sunset cruise – Private Sailing Charters, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025

An Unusual Hawaii Sunset Cruise

An unusual Hawaii sunset cruise turns into an evening at sea under windy LUMPY ocean conditions.

29 July 2025

From an unusual (solitary) sunset cruise to an unplanned evening at sea. I haven’t seen so many boats out EVER! An 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s SE peninsula caused tsunami warnings all around the Pacific Rim and the Hawaiian islands.

Let me say, there is nothing more chilling than hearing wailing WW11-type sirens ringing out. The first of those sirens happened as my afternoon charter and I were motoring down the channel on our way back to the slip. I could tell it un-nerved my charterers too.

So, I dropped them off at the dock, called my sunset cruisers to cancel their charter, took my car to higher ground (a multi-level parking structure close to the harbour) and left again; this time alone…hence “a very unusual sunset cruise”

At 3 miles out, ocean conditions were cold, windy, LUMPY, BUMPY, GRUMPY. I popped a little headsail and sailed slowly back and forth, eagle-eyed to keep an eye on others doing the same, with one ear on my handheld VHF radio monitoring updates, the other on my cell phone for incoming useful texts. Officially, we were under a tsunami warning, waiting to hear it be dropped to an advisory so we could all safely head back in to the harbour. It took what seemed like forever, but it could have been so much worse. Hawaii had very little damage and I was safely tied back up at the dock by 12:45 am. I thought I’d be sleeping on Kaikiwi for the night but, believe it or not, despite being bone-tired, I was kinda wired… not to mention there is no coffee on board! That I could not tolerate. I must take care of that immediately.

I drove home with the top down, the crescent moon setting behind me, more but a pleasant wind keeping me awake. There was hardly a car on the road. Such a contrast from the stuck traffic, moving an inch a minute, when I moved my car to higher ground.

Mahalo to all who reached out to me last night to let me know the news and details that were so sorely missed on channel 16, monitored by the US Coast Guard. At midnight USCG were still saying ” a tsunami warning has been issued for the Hawaiian Islands. The first wave is expected at 7:17pm….” thats enough to drive a girl crazy. I learnt more from the guys who were using channel 16 (illegally) to chat with each other, despite the reprimands from the coasties. LOL.

All is well in paradise. We dodged a bullet this time but it reminds us how vulnerable we are. We may not be so lucky next time. Oahu needs to have a better plan to get people to higher ground faster and with less chaos. They must handle this. And I must handle all I am capable of at my end. AND that includes getting some fresh ground coffee on board.!

I don’t need another unusual sunset sail any time soon. The next sunset cruise, or any of the wide range of private sailing charters offered, I hope to do with you! Call Sail BLUE Hawaii to book yours today. (808) 347-0235 capt.gaelyn@sailbluehawaii.com

July 13, 2025

Waikiki’s BEST Boat Tour

It’s hot. Its summer. How best to escape the heat than to get on your own private yacht and enjoy Waikiki’s BEST boat tour. Private sailing (you are not sharing the boat with another group) on “Kaikiwi”, the 42 ft Beneteau 411 featured here on my website, has lots of shade so time of day does not affect heat/ sun exposure. It also has lots of space for “bow babes” to soak up the sun and get that rich Hawaiian sun tan. “Kaikiwi” is your yacht for however long you want to sail.

Enjoy a cooling Hawaii trade wind sail.

Feel the fresh trade wind cooling you off immediately as we set sail (YES, we actually DO sail) from Kewalo Basin, 2 miles west of Waikiki. Because this is custom sailing, we can sail any time of day you want and whatever length of time you wish. Our islands are most consistently graced with balmy year-round trade winds, so, any time is a good time to go sailing…..✨✨enjoy a magical SUNRISE cruise, a full sail morning and afternoon adventure sail, or a romantic/ peaceful SUNSET cruise.✨✨. It is all good.

Sail BLUE Hawaii does not have a liquor license, so please do bring your beverage of choice to help keep you hydrated and COOL (water is supplied). There is ice and a cooler on board for your convenience.

Why choose a sailing charter?

Any occasion is a great one to get out sailing on Hawaiian waters, to enjoy some relaxing and refreshing ocean time, privately and with loved ones. You are NOT sailing with “49 of your closest friends”. 30-60 pax boats, sailing masses of strangers together, seem to have taken over our waters. Sail BLUE Hawaii offers an intimate and exciting atmosphere where you can lay back and catch up with friends and family. Or just spend some quiet and reflective time on your own at the bow. Yes, this is custom sailing…your choice of gentle or adventurous…your captain LISTENS to your specific request.

Whether you are a seasoned sailor or have never been on a sail boat before, the “oh yes” you feel ( or murmur or SHOUT!) when the sails are set and that engine is turned off is real. I hear the sighs of peace/ relief every time…sailor and newbie alike. No engine, much peace. So, say goodbye to the noisy, smelly motorised boat tours that speed through the waves giving you whiplash (and others boat wake :-() ) and are so annoyingly noisy..so much so you can’t even sit back and relax and chat.

Sign up for Sail BLUE Hawaii’s custom private charter, Waikiki’s best boat tour, the one with NO engine noise and smells because, yes, we actually SAIL.

custom sailing…your choice of gentle or adventurous…your captain LISTENS to your specific request.

June 30, 2025July 13, 2025

Hawaii’s BEST July 4th Boat Charter

Enjoy Hawaii’s BEST July 4th boat charter…whether you are local (or, ESPecially if you are local !!) or tourist, you will not regret sailing with Sail BLUE Hawaii. The experience may well be the highlight of your HI vacation or the end of your work week.

Where do we go?

“Kaikiwi” sails from Oahu’s south (protected) shore, not far from Waikiki, past beautiful coastline in the cobalt blue blue waters of our Pacific. Wildlife such as green sea turtles, “honu”, dolphins, “nai’a”, humpback whales, “kohola” (in winter season only), and flying fish, “malolo” are some of the critters we may see as we sail. Beautiful views of Oahu, Diamond Head and, on clear days, far in the distance, Molokai and Lanai can sometimes be seen. Please understand this is not “destination” sailing. “Destination” is sailing.

Because this is custom sailing, we can sail any time of day you want and whatever length of time you wish. Our islands are almost consistently graced with trade winds so any time is a good time to go sailing…✨✨✨magical SUNRISE cruise, full-sail morning and afternoon, romantic/ peaceful SUNSET cruise.✨✨✨ It is all good.

July 4th Fireworks

The Waikiki fireworks show that were especially dynamic, are still not happening after a long break since the pandemic. If you wish to see fireworks from your private yacht, they will appear from far away; after the 8pm Hilton show. Worth staying out late for? Maybe. Either way, choose your time of day and enjoy your day off by laying back on your private sailing charter. Choose Sail BLUE Hawaii, Hawaii’s BEST custom July 4th private boat charter.

May 15, 2025May 30, 2025

Sail Hawaii’s Best

https://i0.wp.com/www.sailbluehawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_2500-scaled.jpeg?ssl=1 — having doused the sails at the finish of another fabulous sailing adventure… nobody wants it to end

Sail Hawaii’s Best…….. with Sail Blue Hawaii’s private sailing charters in Honolulu aboard the 42-foot Beneteau yacht named Kaikiwi. These custom tours and adventures are tailored to your preferences, allowing you to choose the time of day and duration that suits you best. Whether you’re interested in a sunrise sail, a romantic sunset cruise, or a leisurely day sail, the consistent trade winds in Hawaii ensure a pleasant sailing experience at any time.

Highlights of Sail Blue Hawaii’s Private Tours:

Customizable Itineraries: You can select from sunrise, morning, afternoon, or sunset sails, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Comfortable Yacht: The Kaikiwi features both covered and open-air seating, along with an onboard restroom, ensuring a comfortable journey .
Variety of Experiences: Popular options include coastline sightseeing, Friday night fireworks viewing, and special events like proposals, weddings, birthdays and life memorials.
Experienced Captain: Captain Gaelyn brings extensive knowledge and a passion for sailing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Read about her: https://www.sailbluehawaii.com/about-us/
Affordable Pricing: Private charters are competitively priced, often comparable to shared tours. But a choice of PRIVATE offers a more personalized and quality experience that could well be the highlight of your HI vacation.!!

Booking Information:

Weekends and holidays fill quickly so plan ahead and book today.

Contact: Email: capt.gaelyn@sailbluehawaii.com
Phone: (808) 347-0235
Location: Kewalo Basin Harbor, Slip C30, 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

For more details and to view available tours and sailing adventures, visit our ocean activities page: https://www.sailbluehawaii.com/hawaii-ocean-activities/

If you need assistance with booking or have specific questions, do ask!

https://i0.wp.com/www.sailbluehawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image3.jpeg?ssl=1 — easy sunset cruising

April 20, 2025April 21, 2025

Honolulu Private Boat Tour, Hawaii

Private boat tours in Hawaii are available with Sail Blue Hawaii. Weekends and holidays fill quickly so plan ahead and book today. A private boat tour in Waikiki is affordable and highly desired. Our private yacht is spacious featuring covered and open air seating as well as an onboard restroom. Your experienced captain will ensure your safety and enjoyment.

Chose a Waikiki Private Sailing Charter

Because this is custom sailing, we can sail any time of day you want and whatever length of time you wish. Our islands are most consistently graced with trade winds so any time is a good time to go sailing…✨SUNRISE, morning, afternoon, SUNSET✨. It is all good. A client this week was concerned if we left at 0800 for a 3-hour sail we wouldn’t have enough wind. So much sailing, anywhere in the world, relies on the afternoon seabreeze. The fact is, we rely on tradewinds and not sea/land breezes. This makes Hawaii sailing unique and desirable, ANY TIME OF DAY. His concern was also the mid-day heat. “Kaikiwi” has lots of shade, so, time of day does not affect heat/ sun exposure.

Private Waikiki Boat Tours

Sail Blue Hawaii’s tours are for both tourists and locals. Sunset cruises, sunrise cruising, tradewind day-sailing, coastline sightseeing and Friday night fireworks are among the most popular tours in Waikiki. Birthday celebrations and life memorials are also very popular. We accommodate a wide range of special events aboard.

So, give Sail Blue Hawaii a call for your own private boat tour in Hawaii.