Waikiki Panorama Sail in Honolulu, HI

First, before writing a review, we want to thank the owner(s) and the people that work for Hawaii Nautical from the bottom of our hearts for the Mahalo Tour, which was free for first responders/essential workers and $25 for guests (but limited amounts of people due to COVID). I found out about this limited-time promo through Dolphin Excursions (thanks, Jenna!) It was all of our first times with this company and we were super impressed (more later). In hard times like these, this kind of generosity does not go unnoticed! We did tip generously, though, and I suggest to whoever is taking the Mahalo Tour do the same. Return like for like and spread the aloha! We had a choice of times and a choice of where to sail from, so we chose Waianae Boat Harbor for the 4 PM sailing (avoid Waianae-bound traffic during rush hour and leave early). Jesse was our captain and there were two other wonderful men with him but I forgot their names, sorry! We met at Gate C 15-minutes before our sail time of 1600. Our boat was a gorgeous Ko Nau Lani catamaran, which included toilets (downstairs), a bar and seating area out of the sun, and the front of the boat which had netted areas you could lay on while you watch the deep blue waters glide under you. We were helped onto the boat and given a briefing of where life vests/boats/toilets were. There were complimentary ice cold drinks. The music was wonderful and the sail was smooth as could be. If you are prone to sea sickness, fear not, this boat did not make me a bit sick at all, and I'm the type of person who can't even read a book or a map in a moving car! The waters were super blue (see my photos). The kids wanted to swim so Jesse anchored off shore and the kids had a great time. We didn't bring masks so they loaned us some of theirs. The water was so clear you could see the reef from above without having to get into the water! For the swimmers, you could either jump off the side of the boat or go down the stairs in the back of the boat, which was submerged into the water. I was really sad to go back to land, as the time on the boat was just magical (75 minutes went by fast!). The crew made it memorable as well; they were super friendly, entertaining, helpful, caring and all-around good-guys. I'm glad we got to have a slice of heaven in our daily, routine lives. I'm coming back to Hawaii Nautical in the future, COVID or not, to get another slice of paradise.

While in Hawaii we booked the West Oahu, sailing catamaran. As advertised in Hawaii Nautical Brochure. Without being told at time of booking or before getting in their bus, we ended up on a Scuba diving boat full of tanks so you couldn't get to the side to view the whale. Had to remove our shoes before boarding (even with the coronavirus lurking over us). The snacks were chex mix and goldfish in bowls for everyone to put their hands in. This was the WORST excursion I have ever been on. I will be going back to Hawaii but will never book through these people again.

Excellent time on the Catamaran. Entertaining guides with knowledge and friendly service. We saw many beautiful fish, whales and green sea turtles in the beautiful clear ocean. Will certainly use Hawaii Nautical tours again. Mahalo & A Hui Hou!

if your looking to get a great boat and crew you are looking at the right one! they were really great- we saw whales!!! whole process was terrific, would highly recommend.

Briefly saw 2 whales surface for about 60 and 15 seconds respectively so no coupon for free return trip. But the boat ride and north leeward shore were great. I thank the crew for being great hosts who kept pouring drinks.