Things to do nearAla Wai Boat Harbor
Ala Wai Boat Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii is a working waterfront marina offering stunning ocean views, colorful sailboats, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Ala Wai Boat Harbor has served as Honolulu's primary small-craft marina for decades, sheltering hundreds of privately owned vessels along the southern edge of Waikiki. The harbor sits at the mouth of the Ala Wai Canal, a waterway completed in the 1920s that transformed the surrounding wetlands into the urban neighborhood visitors know today.
Strolling the harbor walkway, you pass gleaming sailboats, weathered fishing vessels, and the occasional ocean-crossing cruiser mid-refit. Outrigger canoe clubs launch from the harbor's edges, keeping alive a Polynesian paddling tradition central to Hawaiian culture.
The surrounding area connects easily to Ala Moana Beach Park and the broad lawns along the canal, making the harbor a natural starting point for a longer waterfront walk. Sunset casts warm light across the marina, turning the water gold and silhouetting the masts against the sky.
Ala Wai Boat Harbor offers a quieter, more grounded side of Waikiki, one rooted in the working rhythms of the sea rather than the resort strip nearby, and that contrast alone makes it well worth a visit.
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Chance of rainTips for visiting Ala Wai Boat Harbor
Visit in the early evening to watch outrigger canoe clubs paddle out from the harbor for their sunset training sessions.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture sailboat details against the backdrop of Diamond Head.
Walk the full perimeter of the harbor to find quieter benches with unobstructed views of the Waikiki skyline.
Try the fresh poke bowls at nearby shops along Ala Moana Boulevard for a true local meal after your waterfront stroll.
Arrive on weekend mornings when recreational sailors are rigging up and the harbor feels most lively and social.
Top tours & experiences near Ala Wai Boat Harbor
Private Snorkeling Charter in Honolulu
Shape a private Oahu boat adventure around snorkeling, wildlife, and coastal views
Private Whale Watching Charter in Honolulu
Speed along Oahu’s coast on a fast boat to maximize your chances of spotting humpback whales.
Private Sunrise Coastal Cruise in Honolulu
Catch breathtaking island sunrise and enjoy gourmet donuts and bubbles on a private 2-hour cruise.
Private Snorkeling Cruise in Honolulu
A Private Oahu Cruise for Snorkeling, Sightseeing, and Wildlife Watching
Honolulu Night SCUBA Diving Charter
Night SCUBA dive in small groups off Honolulu on the Diamond T2
Dive a Wreck & Reef 2-Tank Charter in Honolulu
Two-tank wreck and reef dive in small groups (Advanced Open Water required)
2-Hour 15-Minute Boat Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu
Snorkel by boat in Honolulu with gear and light snacks included
Waikiki Sunset Swim Cruise
Anchor off Waikiki for a private sunset swim with coastal views
Sail a Private Waikiki Charter
Set your own agenda on a private Waikiki sail for up to 6 guests
Snorkel Waikiki Reefs Cruise With Lunch
Cruise Waikiki reefs and snorkel with lunch included
2-Tank Coral Reef Dive in Waikiki
Explore Waikiki’s reefs with a private instructor and included scuba gear
Sail & Swim on a Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Bring your own drinks on a Waikīkī sunset sail with a swim stop
Sail on a Private Charter in Waikiki
Customize your private Waikiki charter for groups up to 40
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a Waikiki Sail Cruise
Sail off Waikiki and snorkel Turtle Canyon for tropical fish and sea turtles
Private Snorkel & Cruise in Waikiki Turtle Canyons
Book the whole boat for a private Waikiki snorkel or cruise to Turtle Canyon
Waikiki 1.5-Hour Guided Snorkeling Cruise
Skip the crowded boats for a guided snorkel with an expert crew
Private Sunset Sailing Charter on 69' Yacht in Honolulu
Enjoy a private golden-hour voyage on a 69-foot luxury yacht with attentive crew and ocean views.
Private Friday Fireworks Yacht Cruise in Honolulu
Sail the 69-foot Alana Kai and watch Waikiki's fireworks in private luxury
Intimate 2Hr Couples Snorkel Charter Waikiki
Sail and snorkel off Waikiki with drinks, snacks, and crew on a couples-only 2-hour charter
Private Yacht & Snorkeling Charter in Honolulu
Customize a private yacht cruise for light snorkeling and relaxed swims with expert crew and amenities
Waikiki 2 Tank Scuba Dive
Discover Waikiki's underwater world on a two-tank dive with all gear included.
Honolulu Beginner Scuba Diving Experience
Take your first breaths underwater with private instructor guidance
Honolulu Shipwreck & Reef Scuba Dive
Certified divers: explore a shipwreck and coral reef with a private guide
Waikiki Sunset Cruise With Turtle Canyon Swim
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a Turtle Canyon swim stop
Swim & Sunset Cruise at Turtle Canyon in Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a stop at Turtle Canyon
Guided 2-Tank Dive Charter in Waikiki
Explore Waikiki’s shallow reefs on two guided boat dives
Explore Oahu Wreck & Lava Tube 2-Tank Dive
Guided 2-tank boat dive to a shipwreck and lava tube reef
Explore West Oahu on a 2-Tank Scuba Diving Charter
Guided 2-tank boat dive off West Oahu with gear included
Sunrise Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Cruise
Greet the sunrise and snorkel Turtle Canyon's reef with views of Diamond Head
Sunset Dinner & Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a 3-course dinner and Friday fireworks
Snorkel & Watch Friday Fireworks in Waikiki
Snorkel, catch the sunset, and watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from the water
Waikiki Couples Snorkel Charter
Cruise Waikiki’s reefs with snorkel gear, snacks, and drinks aboard
Guided Shore Dive at Point Panic
Explore Point Panic’s sheltered reef with a professional dive guide
Honolulu Guided Discovery Scuba Dive
Try scuba diving with guided shallow-water training, gear, and PADI eLearning included
Waikiki History Cruise
Sail Waikiki’s coastline with local history, landmark views, and Diamond Head from the water
Sunset Yacht Charter in Oahu
Cruise Oahu’s coast with snorkeling, paddleboarding, music and sunset views
Private 2-Hour Yacht Charter in Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki’s waters your way with time to swim, snorkel, or relax
Guided Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour
Snorkel Turtle Canyon's reef with gear and an in-water guide included
Wreck Diving Course in Honolulu
Build wreck-diving skills for responsible underwater exploration