Bargain Waikiki Catamaran Cruise
Written: Oct 07 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive, Relaxing, Scenic, Cheap Drinks
Cons: Bring Dramamine or Wrist Bands If You Get Motion Sick
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| kcfoxy's Full Review: Waikiki |
Review Topic: Sports & Outdoors
Many people chose the bustling island of Oahu for their first, second or even fifth trip to Hawaii. Waikiki is two square miles of high rise condos, every imaginable type of hotel lodging, countless ABC stores, eateries and the justy famous crescent of Waikiki Beach.
As you can imagine, a pricey bunch of beach front luxury hotels sit cheek to jowl along this expanse, broken only by a breakwater to your right, (ewa), and the newly refurbished covered benches and street-side entertainment center as you near the Zoo and the end of Waikiki proper, to your left, (Diamond Head).
The famous beach boys, (no, not the Los Angeles surf band), carry on the tradition of flirting, water safety and water fun. They run most of the beach concessions, with mats, towels, water, juice, umbrellas and water sport activities such as outrigger, (think closing credits of Hawaii Five-O), boogie boards, surf boards and my new favorite, catamaran cruises.
You will certainly get your exercise as you walk along the one mile stretch of main beach front. Every sort of tourist, clad in questionable attire, are either sending their dermatologists' and plastic surgeons' children through college or simulating cuts of beef, from rare to well done. It is also interesting to date their typical week on the island. Day 1 and 2 are pink to red, Days 3 and 4 are red or pink with an tan base/or flurry of new freckles, (me), and by Days 5, 6 and 7, they are either peeling big time, under those handy umbrellas wearing cover ups and hats or basting themselves with tropical oils, (to be replaced with saddle soap after the plane ride home).
You will notice a group of catamarans starting with the pricey one in front of the Pink Princess: $20.00 per person, no bartering allowed. If you walk toward Diamond Head, lo and behold the prices drop rapidly. A white low slung model, the Mai Tai, offers a few benches and a dubious looking giant hammock looking netted affair in the center. Their offered price of $12.00 quickly dropped to $10.00 as we relentlessly plodded along water's edge to the final catamaran, Na Hoku II.
Besides being reasonably priced at $10.00 for a glorious hour on the water, this bright yellow and red dual-hulled craft had plenty of padded benches, a small slatted forward area for thrill seekers, and a trio of very friendly Hawaiian beach boys: seasoned sailors all.
Captain Jim was a mahogany-hued seaman, with about 10 years experience as master on the Na Hoku (I), and an additional 8 or 9 years on this new and improved model. His assistants helped furl and unfurl the 3 sails, posed for pictures and took pictures of the various family and friends, as well as serving reasonably priced libations from a very small bar midship. I say reasonable because ubiquitous mai tais, bottled water and sodas were to be had for $1 and beer was available for $2.
It was interesting to watch one beach boy blowing on a conch shell to clear the inflatable crowd and would-be surfers from our path both outbound and returning. I was a bit surprised when we proceeded past the popular tourist mini submarines, and other sailing and fishing vessels and plowed another three miles or so out into the deep blue sea. This took about 40 minutes of our 60 minute cruise, and the waves got a mite more playful in this less than sheltered sea.
Besides the entertaining crew and the sun and salt breeze, it was wonderful to have a variety of island music as perfect accompaniment to this idyllic cruise. Think of the hit, Sailin', then add some Hawaiian ukulele and slack key guitar, a Jimmy Buffet-type hang loose and mellow vibe and you've got the idea.
Naturally I took a peek at the tunes, and can tell you that songs like Island Style, (John Cruz), Feel Good Island Music, (Ho' onu'a), and the medley of Drop Baby Drop/Who Loves You Pretty Baby, (Mana'o Company), helped create just the right mood. Many of the songs were contemporary Hawaiian music, often a mix of Hawaiian and reggae appropriately called Jawaiian. A website, www.islandstorm.com is a good resource for these and other island music favorites.
Just when the waves were starting to remind me of skiing more than sailing, our sturdy craft made the turn back to the more peaceful turquoise waters off Waikiki. It was after all, my very first sailing experience. Two of the forward sails were retracted and secured and we glided about mile off shore. I'd recommend you wait until you reach this tranquil surf before taking all those incredible shots of the entire beach, Diamond Head, et al. Otherwise the prevailing trades push 2-3 foot surf at you sideways and you are bound to get lots of jittery and poorly focused shots.
About 500 feet offshore the captain obligingly stops, the beach boys drop one ladder, and you have about 15 minutes to walk down to placid water, (it's usually about 70 degrees, like pool water), or take your chances jumping right off the sides of the craft. Me? I didn't bring a camera, thinking I would get wet, when actually you only get wet to about mid calf getting on the boat and off. The attire was bathing suits, shorts, tees and tanks. Hats and sunglasses were a smart bet, and sandals and bare feet the norm. While several of the 25 to 30 passengers frolicked in the water, I surreptitiously donned additional sunscreen and stopped hyperventilating.
As we glided smoothly into shore, I couldn't help but think what a great bang for a buck this was, perfect for the whole family, et al, and how much I would enjoy sharing this vacation treat with folks here at Epinions. If you think you might like to try this, Captain Jim offers a further lifetime incentive for repeat customers: just mention you are a returning passenger and the obliging crew knock the already reasonable price down to just $8.00!
For those who think they might prefer the outrigger canoes, here's the deal there: Prices are $10.00 to $12.00 at the outer ends of The Beach.
Near the middle, (think Outrigger Reef and Duke's Canoe Club Restaurant), the cost drops to a bargain hunter's $5.00. For all the outriggers it's the same deal: They need 5 people who want to go out with the two beach boys, (one paddles/yells at the slackers/steers from the rear, and one bails constantly). If you don't want to get major wet don't be in the first seat. You will get to paddle out and wait then ride three waves.
I'll just take the catamaran ride, thanks. For the energy challenged that's 6 steps up into the boat and six steps down, (with railing and assistance from smiling beach boys). You can even take the trolley or bus down the main thoroughfare to the Outrigger Reef, and walk through the main lobby, out back (veer to your left after passing the shops) and presto, there's those bargain water sports activities. Happy sailing!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kcfoxy
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Member: Casey Stewart
Location: West Coast Of Mars
Reviews written: 935
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