Waikiki Yacht Club: Where Locals Sail, Dine, and Connect
The Waikiki Yacht Club offers a vibrant community for those with a passion for sailing.
Located near the Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, less than a mile from Waikiki Beach, the club is open to reciprocal yacht club members visiting from around the world.
The yacht club has an intriguing history dating all the way back to 1944, building a long-lasting legacy that has significantly impacted Waikiki, and well beyond.
The History & Legacy of Waikiki Yacht Club
Significant events involving Waikiki Yacht Club have helped create its enduring legacy.
That includes everything from helping to establish one of Hawaii’s first junior sailing programs in 1947 to members who became Hawaii’s first Olympic sailing medalists in 1976.
Waikiki Yacht Club From 1944 to Today: A Hawaiian Maritime Institution
The Waikiki Yacht Club was founded by a group of sailing enthusiasts, including Olympic swimmer and the father of surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, filling a need after the Navy restricted civilian access to Pearl Harbor.
The development of the Ala Wai Harbor and the location of the yacht club were influenced, in part, by the Transpacific Yacht Race, a prestigious long-distance sailing event.
The clubhouse itself is considered a fine example of post-World War II architectural style, particularly its 1967 addition with a functional design and clean lines.
One of the most notable achievements in the history of the Waikiki Yacht Club is the establishment of one of Hawaii’s first junior sailing programs, fostering the next generation of sailors.
Olympic Legacy: The Silver Medal Sailing Tradition
The yacht club members themselves are particularly notable, even beyond The Duke.
Its Olympic legacy includes Michael Rothwell and David McFaull, who achieved a significant milestone by winning silver medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the Tornado Class Catamarans, becoming the first Olympic sailing medalists in Hawaii.
The Waikiki Yacht Club Today
The Waikiki Yacht Club has become a major maritime institution in Hawaii and continues to serve as a center for sailing, fishing, and social events.
The club also continues to foster youth sailing, with participants competing in national and international events.
A pool, dining, and various other facilities are all part of the membership experience, which we’ll detail further along.
Waikiki Yacht Club Membership Experience
Waikiki Yacht Club Membership Categories & Costs
Membership is available in several different categories, with the cost, including the initiation fee and monthly dues, varying depending on the category.
- Regular: Initiation Fee $2,500 + Monthly Dues $226
- Military: Initiation Fee $600 + Monthly Dues $226
- Social: Initiation Fee $2000 + Monthly Dues $200
- Associate: Initiation Fee $1500 + Monthly Dues $166
- Intermediate (21 to 34 years old): Initiation Fee $250 + Monthly Dues $70
- Non-Resident: Initiation Fee $800 + $637/year
- Youth (10 to 20 years old): Initiation Fee $25
Visit the Waikiki Yacht Club site for a full breakdown of membership fees and other costs.
The Application Process: How to Join the Waikiki Yacht Club
To join the Waikiki Yacht Club, you’ll need to complete the membership application and submit the initiation fee.
Two sponsors who are Regular of Life members of the Waikiki Yacht Club are required for membership.
You must also attend an interview with the Membership Committee, and if approved, you’ll receive a membership card, with the entire process taking approximately 30 to 60 days.
Reciprocal Club Privileges Around the World
One of the big benefits of being a Waikiki Yacht Club member is the reciprocal club privileges.
Members of the club can enjoy reciprocal privileges at participating clubs across the globe, and members of other yacht clubs can visit the Waikiki Yacht Club and use the facilities on a limited basis.
Waikiki Yacht Club Waterfront Facilities
The Marina: Docking and Mooring Capabilities
Regular members enjoy exclusive mooring benefits with the floating docks accommodating approximately 148 boats that range in size from 20 to 128 feet.
Visiting vessels and crews can stay at the Aloha Slips and enjoy access to facilities that include access to power, Wi-Fi, and water.
Dining with a View: Waikiki Yacht Club Restaurant & Bar
Members and their guests can enjoy waterfront dining at the Waikiki Yacht Club, which offers lunch, dinner, and a Sunday Brunch.
The menu is wide ranging, with everything from popular local bites like Kahula Pork Sliders, Ahi Tuna Sashimi, and grilled fish to salads, steaks, and Wagyu burgers.
Enjoy live music at the bar and lounge on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday brunch.
Waikiki Yacht Club Amenities Tour: Pool, Gym, and Co-Working Spaces
The Waikiki Yacht Club offers even more impressive amenities, including a swimming pool and deck area with food and drink service.
The adults-only gym is air-conditioned and features modern workout equipment for exercising with a view of the waterfront.
There are also co-working spaces where you can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi to take care of business while enjoying the view.
Sailing Programs at Waikiki Yacht Club for All Ages
Youth Sailing: Building Tomorrow’s Maritime Enthusiasts
As mentioned, the Waikiki Yacht Club offers an impressive youth sailing program that’s been active for decades, allowing thousands of novices to become sailors.
Courses are taught by U.S. Sailing Certified Instructors and Coaches, available for all levels with a focus on developing fundamental skills and a love of the sport.
Adult Sailing Courses: From Novice to Expert
A variety of sailing courses are offered, including single lessons and custom programs for beginners, with the basic program including four 3-hour lessons out on the water just off the Waikiki coast.
With instruction on everything from basic to more advanced sailing techniques, courses are also a great way for experienced sailors to improve their skills too.
Annual Regattas for Racing
The Waikiki Yacht Club promotes a number of annual regattas for yacht racing of all types, with the waters around Oahu ideal for the activity, with world-famous tradewinds, protected inshore courses, and challenging coastal conditions.
The Transpacific Yacht Race, known as the Transpac, has been held biennially since 1906, starting in Los Angeles and concluding in Honolulu with award ceremonies hosted at the Waikiki Yacht Club on July 15 in 2025.
The Friday Night Champagne Series, taking place around sunset on Fridays, and the DJ Johnson 3-Day Around Oahu Regatta, held over Memorial Day weekend, are two of the other most popular races promoted by the Waikiki Yacht Club.
Top Attractions to Experience Beyond the Waikiki YachtClub
While visiting the Waikiki Yacht Club, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience some of the top attractions in Waikiki.
Waikiki Beach
World-famous for its breathtaking beauty and surfing, with The Duke himself learning to ride the waves here, Waikiki Beach is a must-visit.
Made up of multiple beaches spanning approximately two miles, Waikiki Beach serves as a hub for watersports beyond surfing too, including paddleboarding and snorkeling, with facilities for gear rentals and lessons available.
Waikiki Beach Walk
Follow this pedestrianized path that runs alongside Waikiki Beach to enjoy the magnificent ocean views on one side, with unique shops, dining, entertainment, and nightlife on the other.
The Waikiki Beach Walk is ideal for experiencing local daily life, attracting residents and visitors alike.
Diamond Head
Soaring high above Waikiki, Diamond Head, a 762-foot-high tuff cone, is one of Hawaii’s most iconic symbols.
By hiking to the summit, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Waikiki, the coast, and the endless blue of the sparkling Pacific.
Learn more in our guide to hiking Diamond Head, noting that reservations are required.
Summary
Now that you know all about the Waikiki Yacht Club, along with a taste of what Waikiki itself has to offer, you’re sure to be inspired to book that trip!
As we enjoy helping visitors of all types make the most of their visit to Waikiki, feel free to pop into FIRST CABIN CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII in the Waikiki Business Plaza if you need advice or just want to say hello.
