Top Oahu Sunset Cruises

There are plenty of sunset cruises in Oahu to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous travelers, here are the best cruises available right now:

• Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail Along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast
• Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise Including Drinks and Appetizers
• BYOB Sunset Cruise Off the Waikiki Coast
• OAHU CATAMARANS Sunset Tour on a 40 Foot Catamaran FOOD & BYOB!
• Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks Catamaran Cruise

Oahu sunset cruises start at about US$45 per person. At the lower end of the price scale, you’re looking at a 2-hour cruise on a large catamaran with soft drinks and snacks included. At the higher end, sunset dinner cruises start at US$139 per person, while a luxury private yacht charter costs upwards of US$1,200 per boat.

Sunset cruises in Oahu typically last about 1.5–2 hours. Shorter boat tours focus on the panoramic views, following a scenic route along the coast of Waikiki, Honolulu, and Ko Olina. Longer sunset tours include dinner cruises, party boats, or fireworks cruises, and usually include on-board food, drinks, or entertainment.

It depends. Ocean views and magnificent scenery are guaranteed on an Oahu sunset cruise, but other inclusions depend on the type of tour you book. Most tours offer on-board refreshments—usually bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks or appetizers—while others serve dinner or cocktails. Some cruises encourage travelers to bring their own alcoholic drinks or snacks on board, and often even provide coolers and ice free of charge; others have a cash bar on board where you can purchase drinks.

Oahu cruises rarely have a dress code, so wear comfortable, casual clothing and flat, non-slip shoes for walking on deck. Passengers often dress up a bit more for sunset dinner cruises, party cruises, and Friday night fireworks cruises. Bring your sunglasses, sunhat, and camera, along with a light jacket or scarf for after dark (the wind often picks up around sunset). A few cruises also include stops to swim and snorkel, in which case you’ll need your swimsuit and a towel. Finally, don’t forget to bring a photo ID if you want to drink alcohol on board or BYOB if it’s allowed.

Oahu sunset cruises typically set sail about an hour before sunset, so you can enjoy the views at golden hour and catch one of Hawaii’s legendary sunsets from the water. Check the tour departure times carefully, as they vary throughout the year. Most cruises leave between 5pm and 6:30pm in the fall/winter months (October–February) and between 5:30pm and 7pm during spring/summer (March–September).

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Oahu aside from sunset cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Snorkeling
• Jet Ski Rentals
• Parasailing
• Dinner Cruises
• Catamaran Cruises

Sunset cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• OAHU CATAMARAN WAIKIKI Sunset on 40-Foot Catamaran: Food and BYOB
• Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks Cruise
• BYOB Sunset Cruise off the Waikiki Coast
• Honolulu Sunset Sail From Kewalo Harbor Including Drinks
• Waikiki Beach Sunset Sail

Before booking an Oahu sunset cruise, decide what kind of atmosphere you’d like. Many catamaran cruises welcome 100+ passengers and have more of a party vibe, with music playing and an on-board bar. Other tours skew toward a more relaxed sailing experience with fewer passengers on board, or you can splurge on a private cruise and enjoy the views to yourself. Hotel pickup and transfers aren’t typically included, so set out early and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for boarding—most tours won’t wait for late guests. If you’re prone to seasickness, larger ships tend to offer a smoother ride; if you need to take medication, take it before boarding.

Yes, but only if you book one of the special Friday night cruises. Each Friday evening—typically at 7:45pm or 8pm, depending on the season—the Hilton Hawaiian Village hosts a fireworks display just after nightfall, visible along the Waikiki coast. Book a Friday Night Waikiki Fireworks Cruise or similar to combine a sunset viewing with watching the fireworks from the water.

It depends on the cruise. Many sunset boat tours are family-friendly, and most catamaran cruises welcome guests of all ages. However, some tours have a minimum age of 3, so always check before booking. Party cruises and Friday Fireworks cruises are usually adults-only, and all guests must be 21+ and present a valid photo ID before boarding.

Yes. Several private sunset cruises are available, including this Private Sunset Glass Bottom Boat Tour of West Oahu, this Private Yacht Charter With Tasting Menu, and this Private Friday Night Sunset & Fireworks Tour. Private charters not only guarantee the best seats on the yacht and unobstructed sunset views, but they can often be customized to suit your preferences, whether you want to BYOB or add a swimming stop.

Advance booking is always recommended, especially if you have a specific date in mind. Book as early as possible for popular tours, such as the Friday fireworks cruises, and for peak-season dates, such as summer and holiday weekends. If your plans change, most sunset cruises offer a full refund with 24 hours’ notice, but always check the conditions before booking.

Most Oahu sunset cruises set sail come rain or shine, though tours may be canceled or rescheduled in extreme weather. Rainy weather doesn’t have to spoil your sailing experience: Most boats have both an open-air deck and interior cabins where you can shelter from the rain. Cloudy skies and showers might even lead to a more dramatic sunset.