Mai Tais).

Loved our afternoon sail on Manu Kai! The crew was fun, helpful and made the trip very enjoyable. The best way to enjoy Waikiki is definitely out on their catamaran, can’t wait to sail with them again.

I went to Hawaii last week for a nice relaxing trip and happened to be there at the same time as my friends wedding! She invited me on a boat ride with her friends and family and I’m so glad she did. The crew of the boat were so friendly and did everything in their power to make it enjoyable for everyone. We were a group of about 18 people so that’s pretty impressive. We got to jump off the boat and they took a million photos for us and didn’t complain :) I would highly suggest this ride to anyone who is visiting the island.

The crew was so awesome and fun and this Catamaran ride was the best memory from my trip. Thank you Manukai for an awesome sail. Being attentive to our safety, being so friendly and fun, and letting us take a million pictures and helping if we needed a photographer ;) great crew and staff assisted us and anything we needed with friendly attitudes. Mahalo!!!

View was great. Crew was very nice. We were not expecting to be charged $ 6 a drink before we were allowed off after being told the $ 45 charge per person included drinks. Won’t use them again.

I live on Oahu and regularly take family who comes to visit out on the cruises. I usually use the Na Hoku II but this time I wasn’t paying attention and accidentally signed up for the wrong boat. Not a big deal, so I just went with it. The overall cruise was fine. There were only about 10 people, if that, on the boat. Beautiful sunset, as always. The reason why I’m giving them 1 star: the cruise only lasted 1 hour vice the 1.5 hours that is advertised. They also raised the prices and it’s now $ 45 a person for the sunset cruise. Pricey, but not a huge deal if you’re getting the full 90 minute ride. The boat pulls on to shore, the crew politely escorts everyone off the boat (most people blissfully unaware that their trip was shortened). I ask one of the crew members if the boat tour is usually only an hour because I thought maybe I just had the time wrong. And he said, «no, it’s usually 90 minutes.» So I asked why did we come back early? And he told me to talk the captain. When I talked to the captain, he said «Oh, I didn’t realize.» Somehow you do this for a living and have no clue how to make the boat ride last the 90 minutes advertised? I told him that we were with the Na Hoku the whole time except we turned around early and the Na Hoku kept going around Diamond Head. He said the winds were stronger than expected. I said, that’s fine then we want to get refunded back for the portion of the trip that we didn’t get. He said that we could stay and drink on the boat (as the tide is ripping in and the boat is heavily rocking with the surf). I told him that we didn’t want to sit on shore on a rocking boat drinking, that we wanted the experience of being out on the water. He said he couldn’t refund us because the owner had already deposited the money in the bank. This captain obviously has no moral integrity whatsoever. Don’t come back early, lie about it, and then not be able to own up. If you really did come back early because of the winds, then be transparent with your customers. The whole thing was really shady. He eventually refunded us ¹⁄₃ of what we paid. It was a huge disappointment. Highly recommend making sure you sign up and get on the Na Hoku II. They are actually an honest company that has great crew members and great customer service.

Friendly staff, fun ride! Boat was very relaxing and the view of Waikiki was great. Unlimited drinks sounded like a plus, but would have instead preferred pay-​per-​drink for maybe some nicer beers and perhaps a slightly lower per-​person charge to get on the boat. Some people drank more than others and if you don’t drink much then you’ll be subsidizing those that do. Overalls great experience though, and the crew/​captain were especially laid back and nice.

Wow! We were about to board and the Waikiki Beach Boys asked us to take a picture. Nobu knew we were about to board then took off anyway. She was so rude! This company is so unprofessional and did not show aloha AT ALL. We will never recommend this company to anyone. I asked another person with a red beard if i could have the owner Johns email and explained we were dissppointed in the way we were treated and he called me an asshole. I’ve never been treated like this before on this beautiful island. Highly recommend paying a few bucks more Na Hoku, Mai Tai and Island Magic Catamaran.

Discovered these guys while walking down the beach celebrating my mom’s birthday looking for a good time and they charge $ 40 a head for an hour and a half ride with «unlimited» liquor. Now, I’m sorry, but seeing as it’s 12:30 in the afternoon there’s no way I’ll be having that many drinks for that to be worth it. And no kama’aina rate. Super lame. #supportlocal

First booze cruise, and it was a joy! The guys and girl that worked on board were really friendly. We got to see whales while we were out there, and constantly had a beverage in hand. It was a 90 minute cruise for $ 35/​person. And they took a picture of you before you got on board, so when the ship came back they could sell it to you for $ 20. A bit steep for the picture price, but other than that… Super cool. I’ll definitely do it again.

Over the last 5 years I have spent some considerable time in Honolulu and one of the things I look forward to the most is heading out on a Catamaran. I grew up sailing and there is absolutely nothing I love more, and the awesome crew of the Manu Kai always make sure it is a fabulous time. From making you feel safe and comfortable upon the boat, to always refreshing your beverage (they make tasty rum punch!), and offering to take pics of you with Diamond-​head in the background. They will help to point out whales or sea turtles, and if it’s a smaller group on a nice day they will drop sail so that you can dive off the boat and go for a 5 minute swim!
The cruises are always all-​you-​can-​drink, range from crazy party zone to chill and relaxing, and always worth the price of admission! Ahoy!

I’ve been working as one of the captains on Manu Kai for the last 6 weeks now and figured this page could use a few clarifications. I give it 5 stars, but I’m definitely biased.
First it’s a sailboat ride with an open bar not a booze cruise. Manu Kai does 4 sails a day: 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 and 5:30. The 5:30 sunset sail often fills up and has more of a party atmosphere, but the earlier sails are all family friendly. The price is $ 30, for the earlier sails we offer a kama’aina of $ 25 with a valid Hawaii drivers license, but there’s no discount for the sunset.
Manu Kai isn’t fancy. The bathrooms are fully functional, but not for the claustrophobic. I agree, if you can wait until you get to shore it’d be better, but they’re there if you need them… kinda important when people have been drinking too many Coors Lights.
We do launch and land through the surf in Waikiki. Catamarans having been doing this since Woody Brown built the first Manu Kai back in 1947. We try to be very professional navigating a narrow entrance through reef while avoiding the throngs of beginning surfers, swimmers, and canoes. We always have two spotters blowing horns off the front of the boat directing traffic as we come through the crowd and try to be as patient as possible while driving a 43′ catamaran through a surf break. Due to tidal conditions we do have to move people around from time to time to get the boat in. It’s part of the deal. Sorry if any of that seems unprofessional.
Myself, the other captain and all the crew try our best to show everyone a good time and keep things safe and respectful. Alas we can’t please everyone, but I challenge you to find a better deal in Waikiki.

Since the Na Hoku was not around the day we wanted to booze it up, we found the Manu Kai. One of the guys said it’s with the same company. We went on this cruise the day after Labor day and not too many people boarded the 11:30am trip. I think everyone else traveled back home or went back to work. There were a handful of families and children on the 11:30am trip. So it can go either super rowdy or it could be mostly families.
We walked to the Moana hotel by 11:15am and thru the lobby and onto the beach. Here you will see the guys eating their lunch and with a clipboard.
$ 30 cash for non-kamaa’ainas. CASH ONLY
We sat on the beach for a bit while the guys set up the boat. Then everyone started showing up to board.
We’ve been on booze cruises late in the afternoon and everyone gets super fucked up… be mindful when you want to go and check out the crowd signing up. If you don’t want to be with rowdy folks, wait for the next one. Booze cruises are about partying it up on the ocean, so why not? Just the name alone should make you decide if it’s right for you. Bring on the party? Board the boat.
Want something more expensive and dignified? Go on those proper dinner cruises.
One guy had never been to Hawaii so he ended up partying on this. Another older guy celebrated his birthday and the wife and family gave everyone mini cupcakes. We sang Happy Birthday to him before we came back ashore.
Booze cruises will ALWAYS bring out the craziness, so expect the unexpected. ALWAYS. If you think someone may annoy you for 90 mins, wait for the next booze cruise. Just saying, you have been warned.
I would suggest eating a super-​light yet filling meal early in the day or wait to board at least 3 hours before going on this cruise. I always bring bottled water to counteract the excess vodka I’m drinking. There’s beer, rum, vodka, sodas, etc…
30 mins before booze cruise, chew on several pieces of ginger candy. This has always helped me. It’s up to you if you have anti-​seasick pills etc… but be mindful when you drink. ramamine. Sometimes the waves are a bit choppy. If you want to know the water conditions, ask the friendly guys, cause they know if it will be smooth sailing or not. From here you can decide if you want to spend $ 30 or wait later in the day or go another day. It’s all about timing.
I always bring some tea tree or eucalyptus oil and face mist to counteract any impending seasickness.
The guys played some relaxing reggae music and it was super chill. It’s like a bar on water without the 4 walls, getting to know strangers for 90 entertaining minutes.
Pure paradise.

Here’s the deal: if you’re looking for a way to drink a lot in Waikiki without going broke this is a great option. Is it the fanciest boating experience? No, but when you consider most waterfront spots on the beach charge you $ 5+ for a single beer, $ 30 all you can drink for 90 minutes sounds great! We made reservations ahead of time (recommended for the sunset cruise) and arrived on time which is what the reservations lady requested. When we got there the crew was at the boat but they weren’t ready yet and said to come back in about 15 minutes (reason for 4 stars). Not a huge deal factoring in island time, so we wandered for a bit and came back /​boarded without hassle. They definitely pack the boat full so if you have a group and all want to sit together I’d still get there early or on time to get in line. We were only 2 so it was a non-​issue; we sat in the back of the boat and had 0 problem with splashes. They also played chill Bob Marley /​Jack Johnson esque music the whole time which was perfect for the setting.
Here are some tips:
— be prepared to not be picky if you want to get your money’s worth on drinks! No fancy beer or crazy mixed drinks, but they’ll get the job done if you lower your «I’m not 21 anymore and can afford to be in HI» standards and accept the PBR/​basic mixed drinks (we had a couple vodka pineapples which weren’t bad) throwbacks.
–be friendly/​prepared to talk to strangers (eek!) because one of the best parts is the people watching and interacting with randoms while you’re all trapped on a boat chugging cheap booze. We met some awesome girls from Australia and this hilarious group from Austin and had a grand old time.
–use the bathroom ahead of time! During the safety briefing the crew pointed out where the bathrooms were, and I vowed then and there to not break the seal. They are funny little trapdoors under the seats, and you have to ask the crew to please let you in and out again (you have to actually knock on the closed hatch to be released). That sounded sketch to me as I wasn’t trying to be trapped down there, but I noticed the crew was attentive to the people who needed to go /​waited by the trapdoor to let them out asap.
–this is not a yacht: you did not pay for a yacht. Liquor quality matches the price: you did not pay to swig fancy champagne. Go with an open mind and lots of «aloha» spirit to have a fun laid back time.
Overall the crew was great and would also make the rounds/​offer you a refill if they noticed your drink was low which I thought was really nice considering it’s an open bar, so I didn’t necessarily expect stellar service. In the end I was very happy we decided to do this, and can’t complain about $ 30 for a cruise around the bay and drinks to boot. I would view this as a great way to pre-​game if you are planning a rowdy night right in the downtown/​beach corridor because you would be hardpressed to find anywhere in that area with a better view at sunset (can’t beat ON the water!) and cheaper drinks. I would definitely go on this cruise again if I return to Waikiki.

I went on the Manu Kai sunset cruise on 5÷6÷2014, and it was as perfect as a cruise can get.
The crew was very professional yet fun to hang with, and the other passengers were respectful for the most part there are a few people that will always get hammered, but that’s to be expected on a booze cruise.
It’s a party on a boat. If you can’t hang loose and go with the flow then this isn’t for you, but if you are expecting to have a great time, and take some amazing pictures of the sunset reflecting off of the waters, and make some unforgettable memories then this is your kind of cruise.
My mom has problems with her knees and I didn’t know if I would be able to take her along, but the captain and crew were more than happy to help her on and off the boat.
The Captain Curtis was very attentive, and made sure that everyone was happy, and had drinks. The cruise itself was a little over an hour and a half, and felt great to have the wind through your hair.
I would highly recommend this cruise if you’re in Waikiki. It is a freaking awesome time I will always remember, and the next time I’m in Hawaii I wouldn’t even think about taking any other cruise than this.

Our group of 9 showed up for Na Hoku II and was told that we needed to be there 30 minutes early prior to departure time; We got there at 5:05. No Biggie. We were rushed to Manu Kai right beside them. Paid $ 30, gave the lady our names and we boarded.
My first «booze» cruise and if it wasn’t for the company I was with, the trip wouldn’t be worth it.
Onboard:
— People had their shoes, backpacks, and purses on all the seating area.
— We squeezed our party on the front of the boat.
— Rough seas, cold wind, gloomy weather, got splashed once and was soaked.
— People are able to smoke which sorta kills the experience.
— No one has respect for your items; people spill drinks on your stuff and/​or move your belongings.
— Bathrooms: Male = starboard side, Female = port side. Both under the deck; weird. Overheard a lady ask for soap, so I’m assuming there is none below.
— Music playing the entire time
— Nice scenery to admire.
Drinks:
— Watered down and sweet drinks. (Mai Tai’s, few bottles of liquor)
— 2 beer selections: Pabst and Coors Light.
— Didn’t really know what to order so ehhh.
— Our lady server was nice and attentive to our party.
Overall Experience:
— It seemed shorter than 1.5hrs
— Had issues pulling up onshore — made us go left/​right.
— Nice to see other boats and paddlers pass us.
— The views are cool but I think it’s the same.
Suggestions:
— For those drinkers, pre-​game; the mixed drinks aren’t great; wayyy too sweet. Even with a $ 30 tip for two people.
— Bring flip-​flips, a light sweater, possibly a towel in the case you get splashed.
— Don’t leave your items away from your view; it will get moved.
— Come with a big group; it’ll make it even more fun.
— Use the bathroom BEFORE boarding; bring hand sanitizer.