Directions to Wild Side Specialty Tours - Kewalo Basin Harbor
"To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the boat, bus or plane."
Please be certain we have a way to get a hold of you if need be i.e. for bad weather, rescheduling. etc. Best way is to send us an email to Reservations@sailhawaii.com If you're a visitor already arrived on the island, please give us a call at 808.306-7273 to leave a local contact number (if you haven't left one already...)
If coming from the Kailua/Kaneohe/Waimanalo (1/2 hour) area take the Pali Hwy. south. The Pali turns slightly left and becomes Bishop Street. Turn left at Ala Moana Blvd. Watch for Ward Ave. and the harbor to be on your right) 1.3 miles.
If on the North Shore (from 70 minutes to a good hour and half), take the Kamehameha highway west, then down the middle of the island to the H2 south, to H1 east (Honolulu).
From Makaha/Waianae (45 minutes), head back towards town along Farrington Hwy. It turns into the H1 East.
From Ko Olina (30 minutes) take the H1 east.
Check in at Honolulu is at 6:45 FOR MOST CHARTERS (Whaleopolis 7:15). If your personal situation deems that you need to leave earlier, please do so, we can only give a “generous average” of drive or bus time needed. If you are lost or running late for the 6:45am check-in, please give us a call @ 808-620.6940.
Check-in consists of group vessel orientation, safety briefing and then signing of waiver forms. Please ensure that the crew is aware of your swimming capabilities/level of comfort in the water/any medical conditions. If you miss the group safety briefing - or the boat - you will be considered a “no-show” and charged full price.
Address is 1125 Ala Moana Blvd (Slip #111) for Google Map, or for GPS use.
Save gas and headaches by catching the city bus to get to us, adult fares are $2.50 each way (no change given). Buses #19, #20 and #482 run every 20 minutes (or catch any of the many buses going to Ala Moana, cross the street and walk along Ala Moana Park the couple blocks to the boat harbor), and in about 20 minutes will drop you off mid Ward Center (cross street is Kamakee), cross at the light, continue in the same direction the bus was going and at the next light (1/4 block) go left into east harbor entrance.
You can call TheBus at 808.848.5555 to get exact pick up time and bus stop location from your location to make the 6:45 check-in.
If driving, please allow approximately 20 minutes driving and parking time from Waikiki (though only a few miles away), as you may encounter traffic. From Waikiki take one-way Ala Wai Blvd. to go left onto Niu Ave, which becomes Ala Moana Blvd. Stay on Ala Moana Blvd. for almost two miles. Make a U turn at Ward Ave. (look for Fisherman Wharf restaurant on your left) and go into the harbor either there at the 1st entrance and backtrack to where you can make a right hand turn or (easier – less commotion and quick lane changes) go right at the next traffic light into the 2nd harbor entrance, proceed to where you have to make a right and go on for about 5 or so more boats....
The Nautilus is in Slip 111 on the “back row” (Makai Wharf) of the boats, directly across from where the beach parking begins. The beach parking lot is free = but enter through the gates beyond the Nautilus, dont park in the restricted lot.
Again, if you suspect you may run late for check-in, please give us a call on the boat (808.620.6940) to let us know you're on your way, so we'll wait for you (we don't know if you're five minutes down the road or fast asleep!). Otherwise, we do leave the harbor promptly departure time.
We provide wholesome meals, snacks, and drinks. Do bring snorkel equipment, towels, sunglasses, hats, cameras and polarized sunglasses (they make a world of difference), etc. No spray-on sunscreens please! It can over-spray all over the boat becoming a safety hazard, or on to others who may be allergic. Shoes will come off dock-side, for safety reasons and to preserve the boats finish. We have lots of room onboard so better to lug what you think may come in handy and not need it, then need it and not have it. Dress is totally casual.
The Nautilus is known for her smooth "cut-through-the water" rides. She’s a heavy boat built for inter-island cruising and has stabilizers that all but eliminate rolling. However, if there is any possibility for sea-sickness, you may want to start popping ginger pills about a week before the charter date, and/or use sea-bands, or over-the-counter medication. Bonine (over-the-counter medication), causes less drowsiness than Dramamine and both are best started the night before your charter (you sleep off any drowsiness and it is well into your blood stream by the morning). If you are not prone to sea/air/car-sickness you should be fine without anything. Unless, you are suffering or recovering from a cold or ear infection (that "inner ear" thing).
Although not in any way necessary (but because we get asked), if you have a good day on the water, tipping of the crew is appropriate @10 - 15% standard.
Cancellations made up to 10 days ahead of time are fully refundable. If we cancel due to weather, safety precautions or any other reason, there is no charge. Cancellations made within the 10 day period before departure and "no shows" will be held responsible for the full price. Any damages caused to the boat by overt negligence or extremely bad judgment (by paying passenger) will be charged to the offender or responsible party, thus keeping costs down for other passengers.
Sea you soon!
| 
