12 Best Sunset Cruises in Waikiki That Your Partner Will Love!
Are you looking for the best sunset cruises in Waikiki? We’ve got you covered! As a travel couple, we have done romantic cruises in many romantic destinations. But of course, Oahu sunsets, similarly to Kauai sunsets, are some of the best in the world and make for amazing Hawaiian romantic dates!
So we highly encourage you to hop on a Waikiki beach sunset cruise with you partner for an unforgettable experience together, even during winter. Alternatively, you can head for a sunset tour from the Haleakala volcano for a unique experience.
In this post, we gathered the best sunset boat trips in Waikiki including Waikiki catamaran sunset cruises, sunset dinner cruises from Waikiki and more!
***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.
Our Top 3 Picks: for the
#1 Pick
A romantic and intimate evening with great food, fantastic views and a wonderful service from start to finish. Exceeded all of our expectations! We had a great experience! – Vanessa D., USA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Pick
This was a trip to remember we only had 8 or 9 people on board and Mike and the captain of the boat were great!!!! Great views very informative! Overall great experience. However, I wasn’t carrying cash I recommended posting a venmo QR code for tipping! Thanks guys!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#3 Pick
The entire event was well plan and the service was great. The food was planned perfectly and came hot with adequate beverages. The entertainment was nice too but the view was stunning and magical. – Nicole B., USA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The best catamaran sunset cruises in Waikiki
1. Waikiki Fireworks Catamaran Cruise with Music
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
You and your partner will be absolutely thrilled with the highly-rated Waikiki Sunset Catamaran Cruise with music and fireworks. This is one of the most romantic sunset cruise tours in Waikiki! This unique and stunning Waikiki sunset sail is offered once a week on Fridays and lasts 1.5 hours, providing plenty of time to soak in the surroundings. We recommend this to couples who appreciate a dazzling display of fireworks by the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, viewed directly from the comfort of a catamaran cruise. This Honolulu sunset cruise experience is amplified by the sounds of music onboard that set a jovial mood. Additionally, you may even get a chance to see wildlife like dolphins and whales which is always an exciting prospect.
This Hawaiian sunset catamaran cruise Waikiki offers, encourages a relaxed and personalized experience, allowing you to bring your own drinks and snacks on board, adhering to a BYOB policy. It’s an intimate setting, designed with your comfort in mind, providing bathroom and water facilities on board.
It was great! The view was worth it – Traveler from Mexico (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: Fireworks, light music onboard chance to see wildlife, can bring own drinks and food on board
2. Waikiki Catamaran Sunset Cruise, a beautiful Hawaii sunset cruise Oahu Waikiki offers
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
For an unforgettable experience on the south shore of Oahu, we recommend theWaikiki sunset cruise catamaran style. You can’t drive to Hawaii, so what? You can definitely cruise around on this amazing cruise. This 4.7/5 rated activity is a top pick with raving reviews and is sure to create lasting memories. Spanning 1.5 hours, this cruise allows you and your partner to bask in the stunning views of the skyline and sail towards Diamond Head on a 50-foot catamaran.
What sets this cruise apart is the live tour guide who ensures that the experience is informative and engaging. You and your partner can relax under the shaded deck, which offers respite from the sun while you enjoy the scenic views. For your convenience, there’s also an onboard restroom.
This catamaran sunset cruise Waikiki bound offers the flexibility to make the journey your own. You can bring your own food and drinks, making it a unique, personalized dinner with breathtaking views. this is considered the best sunset cruise in Oahu by many!
This was a trip to remember we only had 8 or 9 people on board and Mike and the captain of the boat were great!!!! Great views very informative! Overall great experience. However, I wasn’t carrying cash I recommended posting a venmo QR code for tipping! Thanks guys!!!! (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: 50-foot catamaran cruise, skyline views, live tour guide, can bring own food and drinks
Private sunset cruises in Waikiki
3. Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with A Guide
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
We recommend the exceptional Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with a Guide for you and your partner. With a perfect 5/5 rating, this activity offers an unforgettable experience over the course of two hours. This isn’t your typical cruise, it’s a private group excursion, ensuring a serene and intimate experience, exclusive to your party.
Imagine sailing along the coast towards Diamond Head at sunset, the hues of the setting sun painting the sky with an array of colors. There’s also a chance to observe the vibrant marine wildlife, with potential sightings of playful dolphins adding a touch of excitement to the journey.
This private sunset cruise Waikiki offers, will take place on a 30 feet private catamaran, outfitted for your comfort. There’s a shaded cabin, offering a cool retreat from the sun, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning views without the concern of sun exposure. What makes this cruise unique is the availability of a cooler on board, allowing you to bring your own food and drinks, enhancing the personal and homely feel of the journey.
The live tour guide is there to enrich your trip, providing insightful and engaging information along the way. The Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with A Guide is not just an activity, it’s a tailored experience that you and your partner will fondly remember for years to come.
These guys did the best job ever they went above and beyond to satisfy our needs and make us feel special. They even helped me pop the question with photos video and even the perfect sunset back drop on the water. – Jason, USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: private, live tour guide, 30-feet catamaran shaded cabin, can bring own food and drinks, chance to see wildlife
Dinner cruises in Waikiki
4. Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise, a Waikiki sunset cruise dinner
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
An exciting and delectable experience awaits you and your partner on the Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise. Highly rated at 4.5/5, this 2-hour dinner cruise promises an eventful evening under the Hawaiian sky. As the sun sets, you’ll be entertained by a live show featuring local Hawaiian dancers and a captivating performance titled “60 Years of Aloha”. Meanwhile, your palate will be treated to a 3-course crab and steak dinner. This is one of the top notch Oahu sunset cruises from Waikiki.
You’ll start with a refreshing Salad Waipoli Baby Romaine, vine-ripened tomatoes, sesame star puff pastry, all dressed with a housemade papaya seed dressing. A freshly baked poi loaf by Elvin’s Bakery with butter will accompany your salad. Your main course will consist of Snow Crab Legs, BBQ Chicken, and Tenderloin of Beef, all complemented by Port Wine Sauce, mashed potatoes, and sautéed fresh vegetables. Lastly, the sweet note to your meal will be a creamy Macadamia Nut Ice Cream by IL Gelato. Included in this experience is a Mai Tai to savor while coffee and tea are also available throughout the journey. This Oahu sunset cruise begins at 5:30 PM and encourages a casual dress code, allowing you to unwind comfortably as you enjoy the evening.
The entire event was well plan and the service was great. The food was planned perfectly and came hot with adequate beverages. The entertainment was nice too but the view was stunning and magical. – Nicole B., USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: live Hawaiian themed show, 3 course crab and steak dinner, coffee, tea, drinks
5. Friday Night Fireworks Sail from Hilton Hawaiian Pier, a Waikiki dinner cruise
⭐️ RATING: 3.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
If your idea of a perfect evening is witnessing a spectacular display of fireworks while floating on a catamaran, we recommend the Friday Night Fireworks Sail from Hilton Hawaiian Pier. This 2-hour long sunset boat cruise experience, rated 3.7/5, takes place on Friday nights, where you and your partner will get to marvel at the fireworks display from the Hilton Hawaiian Village directly from your catamaran. A live tour guide will be there to provide insightful commentary. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are available, and you’ll also receive two complimentary alcoholic beverages. This sunset cruise Waikiki Hilton experience also includes a satisfying dinner onboard.
We enjoyed our dinner and sailing time with an awesome crew. The fireworks were beautiful and the whole evening was spectacular! Our first ‘barefoot cruise’ and we would highly recommend it to everyone. – Susan, USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, two complimentary alcoholic beverages, fireworks, dinner
6. Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu, one of the dinner cruises Waikiki offers
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
For a more intimate setting accompanied by breathtaking views of Diamond Head and Waikiki, we recommend the Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu. This 4/5 rated sunset cruise Honolulu experience lasts 2 hours and provides an on-board culinary journey with a fresh dinner prepared by a professional chef. Your meal starts with a freshly made salad of hearts of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, assorted peppers, and purple onion. The main course allows you to choose between Beef Short Ribs, braised to fork tender perfection and served with scalloped potatoes and steamed spinach, or the Chef’s Catch of the Day, which is a seared Mahi-Mahi served with a creamy Asian avocado sauce and steamed rice & sautéed mixed vegetables.
The Chef’s choice dessert promises to be a delightful surprise. Soda pop and water bottles are included, and you’re also welcome to bring your own drinks. With an upper deck and outside seating, you and your partner can enjoy the stunning vistas while soft background music adds to the romantic ambiance.
The Sunset Dinner cruise was such a great touch. The crew was super friendly and made us feel welcome when entering the boat. The ride itself was smooth and very informative as we were leaving the bay and out into the open waters. Dinner was really good and filling. Lastly the recommendations afterwards given to us by the crew were outstanding. This definitely made our trip to Hawai’i worth our while so glad we book this excursion and would definitely do it again. Thank you for your continued outstanding service. – Carlos R., USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: 3-course dinner, soda and drinks, outdoor seating, soft background music
7. Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner and Show
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner and Show is a highly recommended 4.5/5 rated cruise, promising a romantic and memorable experience for you and your partner. Lasting 2 hours, this is a sunset dinner cruise Waikiki bound that offers an enchanting Hawaiian evening with a live show onboard. The rhythm of Hawaiian and jazz music echoing over the ocean waves sets a magical ambiance for your journey.
Indulge in a sumptuous five-course seafood and steak dinner, a true culinary delight. You’ll be welcomed with a champagne toast, symbolizing the start of an unforgettable evening. The journey’s memorable experiences don’t stop there, two additional drinks are included to ensure your evening is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. This cruise encapsulates romance, gastronomy, and entertainment in a single, unforgettable package.
Enjoyed the dinner cruise! Entertainment was great. Jim took out song requests and worked them in. All the staff really enjoyed themselves. Rose, the manager, sang a song and the wait staff joined in on the Hulu dancing. You could feel that they had fun with us. – Donald K., USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: Hawaiian show, jazz live music, two drinks, five course seafood and steak dinner
8. Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
For a truly luxurious and leisurely experience, we recommend the Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz. This 4.5/5 rated cruise extends over 3 hours, giving you and your partner ample time to relish in the pleasures of the evening. A seafood and steak dinner, featuring a five-course lobster and tenderloin feast, awaits you.
Your meal opens with a Nova Scotia Maine lobster and beef carpaccio salad, followed by a serving of prime tenderloin beef. Dessert offers a sweet conclusion to your gourmet experience. Complementing your meal is a live jazz performance, its mellifluous tunes forming the perfect soundtrack to your evening.
This cruise presents spectacular views of Waikiki and Diamond Head, providing a stunning backdrop as you dine and relax. A Champagne toast is included, along with two additional drinks, setting a celebratory mood from the very beginning. The journey begins at 5:30pm, letting you witness the breathtaking transformation of the sky as the sun sets. The Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise is the epitome of luxury and enjoyment, promising an unforgettable evening for you and your partner.
A romantic and intimate evening with great food, fantastic views and a wonderful service from start to finish. Exceeded all of our expectations! We had a great experience! – Vanessa D., USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: seafood and steak dinner, jazz performance, two drinks and Champagne toast
Cocktail sunset cruises in Waikiki
9. Waikiki Sunset and Cocktail Cruise, a sunset cocktail cruise Waikiki offers
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
For an enjoyable evening filled with music and cocktails, we recommend the Waikiki Sunset and Cocktail Cruise for you and your partner. Boasting a high rating of 4.6/5, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a full-service bar, allowing you to sip on your favorite beverages as you lounge by the sea. The journey takes place aboard the Majestic, a ship that lives up to its name with superior service and facilities.
A welcome cocktail is included in your Waikiki cruise sunset experience, serving as a celebratory start to the cruise. As you enjoy your drink, live music on board sets a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Additional drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board, ensuring you have everything you need for a delightful evening as the sun sets on Waikiki.
Excellent welcome, excellent service, very affordable prices for drinks and snacks offered on the boat and finally very beautiful and super well-appointed boat! I recommend without hesitation! – Traveler from Canada (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: full bar, welcome cocktail
10. Diamond Head Cruise with Drinks & Appetizers, for delightful sunset cruises Waikiki style
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you’re seeking a unique and relaxing voyage, the Diamond Head Cruise with Drinks & Appetizers could be the perfect choice. Rated an impressive 4.7/5, this cruise takes you from Honolulu to Diamond Head on a 65-foot catamaran, providing ample space for you and your partner to relax and enjoy the journey.
This 1.5-hour eco-certified tour is not only enjoyable but also environmentally conscious. You’ll have a live tour guide to enrich the journey with interesting insights and facts. To further enhance your experience, tropical cocktails are served, along with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and two free bar drinks per adult. Food is also provided, creating a well-rounded, pleasurable cruise experience. This cruise is an excellent way to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, accompanied by drinks, food, and insightful narration.
Amazing sunset cruise on a beautiful catamaran. Not crowded at all so it was relaxing and romantic. Crew was really friendly and we thought it was the best Mai Thai we had on Oahu! – Nichole, USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: eco-certified, tropical cocktails, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
BYOB sunset cruises in Waikiki
11. Waikiki Sunset Party Cruise with Live DJ, a highly-rated Waikiki booze cruise
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
For those seeking a lively and entertaining evening on the waters, we recommend the Waikiki Sunset Party Cruise with Live DJ for you and your partner. This cruise holds an impressive 4.8/5 rating and provides a vibrant 2-hour experience with a live tour guide to keep the atmosphere engaging. The boat is equipped with a great sound system and an onboard bar, ensuring a festive ambiance.
Adding to the spectacle, the cruise offers a view of Friday night fireworks, a dazzling display that lights up the Hawaiian sky. The modern boat features two decks and wrap-around seating, perfect for soaking in the views of Diamond Head.
A unique aspect of this cruise is the group toast, fostering a sense of camaraderie among guests. The live professional DJ sets the mood, and with a dance floor at your disposal, you can sway to the rhythm of the music under the starlit sky. Plus, the cruise includes one free drink ticket, starting your party on a cheerful note.
My partner and I came, and from the start, it felt so welcoming they made sure we were all there and ready to party! The sunset was so worth it, and meeting new people drinking, and letting loose it was the best energy. I had so much fun the Dj was playing great music we danced and had so much fun. Melanie Rachel, Natalie, tiana captain Matt Were the best ! I can’t wait to come back ! – Maria, USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: two deck modern boat, live DJ, onboard bar, one free drink
12. Waikiki BYOB Sunset Cruise with Snacks, a fun byob sunset cruise Waikiki offers
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you prefer a more casual and intimate experience, the Waikiki BYOB Sunset Cruise with Snacks might be the perfect fit for you and your partner. This highly-rated 4.9/5 experience lasts 1.5 hours, during which you can enjoy beautiful views over the ocean and the Waikiki coast from the comfort of a small boat.
Included in this relaxed journey are light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to nibble and sip on. Unique to this sunset cruise in Waikiki is its BYOB policy, allowing you to bring your own alcoholic drinks, catering to your specific tastes. This is one of the boat cruises Waikiki experiences that offers an ideal balance of comfort, personalization, and mesmerizing views, making it a fantastic choice for a laid-back evening.
We had a great time in the cruise, my kids loved the snacks and we all loved the bonus dolphins following the boat at one time… Thank you so much! We will def come back! This will be our go to thing to do when we have family visiting us here in Hawaii – Karine, USA (Read more reviews here)
What’s included: light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
Final thoughts: Sunset cruises in Waikiki
As a conclusion, we highly recommend going on a sunset cruise Waikiki beach style. In our opinion, the best sunset cruise Waikiki offers is the Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise. This cruise comes with a delicious crab and steak dinner along with a live Hawaiian show for a well rounded experience. For a private experience and incredible memories, we recommend this Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with A Guide. This one is perfect for special events like a proposal, an anniversary or simply showing your love to your partner.
All together, there are many sunset cruises in Waikiki that can suit different interests from a classic sunset cruise to a party sunset cruise!
For alternative destinations, check out our favorite cruises in Santa Barbara which also make wonderful date ideas in California and our favorite cruises in Milos Greece.
Sunset cruises in Waikiki FAQs
The best sunset cruises in Oahu are the Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise and this classic Waikiki Sunset Cruise.
The best Waikiki sunset cruise to avoid crowds is this Private Catamaran Sunset Cruise with A Guide where you’ll be only with your party.
Sunset cruises in Waikiki are between 1.5 hours long and 3 hours long.
Yes, Waikiki is one of the best places in Oahu to watch the sunset.
What do people wear on sunset cruises?
Sunset cruises in Waikiki are mostly casual. You can wear shorts and a T-shirt or a long dress for example. Note that some cruises ask that men were full pants instead of shorts so it’s best to check beforehand.
Any questions on Sunset cruises in Waikiki ? Drop them in the comments or on insta @twolostexplorers and we will get back to you asap.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.