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 Boat Charter Oahu: Snorkel & Wildlife
Design your own Oahu cruise with snorkeling, wildlife watching, and coastal thrills on a private boat
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.
Honolulu Sunset Cruise to Secluded Tiki Bar
Sail to Oahu's original tiki bar at sunset for cocktails and coastal views
Honolulu Private Snorkeling & Wildlife Cruise
Enjoy a customizable private cruise with snorkeling, wildlife watching, and spectacular South Shore scenery
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
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
Guided Waikiki Reef Dive with All Gear Included
Discover Oahu's underwater world on guided reef dives with all gear included
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
Watch Whales in Waikiki With Hydrophone Audio
Cruise Waikiki on a trimaran and listen for humpback whale songs
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.
BYOB Sunset Cruise with Live Music or DJ in Waikiki
Sail Waikiki at sunset with live music or a DJ on a BYOB catamaran with appetizers
Discover Scuba Diving Experience in Honolulu
Try scuba diving in Waikiki with a private PADI Professional
Waikiki Shipwreck & Reef Scuba Diving Tour
Do two boat dives: one shipwreck and one reef, with scuba gear included
Waikiki Sunset Cruise With Fireworks
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with glass-bottom views and fireworks
Cruise Waikiki At Sunset & Fireworks
Sail off Waikiki for a sunset cruise and Friday fireworks (bring your own drinks)
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 Shallow Boat Dive In Waikiki
Guided 2-tank shallow reef dive off Waikiki with gear included
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
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