Top 8 Sunset Cruises in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Are you planning a trip to Oahu and looking for something to do in the evening? One of the top things to do on Oahu is to go on a sunset cruise in Waikiki and experience the beauty of the island from the water!

When I visited Oahu in 2022, going on a sunset cruise out of Waikiki was one of my favorite activities I did. We even got rained on… and it was still a blast!

In this guide, I’m breaking down the top 8 sunset cruises in Waikiki. I’ll also go over all your burning questions about going on a sunset cruise, like how long they last, average price, what to wear, and more! Luckily, there are tons of different sunset cruises to choose from for every type of traveler.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

My Top 3 Picks for Waikiki Sunset Cruises

TOP 8 Oahu Sunset Cruises From Waikiki for your next Hawaiian vacation

Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail

• Price: Starting at $69 per person
• Duration: 2 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐
• Includes: First cocktail free!
• Pick Up Location: Kewalo Harbor, Slip D108

If you don’t want to do a bunch of research, take my word for it and book this top rated-sunset cruise! Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail gets gold stars all around and is one of the best “bang for your buck” sunset cruises out of Waikiki. For $69 per person, you get 2 hours of sail time along the Waikiki coastline.

You’re guaranteed to have a great time on this 55’ luxury sailing catamaran as you soak in the sunset views! The only downside to this cruise if you have to pay for your second (and third and fourth) drink, as only the first is included!

Check prices and availability for this tour here! ⛵

BYOB Sunset Cruise 

• Price: Starting at $56 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Snacks
• Pick Up Location: Kewalo Basin Boat Harbor, Pier B Slip B-1

If you’re a budget traveler, don’t drink, or have specific alcohol preferences, this BYOB Sunset Cruise is for you! For only $56, you’ll be able to sail along the Waikiki coast for 1.5 hours.

Instead of serving alcohol, this sunset cruises allows you to bring your own beer, or wine, or whatever cocktail you choose! This is great for picky travelers (like me) who don’t love the pre-mixed mai tais that are usually served on these types of tours.

Check prices and availability for this tour here! ⛵

Star of Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Price: Starting at $132 per person
• Duration: 2 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Crab and Steak dinner, Welcome drink, Hula dancing
• Pick Up Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8

The Star of Honolulu offers an incredible dinner sunset cruise out of Waikiki that starts at $132 per adult. This tour runs for two hours every day of the week except Fridays. On Fridays, the tour costs $145 and is 3 hours long to be able to view the Waikiki Firework show.

This sunset cruise is very different from the others, as it takes place on a 4-floor boat with a 60 foot high observation deck. In addition, you’ll enjoy an elaborate menu, a signature mai-tai, and a Polynesian show onboard!

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise (+Drinks and Appetizers)

• Price: Starting at $108 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Pupu appetizers, 2 alcoholic beverages, soft drinks
• Pick Up Location: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip F28

If you’re looking for a middle ground between a quick sail and a dinner cruise, this Waikiki Sunset Cruise is the tour for you! Not only does it include 2 free alcoholic beverages per person, but you’ll also be served a variety of “pupu” appetizers! (Don’t fret – pupu is just the Hawaiian word for appetizer).

This sunset cruise has a 5-star average rating and is fairly priced for what you receive! Sail along the Waikiki coastline as you eat delicious food on a luxury catamaran. What’s better than that?

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Small Group Yacht Sunset Cruise

• Price: Starting at $235 per person
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Tasting menu, Full bar, Private experience
• Pick Up Location: Ko Olina Marina

For those looking for a more private and luxurious experience, this Small Group Yacht Sunset Cruise is the perfect option for you. For $235 per person, you and up to 5 guests can enjoy the Waikiki sunset in style on a private 46-foot yacht.

Included in the cost is a custom chef tasting menu, plus unlimited alcoholic beverages! This is the ultimate, luxurious experience, but make sure to book well in advance! This tour has a tendency to sell out as they only run a few times a week.

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Manu Kai Sunset Sail

• Price: Starting at $60 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Complimentary beer or mai tais
• Pick Up Location: Waikiki Beach (in front of Duke’s)

If you’re looking for a no-fuss tour, this sunset sail with Manu Kai is a great option. I love this tour for two reasons: it’s extremely well-priced (only $60!) and it leaves directly from the beach!

I just loved being able to walk right onto Waikiki beach in front of Duke’s Restaurant and board the boat. Plus, you get complimentary mai tais, soft drinks, and great music. I loved my time on this sunset sail out of Waikiki, even though we got rained on!

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail

• Price: Starting at $220 per person
• Duration: 2 hours
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Light refreshments, dinner, ukulele music
• Pick Up Location: 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip 106

Those looking for a cultural experience as part of their sunset cruise out of Waikiki will love this Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail! You’ll get to experience sailing on a traditional Polynesian wooden sailing canoe.

While on this cruise, you’ll participate in a traditional sunset ‘oli ceremony, as well as learn about Polynesian culture. Plus, listen to ukulele music while enjoying dinner and watching the sunset!

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Friday Fireworks Sunset Sail

• Price: Starting at $90 per person
• Duration: 1 hour
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
• Includes: Firework show, open bar
• Pick Up Location: The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Last but not least, this Friday Fireworks Sunset Sail on Holokai Catamaran is a great option for those visiting Oahu on a Friday. On this sail, you’ll have front row seats to the Hilton Hawaiian Village firework show – an incredible experience!

This tour also includes unlimited alcoholic beverages! However, it’s only a hour long sail, so keep that in mind!

Check prices and availability here! ⛵

Frequently Asked Questions about Oahu Sunset Cruises from Waikiki

How long do sunset cruises from Waikiki typically last?

As you can see above, most tours last between 1 and 3 hours. The typical cruises that only include drinks typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. However, if dinner is included, the average is 3 hours.

Where Do Sunset Cruises in Waikiki Leave From?

All of the sunset cruises mentioned in this post leave from the general Waikiki/Honolulu area (except one!). A few of the tours leave directly from Waikiki Beach, which is extremely convenient for those staying in right in Waikiki! Just walk along the beach until you get to the boat!

The rest of the tours depart from just outside the Waikiki Beach area, either at Pier 8 Aloha Tower Marketplace or Kewalo Basin Harbor. Both of these are about 20 minutes away from Waikiki Beach by car.

The private yacht cruise mentioned in this post is the only one that leaves outside of Honolulu, at Ko Olina Marina, which is near the Disney Aulani Resort.

What Time Do Sunset Cruises Out of Waikiki Depart?

Departure times vary based on the time of year due to Daylight Savings. In general, most tours will leave around 1 hour before sunset!

How Much Do Sunset Cruises from Waikiki Cost?

Again, this totally depends on the tour you choose! Tours that only include drinks typically cost between $50 and $100 per adult. However, if you are embarking on a dinner sunset cruise, expect to pay between $100 and $150. Looking to book a private or small group sunset cruise? That will typically cost over $200.

Pssst: Planning a trip to Oahu? Don’t forget to check out my 3 Day Oahu Itinerary!

What Should I wear on a Waikiki Sunset Cruise?

Sunset cruises in Hawaii are pretty casual. I’ve seen people in jean shorts and flip flops, but most people dress in resort casual. Make sure to bring a light jacket, as it will be windy on the boat!

For women, I don’t recommend skirts or dresses that can blow up easily! Also, leave the high-heeled shoes at home.. you won’t need them on a boat.

For men, anything from shorts and a t-shirt to jeans and a polo is acceptable. I would expect most men to be in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt!

What Will I See on a Sunset Cruise from Waikiki?

Aside from stunning views of Waikiki Beach, most sunset cruises journey south, giving you impressive views of Diamond Head crater!

In terms of wildlife, you might get lucky and see dolphins or turtles. If you are visiting between November and April, you have a high chance of seeing humpback whales, as this is whale season!

Every Friday, the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Waikiki Beach puts on an incredible firework show at 7:45pm! If your cruise runs this late, you may get to witness this spectacle from the water. You can also book a sunset cruise specifically to watch the fireworks like the one I mentioned above! These typically last one hour and leave later than the other sunset cruises.

What’s Included on a Sunset Cruise from Waikiki?

As you can see from the summaries above, each sunset cruise from Waikiki truly offers something unique! Some include unlimited alcoholic beverages, while others are BYOB. Most cruises under $100 don’t include food, but some offer small appetizers, or you can book a true dinner cruise!

A majority of sunset cruises will play music, either from a phone or live music. Other cruises focus more on cultural stories and experiences! It all depends on what you book!

Final Thoughts: Best Waikiki Sunset Cruises on Oahu, Hawaii

If you need an evening activity while visiting Hawaii’s most popular island, going on a sunset cruise from Waikiki is the perfect option! There’s no doubt it’s one of the best things to do in Waikiki!

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of sunset cruises in the area, from short catamaran rides to luxurious private yacht tours.

Pick any of the above sunset cruises, and you’re sure to have an incredible time!