There are endless opportunities to get out on the water while visiting Waikiki. There are early-morning whale watches, shark diving, glass-bottom boats, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, dinner boats and party catamarans—the list goes on. Each company and outing operates slightly differently in what they provide. Some include lunch and a few free drinks; others have a cash bar on board.
One little secret about the boating industry on Oahu is that there are many cruises that allow you to bring your own booze (BYOB). Generally speaking, these cruises tend to be significantly cheaper and draw a mix of locals and visitors, typically young. For those looking to kick back and enjoy a few, the concept is an easy sell from an economical standpoint.
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But the experience also offers a little bit of a different feel than the traditional sail—there’s something about everyone rolling up to the boat with their own coolers that makes it feel less like a commercial tour and more like an authentic, “just going out for a sail” kind of outing.
Here are a range of BYOB cruises currently being offered in Waikiki:
BYOB Sunset Cruise
This one is the Hawaii classic. Shove off the shore during the twilight hours and watch the sun set into the ocean on the water, all while dipping your hand into your own cooler (in some cases, the boat provides a cooler). Check out these offerings from Oahu Catamarans and Mana Kai.
BYOB Fireworks Cruise
There are many cruises that sail out in front of Waikiki for the Friday fireworks. Typically leaving at sunset, the cruises, such as this one from Dive Oahu, give you a waterfront view of the weekly firework display. Avoid the crowds on the beaches and gain a new perspective of the fireworks and the Waikiki skyline.
Glass Bottom Catamaran
Glass bottom boats sail all day every day, but also at sunset and for the fireworks, too. While a glass bottom boat at night might seem counter-intuitive, the boat turns on underwater lights to attract fish, which provides an interesting look into the underwater world after the sun goes down.
BYOB “Pirate” Themed Nightclub Cruise
Yes, a pirate-themed nightclub cruise—on a pirate ship. Need we say more? This one is for 21+ only—prepare for a heavy-drinking crowd – but the same ship’s afternoon cruises are more family friendly. You can dress up in pirate attire if you want, but it’s not required.
