All reviews are reproduced without any alterations or editing and represent the true ratings and reviews of people who were verified passengers aboard Kamoauli. All photos accompanying reviews were taken and uploaded to Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor and/or Viator by the reviewers themselves. All reviews are linked to their original source pages.
Amazing Experience Absolutely amazing! My family had the best time. Captain Rob and his staff were hospitable and made us all feel at home. The kids helped with the sail and learned so much about Hawaiian history and culture. They even learned to hula and made poi. This was definitely a memorable experience and was perhaps the best excursion we have been on in Oahu! This is an absolute must experience and worth every penny!!!
Sunset sail If we are looking for booze cruise, this is not for you. If you want to contribute to the local community and participate in a cultural adventure, then you are in the right place The owner/operator is a lovely guy, who renovated this royal canoe, once owned by the King of Tonga. A very comfortable vessel, where my 83 year old Mum (no TripAdvisor option for mother/daughter trip...) felt safe and happy, with crew members that are dear, valued friends of the owner. We loved the non-touristy feel of this trip. They went out of their way to add in some whale watching and we had a huge pod of dolphins ahead of us, surfing the bow. Magical! Highly, highly recommended!!
TripAdvisor - 5.0 Excellent
Justin B La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica Jan 2020
Personal Cruise with Whales and Dolphins My wife and I were the only ones booked for the evening, instead of canceling they took us out for a personal cruise. Lots of culture and enjoyed the crew and the water. We also saw dolphins and a young humpback put on a show leaping out of the water several times.
This is truly something special. We took the sunset cruise for my birthday, and I expected the usual thing, but this far surpassed my expectations. They have an actual Hawaiian historian on board, who regales passengers with stories of the history of Waikiki and surrounding areas. When he is not speaking, a traditional Hawaiian practitioner teaches skills such as making kappa and fresh poi, in between sharing the traditional stories of the Hawaiian people. Once it's time to head back to shore, the freshly made poi is eaten with poke, fresh coconut, and if you are lucky, homemade kalua pork. For dessert, haupia.
I can't begin to describe this experience. I was looking for a gift for my husband that was educational in nature and more hands on, this was exactly it. It was one part touristy in that it was a beauty view of Waikiki and sunset on an outrigger and 3 parts going on your uncles boat to learn about the culture and history of your ohana. So intimate and warm and powerful as we chanted the setting of the sun! The poke that they offered was incredible and wonderfully paired with the freshly pounded poi that we all made ourselves! I was so sad when it was over! Every ticket you buy go towards free educational trips for local schools! There's just no reason not to do this.
TripAdvisor - 5.0 Excellent
TripAdvisor - 5.0 Excellent
Viator - 5 Stars
Yelp - 5 Stars
Emily B. Kaneohe, HI
10/10/2019 Yelp Review
Today was an amazing morning out on the water on the Kamoauli! It was my first time on board and my friends and I had a wonderful time. The crew works so hard to make sure every guest has a safe, memorable and educational trip; you can tell they really love what they do. The cultural aspect of the trip was such an interesting aspect too and being able to go out on a double hull canoe is so fun. I loved hearing all the stories, getting to participate in some cultural practices and eat some yummy food! This is a very unique adventure. I highly recommend checking them out!
Yelp - 5 Stars
Kimberly T. Mililani, HI
10/10/2019 Yelp Review
Captain Rob and his amazing crew provided a relaxing yet culturally enriching morning. On the cruise, my two friends and I listened to stories of ancient Hawaii which brought Waikiki to life. As we were sailing out, we saw fish, coral reef and a beautiful sea turtle. Kawika explained the names of places. Anela demonstrated traditional cultural practices. Ke'anu demonstrated and taught us how to pound poi. We ate a traditional Hawaiian snacks that are delicious and filling and healthy!! Thank you for an awesome and welcoming morning!!!
TripAdvisor - 5.0 Excellent
Yelp - 5 Stars
Karen C. Airdrie, Canada
10/9/2019 Yelp Review
We came to Honolulu for the 45th Honolulu Powwow and we had the opportunity to come on this amazing sailing. My kids enjoyed every minute of it and learnt a lot from the elder and amazing crew. We would love to come back again and take another sail and we will definitely recommend this family activity. Thanks Captain Rob for the great sail and to the crew, much appreciated.
Yelp - 5 Stars
Holly H. Honolulu, HI
10/7/2019 Yelp Review
This was such a wonderful experience with an expert crew with true local knowledge and the aloha spirit. We enjoyed sailing on the coast and were even able to swim at a safe location and snorkel and see beautiful sea life in its natural habitat! Thank you so much for such a memorable experience- I highly recommend this to anyone looking for an authentic and fun time in the ocean, this sail is great for residents and tourists! Mahalo!
Yelp - 5 Stars
Evette M. Kapolei, HI
10/7/2019 Yelp Review
Absolutely fantastic adventure to do here! Support local, learn local culture, practices, and gain a bit of history of the south shore from the islands own. Crew and captain were amazing! Safety and fun were a priority, and risk the chance to see some of O'ahu's wildlife as well (nai'a and honu's-dolphins and sea turtles). Definitely made for group tours and class/school excursions.
Yelp - 5 Stars
Mellissa G. Yuba City, CA
10/5/2019 Yelp Review
The Kamoauli Wa'a is an awe-inspiring and breath-taking experience. This is a beautiful one of a kind Polynesian double hauled sailing canoe. It's all cedar wood design is very impressive and learning the history of Kamoauli was very educational. The Captain and the crew are experienced and well informed, so you will feel safe, confident and welcomed like family. No island experience is complete without sailing on the only Polynesian Wa'a in the world! Da Gs
Yelp - 5 Stars
Lynnae L. Kapolei, HI
10/1/2019 Yelp Review
The Captain and all Native Hawaiian Crew really know how to welcome you aboard with Aloha! Only traditional Native Hawaiian Wa'a (pronounced va'a) on the islands. We learned so much about the history of the Waikiki coastline, ate some delicious local food, saw turtles and helped sing down the sun! Definitely a must do while on O'ahu.
TripAdvisor - 5.0 Excellent
Yelp - 5 Stars
Jeri C. Honolulu, HI
9/27/2019 Yelp Review
A wonderful authentic Hawaiian sailing experience whether on your own, a couple, or family. Sailing on the wa'a kaulua (double hulled canoe) is Hawaii at its best. An educational vessel that sails out of Kewalo Basin along Waikiki toward Diamond Head. Hawaiian food, story telling, and accompanying ukulele music highlite this trip. A friendly professional crew enhance the experience. Take a day sail or evening sail to witness the beautiful sunset. Highly recommended !!!
Yelp - 5 Stars
Lauren S. San Francisco, CA
9/24/2019 Yelp Review
Highly recommended for families looking for a fun day at sea and with the bonus of learning about the rich, enchanting culture of the Polynesian Islands! Truly one of the best cultural experiences we've had on our visits to Hawaii. The canoe is beautiful, polished and comfortable (lots of space to walk around and also a good amount of shade). The crew was welcoming, knowledgeable and very fun hosts for an afternoon on the Hawaiian sea. This was a unique sailing adventure focused on Hawaiian culture, respecting traditions and educating youth (but I learned a lot too!).
Yelp - 5 Stars
Drew U. San Francisco, CA
9/24/2019 Yelp Review
This is truly a unique tour. Nowhere else can you get aboard an original polynesian canoe and learn from legitimate cultural practitioners. The captain and crew were friendly and extremely knowledgable. It's like the Hokuleia became open to the public
Yelp - 5 Stars
Eric W. Kapolei, HI
9/24/2019 Yelp Review
My family had the amazing opportunity to sail on Kamoauli for a sunset cruise to the Westside of the island and we couldn't be more happy with the entire experience! The moment we set foot on this one of kind Polynesian canoe we just couldn't wait for the adventure to begin! Captain Rob, First Mate Kawika, and the rest of the Kamoauli crew did an awesome job of weaving Hawaiian lore and legend with the breathtaking views of both island and ocean. Having the opportunity to sail on a traditional Polynesian canoe made the experience way more legit and I can't recommend this cruise enough! Kamoauli maika'i!!!
Yelp - 5 Stars
Elizabeth M. Kailua, HI
9/23/2019 Yelp Review
This was such an amazing adventure for our family! We took all our children from 3-17 and they all thoroughly enjoyed it! Beautiful views of Hawaii from the water and an amazing cultural experience sailing on this unique Polynesian canoe!