Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu

Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu: A Unique Waterway Experience

The Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu offers an engaging way to enjoy Oahu’s beautiful coastline from the Pacific Ocean. For $124.87 per person, this 2-hour cruise takes you along the Waikiki shoreline, culminating in a breathtaking view of Diamond Head as the sun dips below the horizon. With a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 928 reviews, it’s a popular choice for those seeking a scenic, relaxed evening with the opportunity for a delicious meal and drinks.

This tour departs from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, and is well-suited for most travelers, offering mobile ticket access and a generous capacity of up to 100 guests. While it’s praised for its spectacular scenery, it’s worth noting that alcoholic beverages are not included—guests are encouraged to bring their own alcohol for the onboard mixologist. The food is prepared fresh onboard, setting this cruise apart from other options with no buffet or stale catering.

Key Points

• Price: $124.87 per person, booked on average 25 days in advance
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Departure Location: 1009 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu
• Food: Freshly prepared onboard, includes salad, beef short ribs, mahi-mahi, dessert, and kid-friendly options
• Drink: BYOB encouraged for alcohol, with a Tiki bar on the upper deck serving island cocktails
• Scenic Highlights: Sunset over Honolulu, Waikiki shoreline, Diamond Head, and city lights at night

Experience the Best Views of Waikiki and Diamond Head from the Water

The main draw of this cruise lies in its ability to showcase Honolulu’s iconic sights from the water, especially during sunset. As the sun sets over the Pacific, the sky transforms into vivid shades of pink, orange, red, and purple. The Waikiki shoreline glows softly, and the Diamond Head crater provides a dramatic backdrop to the scene.

Guests get to enjoy these views comfortably from the outdoor upper deck, where outside seating offers unobstructed sightlines. With most reviews mentioning spectacular scenery, it’s clear that this cruise delivers photo-worthy moments and an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Freshly Made Food Sets This Dinner Cruise Apart

Unlike many dinner cruises, this tour features food prepared onboard, ensuring freshness and quality. The menu includes a garden salad with cherry tomatoes and croutons, lightly smoked beef short ribs with scalloped potatoes, and seared mahi-mahi with Asian creamy avocado sauce.

For dessert, a chef’s choice is served, and there are kid-friendly options like grilled chicken on rice. The chef’s personal appearance—coming out before and after the meal—adds an engaging touch that enhances the dining experience. This fresh onboard cuisine has received high praise, with many describing the food as excellent.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol for a Complete Experience

A notable aspect of this cruise is that alcoholic beverages are not sold onboard. Instead, guests are encouraged to bring their own alcohol. The Tiki bar on the upper deck is operated by a mixologist who serves all the island’s favorite cocktails.

This BYOB policy allows guests to enjoy personal drinks and save money while sipping in a relaxed, scenic environment. Reviewers often mention that bringing their own drinks greatly enhances the experience, making for a more personalized and enjoyable evening.

Relax Under the Stars with Soft Background Music

After dinner, the cruise continues with a relaxed atmosphere—guests can sit back, enjoy soft background music, and watch as Honolulu’s city lights begin to sparkle. The glow of the city complements the vibrant sunset sky, creating a magical scene that many describe as unforgettable.

The upper deck provides a perfect spot to unwind and take in the scenery, with plenty of space to move around or find a quiet corner. Many reviews highlight the peaceful ambiance and the friendly crew who help make the moment special.

Detailed Menu and Dining Experience

The menu features fresh, quality ingredients with options like hearts of romaine salad, beef short ribs braised in red wine, and seared mahi-mahi sourced directly from Waikiki fishermen.

The dining experience is enhanced by the fact that food is cooked onboard during the cruise, so it arrives hot and fresh. The chef’s personal interactions and attention to detail contribute to the overall positive dining experience.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for this cruise is 1009 Ala Moana Blvd. The location is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Most participants can join, but it’s advisable for those prone to motion sickness to bring medication. The capacity of the ship is up to 100 guests, which helps maintain a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

Timing, Pacing, and Group Size

The 2-hour cruise generally starts in the evening, aligning with sunset. The pacing is relaxed, with ample time to enjoy the views, dinner, and drinks. The group size allows for a lively yet personal experience, with most reviews indicating a friendly, attentive crew.

Cost and Value for Money

At $124.87 per person, this cruise offers good value, especially considering the fresh onboard food, scenic views, and the ability to bring your own alcohol. Booking about 25 days in advance secures your spot, as this tour is quite popular.

Some reviewers mention that it may not be the best value if you’re expecting alcoholic beverages included or additional entertainment. However, the spectacular scenery and quality dining make it a worthwhile experience for most.

What Sets This Cruise Apart from Other Water Tours

The distinctive feature of this cruise is its fresh onboard meal preparation, which ensures hot, quality dishes. The spectacular sunset views over Waikiki and Diamond Head provide photo opportunities that are hard to match.

While it does not include onboard entertainment beyond soft music, the natural scenery and relaxed atmosphere make this a calm, memorable outing. The encouragement to BYOB further personalizes the experience compared to all-inclusive options.

Honest Considerations and Limitations

A few reviews mention disappointments, particularly regarding no alcohol sales onboard, which can be inconvenient for some. Seasickness might affect sensitive individuals, as the ship rocks with the water. Also, some guests note that customer service can vary, with some reporting rudeness or misrepresentation about seating arrangements.

It’s recommended to arrive early to ensure preferred seating and to bring your own drinks for a full enjoyment. Weather dependency is a factor, as poor weather may lead to cancellations with full refunds or rescheduling.

The Sum Up: A Scenic and Delicious Evening on the Water

The Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu provides a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy Oahu’s coastline at dusk. With fresh onboard food, spectacular water views, and the flexibility to bring your own alcohol, it appeals to those seeking a laid-back, memorable night.

While it lacks onboard entertainment and has some limitations regarding alcohol, the stunning scenery and personalized dining experience make it a worthwhile option. Most guests find it well worth the price, especially for the chance to capture beautiful sunset photos and unwind on the water.

This cruise best suits adults and families with children, especially those who appreciate good food, peaceful atmospheres, and flexible drink options. It’s ideal as a romantic outing or family adventure, provided you’re prepared for weather changes and self-supplied drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol available for purchase onboard?
No, alcohol is not sold onboard. You are encouraged to bring your own drinks for the Tiki bar.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, starting around sunset.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu.

What food is served during the cruise?
The onboard menu includes salad, beef short ribs, mahi-mahi, and dessert, all prepared fresh during the cruise.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, BYOB is encouraged and allows guests to enjoy their own beverages with the onboard cocktails.

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, kid-friendly options like chicken and rice are included, making it suitable for families with children.