FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many passengers can you accommodate?

6 PASSENGERS

All cruises and charters are limited to a passenger count of six (6) due to Coast Guard regulations.

MANA Cruises promotes a comfortable and private setting where ample space is available to everyone. Whether you are a couple or a family, rest assured that you’ll have room to stretch out and personal attention at any time.

Have more than 6? We can accomodate up to 10 on our other 2 vessels!

Please check our parent company website: https://manacruises.com or reach out to us directly by calling/texting us at (808)664-1164 or emailing at info@manacruises.com

Can I fish aboard? What might I catch?

(Updated May 2025)

Yes, especially on our Morning Nearshore Fishing Charter! We focus on nearshore fishing, bottom fishing, novice fishing! Fishing can be part of any VENTURE charter, including our popular Wildlife Snorkel or Whale Watch Snorkel!

The Venture Boat comes equipped with an assortment of fishing gear and tackle. Each charter can be equipped with light to medium tackle for jigging, bottom fishing, & trolling. We welcome all levels of fishermen & women – especially if it’s your first time.

With our seasoned captains learn about local fishing technique, lures, ocean safety and more. Based on your experience, target different types of fish trolling and or jigging. Though we practice catch and release for most fish caught, taking your catch home is a possibility based on legal limits and the Captain's discretion.

We may catch: Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Wahoo (Ono), Dorado (Mahi Mahi), SkipJack Tuna (Aku), White Trevally (Papio), Blue Trevally (Omilu), Goat Fish (Weke), and various other types of pelagic and reef fish.

Note: State of Hawaii Fishing Licenses are required for all participating non-resident anglers 15 years or older with exception to active duty military members. You may purchase your license and find further information at fishing.hawaii.gov.

Please contact us if you may have further questions to this topic!

Fishing License?

(Updated May 2025)

The VENTURE Boat Crew are thrilled to see the State of Hawaii join many others in recognizing the importance of fishing conservation and responsibility by obtaining funds to better support these initiatives through Fishing License requirements.

To obtain a State of Hawaii Fishing License or seek further information from our state, please visit fishing.hawaii.gov.

Here are quick references of a few important attributes of this license:
· WHO NEEDS A LICENSE: Non-Residents 15 years old and older, fishing from shore or offshore (including the Venture Boat)
· WHO IS EXEMPT: All 14 years and younger, All active duty Military Members (Spouse and Children)
· WHO IS EXEMPT: All residents of the State of Hawaii with a valid State ID or Address

COST: $20 per 1 Day License / $40 per 7 Day License / $70 per Annual License

· HOW MANY: EACH PERSON ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN FISHING IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A LICENSE
· FLEXIBILITY: LICENSE Date(s) is transferrable until 11:59pm the day before effective date
· REFUNDS: LICENSES are non-refundable purchases from the State of Hawaii and can only be purchased at fishing.hawaii.gov.
· EXAMPLE: Please see the example license below, valid in print and digital versions


We may catch: Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi), Wahoo (Ono), Dorado (Mahi Mahi), SkipJack Tuna (Aku), White Trevally (Papio), Blue Trevally (Omilu), Goat Fish (Weke), and various other types of pelagic and reef fish.

Note: State of Hawaii Fishing Licenses are required for all participating non-resident anglers 15 years or older with exception to active duty military members. You may purchase your license and find further information at fishing.hawaii.gov.

Please contact us if you may have further questions to this topic!

Do you provide snorkel gear?

Yes, we provide various types of gear to help you enjoy the water!

For snorkeling we provide professional masks, snorkels, and fins for both youth and adults. We also provide high visibility snorkeling belts for comfort and safety. Comfortable active vests for children under 90 lbs are also available aboard. Our gear is sanitized and inspected after every charter.

What kind of ocean life will I be able to see?

Throughout the year we encounter various species of Fish, Turtles, Eels, Rays, Crustaceans and marine mammals such as Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins and Humpback Whales (Seasonal). Although it is less common, we do come across other large Oceanic Mammals, such as Risso Whales, Rough Tooth Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, False Killer Whales, Melon Headed Whales, Pilot Whales and more!

Though we love to view our wonderful Hawaiian ocean life as much as possible, it is within our company’s discretion to respect the legal and safe viewing distances applicable to each species.

Do you provide food or beverages?

Aboard, we offer water, coconut water, Hawaiian juices, Hawaiian chips and small local snacks.
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, the Venture Boat serves drinks in provided tumblers.

Additional beverages (Beer, Mai Tai Mix) are available for pre-order in the booking process. If you prefer to have a specific beverage or snack aboard, please include your request at the time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate all requests, additional costs may be applicable.

You are also welcome to bring any personal beverages, snacks or food aboard. MANA Cruises does not charge corkage fees and the crew will do their best to accommodate cooler space for additional personal items.

Unlike our other MANA Cruises vessels, the Venture Boat does not come with a provided menu.

What is common gratuity, is it normal?

Gratuity for your crew is a normal tendency in charter culture, but much like the general service industry it is never an expectation. Any gratuity for your charter crew is a much welcomed reflection of efforts and care provided by that crew.

Gratuity is not included in any pricing but can be arranged to be added directly to your booking if desired, pre or post charter. It may also be directly provided to your crew in form of various tender.

In consideration of many different cultural norms, gratuity in the charter industry may average between 10 to 20%.

Again, it is never an expectation, but always very welcomed by all crew. No matter your consideration, you can always expect to be hosted with aloha and care from our MANA team.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

First and foremost, all charters are offered as barefoot cruises for all vessels. There is no need for heels, shoes or boots as all footwear will be removed. Slip-on type of footwear are easiest for onboarding and deboarding.

In-Water Charters: Wear anything comfortable and flexible. If you plan to jump into the water with us, we suggest to wear your swimwear. A hat for sun protection is always a great idea. Based on conditions, sea spray may dampen or wet your clothing.

Fishing Charters: Wear anything comfortable and flexible that you don’t mind possibly getting damp, wet, or dirty. Eyewear and a hat are great for sun protection when fishing.

Whale Watch Charters: Wear anything comfortable and flexible. Due to whale watch charters being scheduled near dusk, we suggest bringing a possible cover up, jacket, or sweater. Based on conditions, sea spray may dampen or wet your clothing.

Towels: Towels are not provided aboard the Venture Boat, so please remember to BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel).

Sunscreen: For many reasons besides the obvious, we suggest bringing or pre-applying sunscreen to your skin. Please note that laws in Hawaii have been enacted that restricts use of non reef-safe sunscreens. Join us in protecting our waters by checking your sunscreens before boarding.

Baggage: Aboard we have a large, water protected hatch to store your personal belongings. We suggest packing personal belongings in beach bags or back packs. We will not have space to accommodate large luggage aboard the Venture Boat.

Changing: Before and after your charter there is ample, clean space in the restrooms at the Ko Olina Marina for your use. Changing aboard the Venture Boat is possible in our available restroom, but may be difficult based on size.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

We have a cancellation policy for both our guests and our company.

GUESTS

All reservations must be cancelled no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. No refunds will be given to these cancelled reservations.

All cancellations due to COVID-19 or domestic and international travel restrictions will be addressed on a “case by case” basis by MANA Cruises and its management team.

Reservations booked through third-party affiliates may be subject to different policies and not controlled by MANA Cruises.

COMPANY

All charters may be cancelled at the captain’s discretion any time before the scheduled departure. A full refund will be provided to all paying guests when a cruise or charter is cancelled by MANA Cruises.

Though we do our very best to avoid these situations, poor weather, safety concerns, and unforeseen mechanical problems can arise at anytime.

Reservations booked through third-party affiliates may be subject to different policies and not controlled by MANA Cruises.

Where do you depart from?

Ko Olina Marina
92-100 Waipahe Place
Kapolei, HI 96707

Our specific meeting location is best found using information in your confirmation email provided for the charter.
Should you need further assistance or directions to the location, please call or text us!

I'm booked, what should I expect?

Greeting: On any of our offered charters, you can expect our crew to greet you at the Ko Olina Marina meeting location approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. Before departing the dock your captain will provide a safety briefing as well as requests signatures for any needed liability waivers.

The Boat: You can expect to be aboard the vessel displayed on this website as the Venture Boat. Our vessel, LANAKILA, is a 32’ Sport Power Catamaran, powered by twin 300 HP outboards, with seating for up to 10 persons, 1 restroom, Freshwater sink/shower, Livewell, and outfitted specifically for our venture charters. A dedicated iPad supplied with Spotify is aboard for your use with our Fusion Stereo system. We will not be substituting the vessel unless you’ve been advised differently from our team.

Sun & Shade: Expect to have areas of both sun and shade always around the vessel. The vessel is equipped with a hard-top center console helm which shades nearest the center part of the boat. Unlike other MANA vessels, shade is a little less abundant aboard the Venture Boat. As mentioned in other parts of our FAQ, it is suggested to bring and wear sun protection always.

The Cruise: In most cases, we will cruise in the Northwest direction following the Waianae Mountain Range. Depending on the type of experience that you have chosen, we can range in travel distance from 2-18 miles from the Ko Olina Marina. Snorkeling spots for all charters are decided on the day of, based on conditions and the captain’s discretion. We will snorkel in areas with the most visibility and safest ocean conditions.

Customization: You'll have the freedom to tailor the adventure to your preferences, whether it's a serene afternoon cruise, an action-packed day of fishing, or an up-close snorkel encounter with the marine life. Our experienced crew will do their best to understand your preferences and hopes and deliver everything that is possible.

Enjoy: Relax, explore, fish, and soak in the natural beauty of the Hawaiian waters in style and privacy aboard this exceptional vessel. Make sure to take plenty of photos and videos. Aboard we have available USB charging ports for your electronics, as well as a dedicated iPad and Fusion Stereo system for your music needs.

Return: We do our best to ensure that we arrive back to dock at, or a bit after our planned return time. Hoping to delay your return and enjoy more time on the water? Please speak up as soon as possible to your captain. They will check for availability and start planning how to spend your extra time!