Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu

If you’re dreaming of watching Honolulu’s iconic sunset from the water while enjoying a good meal, a sunset dinner cruise might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but after reviewing numerous traveler experiences and the tour details, we can give you a solid idea of what to expect. This cruise from Prince Kuhio Tours offers a cozy two-hour escape along the Waikiki shoreline, topped with a fresh, onboard-cooked dinner and beautiful evening views.

What we really like about this experience is the stunning scenery—the way the sun dips behind Diamond Head as the city lights start to twinkle is pretty hard to beat. Plus, the fresh, made-onboard meal sounds like a real highlight; no stale buffet here, just dishes cooked during the cruise. The option to bring your own alcohol to enjoy at the Tiki bar adds a relaxed, flexible vibe that many travelers appreciate.

One possible consideration is the no-alcohol service onboard—you’re encouraged to BYOB, which could be inconvenient if you’re expecting a traditional bar experience. Also, the cruise has a maximum capacity of 100 travelers, so it can fill up, especially if booked in advance, which is recommended (average booking is about 25 days out). It’s best suited for those who love relaxed, scenic evenings with good food rather than high-energy entertainment.

This tour seems perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a peaceful way to see Honolulu’s sunset with a tasty meal and some drinks in hand. If you’re after a quiet, beautiful evening on the water, this one could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Stunning views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Honolulu’s city lights
• Fresh onboard dinner prepared by a dedicated chef during the cruise
• BYOB policy allows you to bring your own alcohol for a more relaxed vibe
• Relaxing atmosphere with soft background music and panoramic deck views
• Limited alcohol service — no onboard bar, so BYOB is a must
• Capacity of around 100 guests, so booking in advance is recommended

The Itinerary and What to Expect

When you join this sunset dinner cruise, you’re signing up for an experience that’s as much about the views as it is about the dinner. The cruise departs from Honolulu, specifically from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd, a location near public transit and easily accessible, which simplifies logistics. Once on board, you’ll start cruising along Waikiki’s shoreline, with the boat gently rocking as you settle into your spot for the evening.

The Scenic Journey

The journey along Waikiki is the first highlight. We loved the way the shoreline flashes by, with the city’s glittering lights starting to show as dusk falls. The real wow moment is the sunset—watching the sun dip below Diamond Head and the horizon, casting an orange-pink glow, makes for some unforgettable photos. Several reviews highlight how beautiful the sunset views are from the water, with one reviewer calling it “an amazing sunset dinner cruise,” and emphasizing the peace and serenity of the experience.

The Meal

The onboard chef prepares the meal fresh during the cruise—a rarity in dinner cruises. The menu features a variety of dishes, including a fresh garden salad, braised beef short ribs with scalloped potatoes, and seared mahi-mahi from local Waikiki fishermen with Asian avocado sauce. For kids, there’s a grilled chicken and rice option, making it family-friendly if you’re traveling with children.

Guests have praised the quality of the food, with comments like “the Maui Maui fish and asparagus were the best I’ve ever eaten.” The chef even comes out to chat with guests, adding a personal touch that many appreciated. The menu’s focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients contributes to the meal’s appeal—no reheated or pre-packaged fare here.

Drinks and Atmosphere

The cruise features an upper deck Tiki bar where a mixologist serves island-inspired cocktails. However, current policy is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks along. This setup allows for a more personal experience—you can sip your own wine or spirits while soaking in the views. Several reviewers found this aspect to be a big plus, describing the cruise as “very peaceful and fun” with “great service.”

After dinner, you can relax, enjoy the soft background music, and watch the city lights come alive as the sun disappears. This is when the cruise truly shines, with many passengers describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “unbelievable.”

Duration and Group Size

The whole experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. The group size is capped at around 100 travelers, which strikes a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere. Booking ahead is advised, especially if you want guaranteed spots on the upper deck or specific times.

Considerations

• No alcohol is served onboard; you need to bring your own if you want drinks with your meal.
• It’s not recommended for those prone to motion sickness—the boat rocks gently, but if you’re sensitive, be prepared with medication.
• The cruise is primarily about scenery and dining, with no onboard entertainment or show.
• The experience depends heavily on good weather; cancellations due to weather are possible but will be refunded or rescheduled.

The Experience from Real Travelers

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. One traveler called it “the best sunset cruise,” praising the excellent food, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere. Many mention the delicious, freshly cooked meals and the opportunity to chat with the chef, which adds a special touch. The staff generally gets high marks for friendliness and helpfulness, making the experience more enjoyable.

There are some less favorable reviews noting the inconvenience of the no bar service and some feeling that the experience was “mediocre at best” due to weather or service issues. A few also mention miscommunications about seating or the cruise’s offerings, so it pays to arrive early and confirm specifics.

The Value for Money

At $124.87 per person, the price is reasonable, considering the quality of the meal, the scenic views, and the overall experience. For many, the chance to enjoy a fresh, cooked-onboard dinner while watching the sunset offers good value—especially since the meal is not a buffet or prepackaged. The BYOB policy helps keep costs down if you prefer to bring your own drinks, and the calm, scenic setting makes it a worthwhile splurge for a special evening.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers who enjoy relaxed, scenic evenings and appreciate good food and drinks in a beautiful setting. It’s ideal for couples celebrating a romantic getaway, small groups seeking a peaceful activity, or anyone who loves a good sunset view. It’s also a nice option if you want to avoid crowded, noisy party cruises and prefer a more intimate, personal atmosphere.

FAQs About the Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, there’s a kid-friendly meal option—grilled chicken on rice—making it accessible for families with children. However, the overall experience is quite relaxed and may be better suited to older kids or those who enjoy calm, scenic settings.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Absolutely. The cruise encourages bringing your own alcohol to enjoy at the Tiki bar. There are no alcohols for sale onboard, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Since it’s an evening on the water, bring a light jacket or layers if it gets chilly after sunset.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the scenery, dinner, and drinks without feeling rushed.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, the cruise requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 25 days ahead, as it tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

This sunset dinner cruise in Honolulu offers a cozy, scenic way to cap off a day on Oahu. The combination of beautiful water views, freshly prepared onboard food, and the freedom to bring your own drinks makes it appealing. While not a lively party cruise, its peaceful atmosphere and focus on scenery and cuisine make it well-suited for those looking for a relaxed, memorable evening.

If you love stunning sunsets, locally cooked meals, and a quiet, intimate setting, this tour could be just right. Just remember to book early, bring your beverages, and prepare for an experience that’s more about savoring the moment than high-energy entertainment.

Additional Tips

• Arrive early to secure a good seat, especially on the upper deck.
• Bring your own drinks if you want to enjoy alcohol onboard.
• Dress casually but comfortably, with layers for cooler evening breezes.
• Confirm weather conditions beforehand—sunset views depend heavily on clear skies.
• Consider this cruise as a romantic or peaceful outing rather than a party scene.

Enjoy your sunset in Honolulu—it’s a beautiful way to see the city from a new perspective.