Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail

Overview

Kamoauli is a locally owned, all-wood, double-hulled, traditional Polynesian canoe (wa’a kaulua) offering a one-of-a-kind native Hawaiian cultural and educational experience. Come sail along the beautiful Waikiki coastline and become immersed in the stories and history of place (Mo‘olelo) reflected through the land (ʻāina) and ocean (moana) aboard a classroom on the sea. Our cultural practitioner and crew involve guests in hands on activities, using native materials to make food, clothing, tools, and other traditional items. Ask questions, explore the deck, nets and hulls, take part in poi (taro) pounding or just relax and enjoy. 'Ukulele music and traditional chants ('oli) with locally-sourced traditional food and drinks are all part of this unique experience.

*All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

City: Oahu

Sat 24 Jan

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $250.00

Make a reservation

Sat 24 Jan

Starting at $250.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Learn about and participate in a traditional sunset 'oli ceremony

Cultural & Educational Activites - experience traditional food preparation and clothing manufacture.

Refreshments, dinner & music

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Waikiki

E ho'okele kakou! Come experience Kamoauli, a traditional Polynesian wa'a kaulua - an all-wood, double-hulled sailing canoe! Kamoauli is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture by offering a unique educational platform to share ka mo'olelo o ka 'aina - the native history, myths, legends and stories of this land - while sailing the waters of O'ahu's Kona district.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (118)

Maria_M

Mar 2024

One of the most special experiences my 9 year old and I had during our vacation. I highly recommend this sail!

Response from Host

Apr 2024

Thank you for the recommendation!

I2211ITalicem

Mar 2024

This sail includes dinner, but it’s not your typical sunset dinner cruise. It’s focused on relaying the cultural history of Hawaii. It’s on a replica of a historic catamaran, but with a motor. The sail includes a meal based on traditional foodstuffs, singing of traditional Hawaiian songs, hulu, and a demonstration and participation in preparation of traditional taro root for the meal. If you would like to learn more about the culture of Hawaii, and would prefer a more intimate experience than a luau this is a great alternative. The boat is also used for educational purposes and some of the money made from the tours, helps to bring local school children on board for field trips, which is near and dear to my heart as a teacher.

Response from Host

Apr 2024

Thank you for giving us such a wonderful review!

Daydream58090534676

Mar 2024

When we were planning our vacation to O'ahu, one thing my wife wanted to book was a sunset cruise. I browsed through several options, many of which were on Tripadvisor with hundreds of positive reviews. This excursion only had a few but the cultural aspect intrigued me and I decided to take a chance, and we were well rewarded. This is not your standard sunset cruise. First, there's the boat. It's a 100+ year old wooden double-hulled canoe with an interesting history that puts you just a few feet above the water. The first half we relaxed with a goblet of fresh coconut water as we sailed out along the Waikiki coast toward Diamond Head. Our hosts sang songs and played the ukulele in between anecdotes and information about how the coast has changed over it's history. They are scholars of Hawaiian history and not only had a lot of things planned to share, but were able to answer my (many) questions. We also saw a turtle! The second half of the trip was much more hands-on. We learned some hula steps, sang, played traditional instruments and mashed taro as part of our dinner. Along with the taro, there was other fresh fish and fruit and a couple desert items. It was all delicious, and there was plenty of it. Before or during each of these activities, we learned the associated cultural significance. As the sun set and we were singing a traditional Hawaiian sunset blessing, a huge yacht with over a hundred people aboard who chose a more traditional sunset cruise came into view and I realized how lucky we were. If you want to observe the sunset from a detached, low-stakes position behind glass or thirty feet above the water, this option is not for you. If you aren't afraid of getting your hands dirty, learning new things and participating in new experiences that may be a little outside your comfort zone, this is a must-do while in O'ahu. This is a unique experience and one we will probably never forget. Aloha!

Response from Host

Apr 2024

Mahalo for taking the time to write such an Amazing review!