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, AirBnB, TripAdvisor and/or Viator by the reviewers themselves. All reviews are linked to their original source pages.
Carena Phillips July 2022 We had an incredible time aboard Kamoauli! Leiolani and Kapua were highlights as they shared such insightful teachings, beautiful hula and music with us. The welcome chant from the entire crew made us cry. All the special touches were so meaningful and heartfelt, they definitely share pure aloha with all their guests. Its an honor to be aboard this historic Polynesian canoe and an incredible opportunity learn all the teachings - the mo’olelo. Truly a beautiful sail we will never forget! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TripAdvisor 5.0 Excellent
AlexG July 18, 2022 Absolutely perfect!!! That was probably the most amazing experience we had during our time in Hawaii, having the chance to get to know more about the culture while sailing was very unique and we had the opportunity to prepare our food, learn some hula and play some of the instruments. We were also very lucky as we spotted dolphins!!
Brandon July 2022 We are so happy to have found this lovely experience! We went with our kids, ages 4, 11, and 14. The entire staff was kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned so much and had a ton of fun. We had the chance to relax in the nets over the water looking for sealife. Later we participated in several Hawaiian activities. The food was delicious & and even our kids asked for seconds! When we got off of the boat, we unanimously decided that was our favorite experience in Hawaii! I highly recommend Robert and his amazing crew!
Zoya Zimmerman July 2022 We did the sunset sail cruise and wow! we will not be forgetting this anytime soon!!! An amazing, unique experience including sharing tradition Hawaiian rituals, food, and dances! With a gorgeous background, caring crew and traditional Hawaiian activities; this experience is a must do for those ready to leave their cares at sea!
Darya July 2022 This is a great experience to see the Waikiki area from the ocean and to learn a little bit of history of Hawaii. I really enjoyed it! The crew was wonderful and helpful. The rituals and activities they involve you in are fun and you get to learn something new from them Recommend!
Colin February 2022 Truly a magical experience! If you are visiting Oahu you have to add Kamoauli to the top of your list. Beyond the beauty of the tour itself, captain Rob and his crew create an unforgettable experience. Learn about the history of the island, the unique culture, their traditions and music! 12/10 would recommend and can’t wait to come visit again!
Stephanie June 2022 Honestly; my trip wouldn’t be as magical if I didn’t decide to book and have this experience as part of my trip. Trust me I Was back and forth trying to make up my mind before I booked but I am more than I happy I did. Even my family said so. Don’t hesitate! I also had to adjust my schedule to match up other reservations made and I reached out to see if it was possible to move the booking and they did it in a heart beat. They incorporated the kids so much a long the trip I know my little girl felt so special through out it all. Thank you Robert and everyone on the team!
Cindy June 2022 One of the best experience on the island, a must do! Skip all the touristy packed boat. This is just history, culture, delicious food all in one and the crew is so thoughtful!
Kuuipo Tom May 2022 I have been instructing a Hawaiian crosscultural course at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania for 12 years in which college rising seniors participate in a 3 week, hands on immersion experience. This was our third voyage with Kamoauli. Just when I thought it could not be more perfect, Captain Rob and his team take it up another notch.
If you have a true desire to learn, understand, and appreciate Hawaiian culture and history, THIS excursion takes you there.
I'm already looking forward to next time!!
Unique. Not touristy. Fun. Saw cool ocean life. Would do AGAIN! ddsantella, Feb 2022 Loved: Hawaii, special evening, no crowds, such fun with integrity and truly unparalleled expert knowledge? Hosts: captain Robert, deckhand Evan and expert artists/educators were super impressive-warmth, honesty, unique skills, ocean smarts, abs ensuring each guest is attended to with courtesy and aloha respect? This excursion had all. “Expensive” ? Yeah. Worth it cuz: not fake tourist-y and felt cared for and actually part of experience? 150% yes. Just do it
Lindsay Medeiros March 2022 This is an absolute must-go adventure. Great for families - I love the education aspect of the sail as much as the beautiful views. It was very interactive (the kids helped raise the jib, we all played traditional Hawaiian instruments, we made poi) and the crew was amazing! Mahalo for a wonderful morning!
There are so many wonderful things that I need to say about this sail company. First thing is the immense wealth of Hawaiiana that one will get from going on a sail with Kamoauli. The crew this day consisted of the captain- Rob, crew help James, educator Hawaiian educator Pua and Hawaiian historian Kawika gave our small group the most beautiful experience I can remember.
The many years I've lived in Hawaii being born and raised I had many times been at sea in a boat on more then several times for different reasons... I was even in an outrigger canoe team in High School.
I highly recommend everyone and most anyone (unless you get easily sick at sea) to experience a sail on Kamoauli. It's a great touch into Hawaiian culture, food, song, dance and best of all... a beautiful sail into and around Honolulu bay. Added, scenery beautiful lesson on the Hawaiian Culture and immersive way to be around the whole reason why we live "Aloha" in Hawaii. The whole experience will make you feel encouraged, Loved, and you'll want to adapt into Hawaiian ways almost instantly.... share it, be it and live it - Hawaiian.
Don't forget too to tip them before you leave... it's a priceless experience
Absolutely phenomenal experience!!! I would recommend this over a lu'au as you get so much cultural education in an intimate and peaceful setting. I'm a local and I learned so much from this sunset sail. Kawika is a tremendous storyteller and had legend after legend to share. Lei teaches the hula so beautifully. The crew (sorry names are slipping) but you two were also so kind and caring. Nothing but positive things to say. Thank you! Thank you! Can't wait to tell everyone about this rare island gem.
Amber Riekena February 2022 This was absolutely awesome!! Stunning views! Saw whales and a sea turtle on our sail!!! Learned a ton about the islands history and even how to hula dance. Would recommend to anyone!!
Relaxing, Fun, & Unforgettable Sunset Sail May 2022 If you can only be on the water once during your trip to Waikiki, it should be on this vessel! I reserved a private sail for my family in celebration of my mother's 60th birthday and father's return to Hawaii after being stationed here many years ago. This was the highlight of everyone's trip, and it was hands down the best sunset sailing experience I've ever had. With a beautiful view of lulling waters and the iconic volcanic formation, Diamond Head, we learned so much about Polynesian culture, and we had an absolute blast along the way. From hearing stories of the island's history to learning how to play authentic Hawaiian instruments, this experience was fun and captivating enough to hold even my 4 year old's interest. Mahalo to the Captain and his crew for this unforgettable experience!
TripAdvisor 5.0 Excellent
Phenomenal loved every moment Melanie_P, February 2022 One of the best amazing beautiful excursions my family and I did while in Hawaii! So relaxing and educational. The staff is phenomenal, knowledgeable and caring. This is a must do when coming to visit this beautiful island.
Ashlyn Tripp February 2022 Such an amazing experience!!! I recommend this for anyone visiting Honolulu, it was a fantastic way to learn about Hawaiian culture!
I have done a lot cruises but this is the best one!! I definitely recommend it especially if you are interested in Hawaiian Culture. Kamoauli team was absolutely amazing. Great singers, entertainers, and storytellers. I would like to recommend to everyone both kids and adult :) I would love to go back again!
Ross Taylor January 2022 This was an incredible experience. Capt Rob and his staff went above and beyond. Instead of a booze cruise you won't remember in a week, splurge for this experience you won't ever forget. Food, stories, music, sunset, hula, instruments, this experience had it all. Mahalo!!!
Magical! This was a magical experience! Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly and genuine. We felt slightly guilty having them all to ourselves, since the other party postponed, but we soon got over it.
The authenticity of the boat made it unique. We appreciated the fact that it's a sacred vessel used for education and to help children. By taking the cruise, we helped to fund future educational trips.
All the small touches like drinking fresh coconut water, making poi and sampling the traditional island foods made it special and unlike any other activity we've done.
We were so impressed with the prayers, chants, songs and stories shared with us. The trip honors the history and customs of the original islanders.
This would be lovely for a family with older elementary and up aged children. Because no alcohol is served, it makes it particularly family friendly. For those who don't imbibe, it's nice to go on a sunset cruise where folks aren't getting drunk and loud, like some other sunset cruises. If you do imbibe, I'd recommend holding off until after the cruise so you can get the full experience this offers.
A MUST DO!!! This is absolutely a must-do!!! From the greeting to the end of the sail. You will learn lots of history about the island of Oahu, the food, the language, the music, and you will learn to hula. The crew was very hospitable. I absolutely loved it.
Went on a Ho'okele ahiahi (sunset cruise) with my daughter and her girlfriend today. This cruise was far superior to others and here are some reasons why; The experience and learning begins and ends on the docks. The crew are cultural practioners, subject matter experts, with the experience and knowledge of Oahu that is deep and profound. I learned so much more about Hawaiian history, navigation, surfing and hula. Kapua & Kawika played beautiful Hawaiian music and taught us how to properly use Hawaiian hula instruments and the hula. We then learned to pound "kalo" and make "pahiai." After we were served a delicious traditional meal of fish, sweet potato, mango, papaya and coconut water to eat with the pahiai we prepared. The cruise was fun, educational and along the way we caught a glimpse of some turtles and a Hawaiian Monk seal. This is a unique, one- of-a-kind experience available on Kamoauli. Most important this cruise subsidizes the cost of school-aged children to have class with great teachers and leaders on the waters of the beautiful Mamala Bay.
Yelp - 5 Stars
Patricia K. Henderson, NV 11/19/2021 I've been visiting Hawaii for over twenty years. This experience was overwhelmingly the most wonderful! Stepping onto the historic ship I felt a calm that carried through the sunset cruise. Music, dancing and lessons in Polynesian culture filled the voyage with pure love.
Andrea Acosta Buldon July 2021 Ambiente 100% hawaiano, experiencia inolvidable😍 todo el personal de la tripulación fue amable y servicial. Atardecer hermoso
(Translated by Google) 100% Hawaiian atmosphere, unforgettable experience😍 all crew staff were friendly and helpful. Beautiful sunset
Amazing experience We had an amazing time! Could not ask for more. We were able to sail and sit in nets, be immersed in the culture of the Polynesian islands, watch the sights, learn hula, how to play instruments, get some education about the land, make our own poi, and hear beautiful music sang by an amazing singer! One of the highlights of our trip!
Absolutely loved it!!! You CANNOT miss out on this experience! Best excursion we did on our first trip to Hawaii! Our sunset cruise was an intimate group of 6 people. The crew welcomed us and made us feel like family. They provided a cultural experience, opportunity to learn more about the history of Hawaii, a hula lesson and some amazing fresh fruit, smoked mackerel (my favorite!) and more! The beautiful sunset was an added benefit. I highly recommend this to any individual, couple and family. There is something for everyone! Kamoauli crew, mahalo for your outpouring of love you showed us!
Excellent cultural experience! We went for an afternoon trip and it was fantastic. All of the crew were super knowledgeable and we learned a lot of very interesting and important history about Hawaii. The food they served was excellent as well and we even got to see a few turtles on our way. Would highly recommend!