10 Best Dinner Cruises In Oahu (Inc Sunset Tours)
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If you’re visiting Oahu then experiencing a sunset cruise should definitely be on your to-do list.
The beautiful sunset in Oahu provides a breathtaking backdrop to the serene waters and stunning coastline, making it one of the best ways to take in the island’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun evening with the family, a dinner cruise is a perfect choice.
1. Star Of Honolulu Signature Cruise
🎸 Live Music: Yes
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
The Star Of Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest sunset dinner cruise ship.
Pier-side hula dancers will greet you at Pier 8, Aloha Tower Marketplace (located about 20 minutes walking distance from Waikiki) where you’ll board the upper deck of this 1,500-passenger vessel.
As you board you’ll be given a welcome mai tai toast before setting sail on your voyage along the coastline to Diamond Head, giving you incredible views as the sun sets over the ocean.
This is a sunset dinner cruise like no other, complete with a three-course crab & steak dinner from fabulous chefs and wonderful live entertainment.
On Fridays, the cruise stays out for an extra hour so guests can enjoy the fireworks!
2. Small Group Yacht Sunset Cruise
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, then this private 46-foot yacht cruise which is limited to just six guests is perfect.
The journey lasts 2.5 hours, providing you with plenty of time and space to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
With a friendly captain and crew, you will learn about the area, whilst spotting marine life and enjoying sweeping views over the calm waters.
There is a personal tasting menu prepared for you, using some of the most wonderful local ingredients and flavours. The menu is subject to change but often includes seared Ahi and short rib steak.
You can also access the open bar which has Hawaiian bottled water, soft drinks, spirits, sparkling wines and beers.
3. Sunset Cocktail Cruise
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
Port Waikiki Cruises offers an incredible 90-minute sunset cocktail cruise aboard a 65-foot-long catamaran – the largest in Waikiki.
During this cruise, you’ll enjoy; two single-serve alcoholic drinks, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and a light appetiser bento-style meal.
All while cruising along the open water and being greeted by incredible views.
4. Star Of Honolulu Buffet Cruise
🎸 Live Music: Yes
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
The Star of Honolulu buffet cruise offers incredible value for money, making it one of the most popular sunset cruises in Oahu.
After setting sail towards Diamond Head, you’ll tuck into a buffet dinner including Pacific rim roast beef, baked miso yaki BBQ chicken, and fish of the day. While for dessert enjoy homemade chocolate macadamia nut brownies and cookies.
There are plenty of beverages available to purchase, including cocktails, beers and soft drinks and as the sun sets, you’ll be entertained with an authentic Polynesian show with plenty of audience participation.
If your trip takes place on a Friday, be prepared to stay sailing for an extra hour to witness the sky light up with incredible fireworks.
5. Sunset Snorkel Cruise
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
This sunset snorkel cruise is one of the most unique in Oahu.
During your 3.5-hour trip, you’ll spend one hour snorkelling in a wonderful secret location, home to some of the most incredible marine life before coming back onboard to enjoy a delicious Hawaiian buffet.
As you sail along the beautiful Waianae coastline the crew will tell you about the history of the island of Oahu, and allow you to relax with panoramic views out into the ocean.
6. BYOB Sunset Cruise
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
This BYOB sunset cruise is ideal for those looking for a great value-for-money option.
During this cruise, you are encouraged to bring along your own alcohol as you travel along the coastline to Diamond Head.
During certain times of the year, you have the chance to see incredible marine life including both humpback whales and green sea turtles.
The captain and crew will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the cruise, providing light refreshments and snacks.
7. Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail
🎸 Live Music: Yes
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
If you’re looking for a unique sunset experience in Oahu, then consider setting sail in this traditional Polynesian canoe.
During your journey in this all-wood, double-hulled traditional vessel you’ll travel along the Waikiki coastline and experience a number of Hawaiian activities including lessons surrounding traditional Hawaiian words and phrases.
Since this experience has a limited number of places, you’ll find that the crew are very attentive and able to tell you stories from the island as well as native myths and legends.
Refreshments and dinner are included and you will be entertained with live ukulele music as well as traditional chants.
8. Star Of Honolulu Deluxe Cruise
🎸 Live Music: Yes
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
The Star of Honolulu Deluxe Cruise is a great option for foodies looking to enjoy a fantastic Oahu sunset cruise.
This cruise is set over four walk-around decks as well as a 60-foot-high observation deck which provides plenty of space from where you can watch the sunset along the horizon.
During the cruise, you’ll be treated to a delicious 5-course meal including tenderloin steak and whole Maine lobster, with premium beverages.
You can also indulge in domestic cheeses, seasonal fruit and Hawaiian Mango Mousse Cake.
There is live jazz music during your dinner and you can enjoy the “65 Years of Aloha” show, complete with original costumes and choreography.
If you decide to book your dinner cruise on Friday nights, then you will be able to enjoy a superb fireworks display illuminating the sky.
9. Sunset & City Light Tour
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
This intimate 40-ft catamaran sunset cruise is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Limited to just 25 people, this two-hour cruise will take you along the coastline as you watch the sunset.
Complimentary refreshments are included in your ticket price, namely bottled water and soft drinks, however, if you are over the age of 21 you are also allowed to bring your own booze aboard too.
Snacks including cheese, fruit and veggies are also provided.
10. Sunset Dinner Cruise
🎸 Live Music: No
🌇 Sunset Sailing: Yes
Prince Kuhio Tours runs a popular sunset dinner cruise which has recently undergone a make-over with a new chef and a new menu.
This trip is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends, ready to head out onto the open water to see an incredible Hawaiian sunset.
This cruise will take you along the coastline to Diamond Head (known locally as Lēʻahi) as you dine on a delicious meal and cocktails put together by a premium mixologist.
Oahu Dinner Cruise Dress Code
Different Oahu dinner cruises have different dress codes. As such we recommend reading through the dress code brief prior to booking and again prior to your cruise.
Some cruise lines will be more strict on their dress code than others, so it’s definitely worth researching in advance to avoid being denied boarding or feeling out of place during the cruise.
Generally speaking, an aloha shirt is considered formal wear in Hawaii, so you should be able to wear this.
Alternatively, a collared shirt and a smart pair of jeans or chino pants should be fine.
For women, dresses are great. However, we’d still recommend bringing a light jacket with you (regardless of the time of year) as it can get chilly out on the water once the sun has set.
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Thanks for stopping by! Do you have experience with this trip or want to share some of your own tips? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below and let’s chat!