TOP 7 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 in Waikiki is to go on a sunset cruise and experience the beauty of the island from the water!
When I visited Oahu in 2022, going on a sunset cruise 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 7 sunset cruises in Waikiki to choose from, because deciding between all the different options out there can be very overwhelming. Ask me how I know!
I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect sunset cruise for you!
A Quick Look at the Island of Oahu
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to the island of Oahu to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
Hilton Hawaiian Village ($$)
Sheraton Waikiki ($$$)
Moana Surfrider ($$$$)
When to Visit:
– My favorite time is April/May (great weather and in between peak season)
– High season is December – March (also whale season!)
– Summer (July-August) is very warm and also sees a good amount of crowds
Things to Do:
Pearl Harbor Memorial 🇺🇸
Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour 🤿
Kualoa Ranch 🦖
Overview of my Top Sunset Cruise Recommendations
| Cruise | Price | Duration | Pick Up Location | What’s Included |
| Ke Kai Catamaran Sunset Sail | $70 | 1.5 hours | Waikiki Beach | Unlimited drinks |
| Moana Sunset Cocktail Sail | $89 | 2 hours | Kewalo Harbor | Free first drink |
| BYOB Swimming Sunset Cruise | $79 | 2 hours | Hilton Hawaiian Village | Water (BYOB) |
| Atlantis Sunset Cruise | $76 | 1.5 hours | Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 6 | Welcome cocktail + live entertainment |
| Small Group Sunset Yacht Cruise | $235 | 2-2.5 hours | Ko Olina Marina | Tasting menu, full bar, private experience |
| Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail | $250 | 2 hours | 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Slip 106 | Light refreshments, dinner, cultural ceremonies |
| Friday Fireworks Sunset Sail | $90 | 1 hour | Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort | Firework show, open bar |
My Top Pick: Ke Kai Catamaran Sunset Cruise
- Price: Starting at $70 per person
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Viator Rating: 4.8/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Complimentary beer, mai tais, cocktails
- Pick Up Location: Waikiki Beach (in front of Duke’s)
I am putting my top recommendation first to make your life easier! If you don’t want to read this whole post, just book this tour😉
This cruise on the Ke Kai Catamaran is the sunset cruise I personally went on during my last trip to Oahu, and I give it all the stars!!
First, the cruise leaves right from the beach in front of Duke’s Restaurant in the heart of Waikiki. I literally walked 5 minutes from my hotel along the beach and boarded the catamaran, no driving or marina required!
As soon as we boarded the boat, we were greeted with complimentary mai tais, beers, soft drinks, and more. The crew was extremely friendly and fun the entire trip!
Although we did hit some light rain on our cruise, we were then blessed with the most insane double rainbow over Waikiki Beach – it was absolutely jaw-dropping!
And the rain was kind of a vibe, not going to lie!
Overall, this is the most well-priced, bang-for-your-buck sunset cruise in Waikiki, with an amazing location AND all-you-can-drink. I mean, there’s not much you can ask for, right?
When I return to Oahu, I will definitely book this sunset cruise again!
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Cost: $70 per person
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Unlimited drinks
Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail
- Price: Starting at $89 per person
- Duration: 2 hours
- Viator Rating: 4.9/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: First cocktail free!
- Pick Up Location: Kewalo Harbor, Slip D108
Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail is my second choice for the best overall sunset cruise in Waikiki. For $89, you get to experience 2 hours of sail time along the Waikiki coastline.
The trip takes place on a 55’ luxury sailing catamaran, which includes cushioned seating around the boat and two large net hammocks at the front (you will get wet in this spot!).
This boat is slightly larger and more comfortable than the Ke Kai catamaran, so that extra $20 might be worth it for this! There is also a bathroom onboard.
However, this cruise doesn’t include unlimited drinks, just one free welcome cocktail. You can purchase more drinks onboard, like beer, wine, liquor, and soda, though!
The cruise leaves from the Kewalo Harbor, which is about 10 minutes away from Waikiki Beach by car.
Overall, this sunset cruise has incredibly good reviews (4.9 out of 5 stars!!) and looks every bit worth the $89!
Check prices and availability for this tour here! ⛵
BYOB Swimming Sunset Cruise
- Price: Starting at $79 per person
- Duration: 2 hours
- Viator Rating: 4.9/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Water
- Pick Up Location: 95 Holomoana St (near Hilton Hawaiian Village)
If you don’t drink or have specific alcohol preferences, this BYOB Sunset Cruise is for you!
This cruise allows you to bring any drinks (alcohol or non-alcoholic) on board with you, as long as they are not in glass bottles. 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.
While this is a nice perk, I do think $79 is a little steep, considering the Ke Kai Catamaran is $10 cheaper and includes unlimited alcohol.
However, this sunset cruise also includes a stop for swimming off Waikiki Beach while the sun is setting. This is a cool perk, as long as you don’t mind getting in the ocean as it’s getting dark!
If you don’t have any other snorkeling planned for your time on Oahu, this could be a great backup.
The boat itself is very similar to the Moana Sunset Sail, with cushioned benches, shaded areas, and netted lounge spots.
Overall, I think this is a great option if you want to choose what you drink and/or have time for a quick swim on your sunset sail!
Atlantis Sunset Cruise
- Price: Starting at $76 per person
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Viator Rating: 4.5/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Welcome drink + Live Entertainment
- Pick Up Location: Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 6
If small boats aren’t your thing or you want to have a weather backup plan, this Atlantis Sunset Cruise is a great option.
The Majestic by Atlantis is a 150-foot-long, three-level deck boat with plenty of space to enjoy 1.5 hours of sunset viewing! This is much bigger than the other catamaran cruises mentioned so far.
You can choose to experience the sunset on their open-air top deck or hang out in the air-conditioned lounge spaces, or both!
A welcome drink is included with your ticket, and then you’ll have the option to purchase drinks from their full-service bar on board, including traditional drinks like a Blue Hawaiian or a Mai Tai, as well as fun specialty cocktails.
In the spring and summer, the cruise goes from 6 pm – 7:30 pm, and in the fall/winter, it goes from 5:15 pm to 6:45 pm.
Overall, this is the perfect option if you want more comfortable seating or to be inside for your sunset cruise.
Small Group Yacht Sunset Cruise
- Price: Starting at $235 per person
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Viator 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 looks absolutely incredible!!
For $235 per person, you and up to 5 guests can enjoy the Waikiki sunset in style on a private 46-foot yacht.
And you’re not just getting a comfy ride and gorgeous views!
During the cruise, the captain docks in Sunset Channel, and you’ll sit down for a customized chef’s tasting menu, including short rib, Ahi tuna, and more. Plus, unlimited champagne, wine, beer, and other beverages!
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: $235 per person
- Rating: 5/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Dinner and unlimited drinks
You don’t see many 5/5 stars on any tour these days, but this one can claim that (with over 100 reviews!).
The only downside to this cruise is that it leaves out of Ko Olina Marina, which is located on the west side of the island, about 45 minutes from Waikiki.
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.
Polynesian Canoe Sunset Sail
- Price: Starting at $250 per person
- Duration: 2 hours
- Viator 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, called a wa’a kaulua.
And the commitment to embracing traditional Hawaiian culture doesn’t end there. On this sunset cruise, you’ll listen to local music and learn about other Hawaiian traditions like lei making and hula!
And, during sunset, you’ll get to experience the ceremonial sunset ‘oli, a chant performed to honor the setting sun and release the day’s energy.
Dinner and drinks are also included in the price, including locally-sourced foods!
While this tour is a little pricier than the others, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support Hawaiian culture and local customs. After all, the best part of traveling (in my opinion) is learning about the place you are visiting from the people that live there!
Friday Fireworks Sunset Sail
- Price: Starting at $90 per person
- Duration: 1 hour
- Viator Rating: 4.8/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Firework show, open bar
- Pick Up Location: The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
While not technically a sunset cruise, this Friday Fireworks Cruise on the Holokai Catamaran is a great option for your trip to Waikiki if you are visiting over a weekend.
The cruise leaves around 7:15-7:30 pm depending on the time of year, not to see the sunset but to see the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks show that happens every Friday night!
While you might catch the tail end of the sunset in summer, the focus of the cruise is to watch the fireworks, so expect it to be dark for most of the ride.
You’ll get around one hour on the boat to enjoy it, along with an open bar!
The boat leaves directly from Waikiki Beach, which is extremely convenient – check in occurs at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oahu Sunset Cruises from Waikiki
How long do sunset cruises from Waikiki typically last?
Most tours last between 1.5 to 2.5 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! 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 15 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 Saving Time. 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. Looking to book a private or small group sunset cruise? That will typically cost over $200.
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 southeast, giving you impressive views of Diamond Head crater and the sunset behind you.
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!
What’s Included on a Sunset Cruise from Waikiki?
Each sunset cruise from Waikiki 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: What’s the Best Sunset Cruise in Waikiki?
If you need an evening activity while visiting Hawaii’s most popular island, going on a sunset cruise from Waikiki is the perfect option!
However, choosing the perfect one can be challenging. The “best” one will depend on your comfort style and what you want included.
I personally thought the Ke Kai Catamaran was the best bang for my buck and the most convenient since it left straight from the beach!
Next time I visit Oahu, though, I will probably book the small-group yacht cruise or the culturally immersive canoe cruise!
While going on a sunset cruise is amazing, it can also be pricey! So I made a list of the Top Free Things to Do on Oahu for you – make sure to check it out 🙂
Read More Oahu Blog Posts Below! ⬇️🌺
How to Spend 3 Days on Oahu: The Perfect Oahu Itinerary for First Timers!
13 BEST Things to Do in Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii
TOP 8 Sunset Cruises in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
Cheap (and Free!) Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
Best Hikes on Oahu with Waterfalls: A Complete Guide
A Complete Guide to Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay on Oahu
The BEST Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii
Surf Lessons on Waikiki Beach: Everything You Need to Know
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