Jon Jepson, veteran Hawaii sea captain, welcomes you to preview a truly thrilling sailing experience aboard Makani, Honolulu’s newest luxury catamaran, whose technology and elegant amenities make her unique.



Makani is a 65-foot lavish sailing cat built by Gold Coast Yachts in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. From stern to bow, port to starboard, no expense has been spared to make the world class Makani among the most maneuverable and fastest vessels crafted while still residing in a class all its own. Meticulously constructed using ultra-high technology, Makani employs foam-infused poly-carbon fiber, making the yacht up to 40 percent lighter. The 70-ft mast was created Southern Spars Racing of New Zealand. North Sails in Hawaii crafted the 3DL sails. The props were made by Gori of Europe. In gear they open up and, when sailing, they fold up similar to a squid for less drag. Her hardware was provided by Harken Yacht Equipment, world-renowned supplier to the finest yachts.  She has state of the art navigation and radar, chart plotter, and GPS. The interior has been meticulously designed and she boasts a state of the art surround-sound stereo system with TV and wireless Internet service. Captain Jepson left Honolulu last October for St. Croix in order to personally supervise every detail of the construction of Makani.

“The idea for the Makani was to design a catamaran technically, structurally, and specifically for Hawaiian waters. The waves in Hawaii can be very extreme. Because Makani is lighter and stronger than wood/fiberglass construction, she draws less water and cuts through the waves more quickly,” said Captain Jepson. Makani is a luxurious, high-tech Grand Prix–style catamaran. People who take the charter will not only feel the thrill of the speed when she cuts through the waves, but also as she moves more smoothly through the water.”

Makani is certain to make a memorable impression upon any business meeting, pleasure adventure, wedding, or romantic occasion. Capable of private chartering for up to 80 people, Makani will provide three daily sailings for Honolulu visitors and residents. A morning, afternoon, and romantic sunset cruise will each serve appetizers with full bar service available. Daily sails will be limited to fewer than 50 passengers in order to provide a comfortable setting for each sail. Whether in the cabin, on deck, or lying on the nets, each Makani passenger will enjoy a truly remarkable experience that he or she will not soon forget.

“Even after 16 years of working in the Honolulu tourism industry, I still get a kick out of seeing the smiling faces of people the first time they experience a thrill of a sailing adventure,” says Captain Jepson. “Makani means wind, and that’s exactly how she will sail. I am anxious to return home to Honolulu next month to once again enjoy all of the smiling faces.”

Makani may not touch all of the more than six million Hawaii tourists, but the ones she does will not forget the thrill of their experience aboard this magnificent ocean-going catamaran.

Captain Jon and crew depart from the Virgin Islands and head to Hawaii through the Panama Canal and into Pacific waters, tying up in homeport in Kewalo Basin, Honolulu.