Oahu is the most populated island in the chain of Hawaiian islands. Let’s see how it ranks in terms of getting out on the water in other people’s boats with an Oahu boat rental.
What’s Good
- Major international airport with direct flights from all over the US and Asia.
- Plenty of services for tourists, including transportation (no need to rent a car)
- Dense metropolitan area surrounded by history and natural beauty
What’s Not
- Bareboat/self-drive options are few and far between
- Hard to find solitude
Boating Conditions in Oahu
Oahu is a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It can be subject to violent surf conditions as swells build up over thousands of miles before reaching the shore and being compressed onto the beaches. Like other islands in Hawaii, the ‘lee’ shore (downwind) on the East side tends to be the most protected from weather (both wind and rain). Waikiki Beach is in a protected bay on the lee shore, providing water that is consistently manageable. This is where you’ll find most of the resorts, boat rentals, and charters.
The weather is pleasant year-round, benefiting from the moderating effect of all that ocean water. Winter is wetter than Summer, but you’ll still be able to find sunshine most days on that ‘lee’ shore.
Things to do on your Oahu Boat Rental
Snorkeling in Turtle Canyons
Most snorkel tours in Waikiki will head out to a volcanic formation called Turtle Canyon. I’ll let you guess why. Turtles can also be found on or near the beaches throughout the island
Swimming with the Dolphins
There are a number of tour boats that operate out of Wainae Harbor that can take you to snorkel with dolphins. We took a tour with Dolphin Excursions.
The tour included transportation from our hotel. The ride over was a guided tour in itself with the tour operators sharing about their life on the island and the sites along the way. The frustrating part about this is that it will stop at several hotels along Waikiki Beach, making the ride a bit ride longer than driving.
Dolphin Excursions uses a rigid inflatable boat. Compared to some of the larger catamarans used for tours, we went out with a smaller crowd and got to the dolphins faster. On the way back, the captain surfed along some of the waves rolling into the bay, which you couldn’t experience on a larger boat.
When we got to the bay where the dolphins were, they handed out snorkels, went over the rules , and set us free. There were maybe 100 dolphins swimming in the area. Some were mating (um, how about some privacy???). You aren’t allowed to get too close, and they stayed pretty deep while were there. That makes it quite a different experience than swimming with dolphins in a tank, but this is more humane and interesting experience to see them in the wild. Even Mrs. Busy Boater, who gets seasick snorkeling, really enjoyed it.
Private Boat Rental Options in Oahu
Powerboat Retnals
As of this writing, Oahu is the only island in Hawaii that offers Boatsetter rentals that you can skipper yourself without a captain. There’s a 21′ jet boat set up for tubing and snorkeling available in Honolulu near the airport. Further up the coast, there’s a 22′ Glacier Bay power catamaran similar to the one we rented in Maui. There are several other great powerboats on the island available to rent by the hour through the site.
Sailboat Retnals
Boatsetter also has a 33-foot sailing catamaran in Honolulu available without a captain. This is my top pick for a rental next time we’re in the area.
Until recently, there was one Hobie Cat rental on Oahu at Holokai Adventures on Kane’ohe Bay. Just like the only Hobie Cat rental on Maui, it was a 17′ Hobie Getaway that only available with an instructor. And, similar to Maui, we weren’t actually able to take it out while we were visiting Oahu: on the day we had reserved the boat, the wind was too calm for sailing. No need to worry about running into this problem yourself: they no longer have the Hobie Cat.
Paddling Rentals
There are rental stands all over Waikiki Beach that rent kayaks and paddleboards (SUPs). This is a great way to get off the beach and look for sea turtles.
The rental stands also have snorkel equipment, surfboards and boogie boards. Many also offer surfing lessons. Waikiki is a great beach to learn to surf with a long, gentle, consistent surf. You can also buy cheap boogie boards and snorkel kits at the ABC Stores, which are located on just about every block along Waikiki Beach.
Oahu Crewed Catamaran Charters
There are sailing catamarans that board right on Waikiki Beach. They all offer a few options ranging from 1-hour day sails, to snorkel tours and sunset sails. These boats are logically divided into two groups based on where they beach. The first group, beaching near the Royal Hawaiian are smaller, older boats with more character and lower prices. The second group, near the Hilton Hawaiian Village are a bit more upscale in features and price.
Waikiki Beach Sailing Catamarans
There are three sailing catamarans that board in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach. These boats motor away from the beach, but then sail around Diamondhead for an hour or so. Unlike what we’ve experienced in Maui and Kauai, the boats here in Waikiki actually put the sail up and cut the engines as soon as they get out of the surf. It’s a very peaceful way to pass the time. The downside is that you will share the boat with a lot of strangers, but we’ve done it several times and never felt crowded, even on Memorial Day weekend.
The boats offer snorkel trips and sunset cruises for $30-$40 online. However, we’ve found that they also hang a sign on the bow and sell seats while loading the next tour for about $10 less than the online price. Bring cash for admission and for booze…which will be surprisingly cheap if not included with the ticket.
Manu Kai
Na Hoku II
Kepoikai II
Both times we’ve come to Waikiki, we’ve sailed on the Kepoikai II and had a great time. The trampolines, made of a comfortable wide webbing, had plenty of room to stretch out.
Full Featured Sailing Catamarans Charters on Oahu
There are two other catamarans that board farther west in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village development.
Holokai
Holokai is a newer more upscale looking catamaran with a price to match. It has a bit more freeboard (sits higher in the water) than the other boats, so you’ll have a drier ride.
Spirit of Aloha
The Spirit of Alhoa is a larger boat. It is more accessible because it boards from a dock. It also has a covered cabin with tables to sit out of the sun.
Getting to Oahu
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu is the main airport on Oahu. It serves direct flights from most major cities from the US, and many international flights from all over the world. It’s also a short cab ride from Waikiki Beach, where you’ll find most of the tourist action on the island. Since there aren’t any liveaboard cruising rentals on the island, you’ll be staying in a hotel. There are plenty of hotel options to choose from along Waikiki Beach. You’ll pay more to stay in a hotel that’s on the beach. There are also lots of options for hotels one block off the beach that have great views and easy beach access. We like to stay at Kamaina Beach, which is just East of Waikiki, separated by Kapi’olani park. It’s still in walking distance from the action, but quieter than Waikiki.