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Boat Tours & Charters

Hawai'i Nautical. It's a little out of the way, but the experiences with this local company are worth the drive. Catamaran cruises lead to snorkeling with dolphins, gourmet dinner cruises head out of beautiful Ko'Olina harbor, and sailing lessons are available on a 20-foot sailboat and a 50-foot cat. If you're driving out from Waikiki, you may want to make a day of it, with sailing in the morning then 18 holes on the gorgeous resort course in the afternoon. Two-hour cruise rates with snacks and two drinks begin at $65 per person. Ko'Olina Harbor, Ko'Olina Marriot Resort, Kapolei. 808/234-7245

Hawai'i Sailing Adventures. Looking to escape the "cattle-maran" experience? Then this charter, with its goal of exclusivity and the largest private sailing yacht in the Islands, is for you. They have capacity for up to 50 guests but prefer smaller crowds, and they specialize in dinners catered to your specs. When you want a sail for a romantic occasion or a family reunion unfettered by crowds of people you don't know, try their yacht Emeraude and ask for Captain Roger. Two-hour dinner cruise rates with unlimited super well drinks (drinks made with premium liquors like Tanqueray Ten, Grey Goose) begin at $119 per person. Kewalo Basin, Slip S, Honolulu. 808/596-9696

Paradise Cruises. One-stop shopping for specialty cruises. Offerings run the gamut from day cruises around Diamond Head with snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing to fine dining night cruises with lobster and live entertainment to winter whale-watching cruises. You can learn lei-making or coconut frond-weaving, or you can take a 'ukulele or hula lesson. They also offer seminars on Hawaiian history and culture, and there are artifact displays onboard the boat. Two-hour dinner cruise rates begin at $139 per person. Pier 5, Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu. 808/983-7700

Sashimi Fun Fishing. A combination trip suits those who aren't quite ready to troll for big game in the open-ocean swells. Sashimi Fun Fishing runs a dinner cruise with fishing and music. They keep close enough to shore that you can still see O'ahu and jig for a variety of reef fish. The cruise includes a local barbecue dinner, and you can also cook what you catch. The four-hour dinner cruise rates with hotel transportation begin at $63 per person. 808/955-3474

Tradewind Charters. Tradewind specializes in everything from weddings to funerals. They offer half-day private-charter tours for sailing, snorkeling, and whale-watching. Traveling on these luxury yachts not only gets you away from the crowds but also gives you the opportunity to "take the helm" if you wish. The cruise includes snorkeling at an exclusive anchorage as well as hands-on snorkeling and sailing instruction. Charter prices are approximately $495 for up to six passengers. 796 Kalanipuu St., Honolulu. 800/829-4899. www.tradewindcharters.com