This year, we've welcomed adventurous guests who booked overnight charters around the stunning island of Oahu. Onboard Sailing Yacht Mulan, our crew has had the pleasure of exploring Oahu’s most beautiful bays and uncovering the islands' most epic anchorages. The top-requested destinations this year have been Kaneohe Bay, Makua Bay, and Waimea Bay.

If you dream of swapping crowded beaches for clear waters, majestic mountain backdrops, and your own private piece of paradise, embark on a multi-day charter aboard Sailing Yacht Mulan and immerse yourself in Oahu’s most breathtaking bays. Each bay—Kaneohe, Makua, and Waimea—offers a unique vibe, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Read on to discover the distinctive charm of each bay, customize your adventure, and get ready to anchor in paradise.

Kaneohe Bay is a serene Windward destination, renowned for its sandbars and reef, and is the largest sheltered bay in the Hawaiian Islands. Protected by a living barrier reef, this bay boasts tranquil waters and vibrant marine life. Notable features include the famous Kaneohe Sandbar, a stunning natural "beach" that emerges at low tide, and Coconut Island, home to the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology and a filming location for the classic TV show "Gilligan’s Island." Ideal for families and first-time snorkelers, Kaneohe Bay features crystal-clear shallows and gentle sailing, making it perfect for social sandbar picnics and relaxing paddleboarding.

Customize your day by anchoring near the sandbar, setting out a floating lounge, and enjoying a chef-prepared picnic or a delicious seafood boil right on the aft deck.

After lunch, consider embarking on a reef safari to snorkel among patch reefs teeming with butterflyfish, parrotfish, and green sea turtles. Cap off your adventure by paddling toward Mokoli‘i (Chinaman’s Hat) for postcard-perfect views. You can even enhance your experience with a professional photographer to document your journey.

Nestled next to Makua Valley, Makua Bay on Oahu’s west side is an untouched paradise backed by majestic cliffs. With sunsets that seemingly drop into the sea, this picturesque location offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Mornings often bring playful spinner dolphins along the coast, and we can watch them quietly from a safe distance. The dark night skies provide an excellent opportunity for stargazing. It’s an ideal spot for adventure seekers, couples, and small groups who desire a tranquil, away-from-it-all ambiance, complete with clear-water swims and breathtaking sunset sails.

Customize your day: Launch at dawn to listen for the gentle breaths of dolphins, and when conditions allow, enjoy a short naturalist briefing alongside a hydrophone to hear the enchanting sounds of underwater life. For those seeking adventure, add an introductory spear fishing class to your charter, where First Mate Tyler will teach you how to spear your first fish! As the day progresses, savor an afternoon at anchor with a chef-prepared poke bowl meal and refreshing drinks, with options including a private musician and simple deck lights to enhance the ambiance. Cap off your day with stargazing, or choose to stay overnight with blankets, hot tea, and a laser-guided sky tour of the night sky.

Waimea Bay boasts two distinct personalities: tranquil summers and legendary winters. In summer, the bay transforms into a vast natural swimming pool, offering incredible visibility that mesmerizes snorkelers. Winter brings the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, held only when waves exceed 20 feet on the Hawaiian scale, providing a thrilling spectacle from offshore. Occasionally, the river meets the sand, carving a path to the sea and creating fleeting, surfable river waves.

Start with snorkeling among the famous summer bait balls, where you can swim with thousands of shimmering fish, an unforgettable experience! Alternatively, sign up for a local swim race often held in the bay. After your snorkel or race, don’t miss the chance to conclude your ocean adventure with a jump off the iconic jump rock.

In conclusion, Oahu’s iconic bays each offer a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life. From the serene waters of Kaneohe Bay to Makua's breathtaking sunsets and the summer adventure at Waimea Bay, every visit promises unforgettable memories. Join us aboard the Sailing Yacht Mulan to explore these remarkable locations and create cherished moments amidst the enchanting beauty of Hawaii!

Discover Oahu’s Iconic Bays: A Charter Guide on Sailing Yacht Mulan

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