The 9 Best Sunset Cruises in Oahu

Aloha, fellow sunset enthusiasts!

I have a confession to make: I’m head over heels in love with Oahu’s breathtaking sunsets. In fact, my boyfriend and I have become quite the aficionados in chasing these magical moments on the water. With so many stunning coastline panoramas to choose from, we’ve made it our mission to try every single sunset cruise that Oahu has to offer – all for you, dear reader!

Now look, I get it: when you think of Hawaii vacations, you immediately picture relaxing on sandy beaches and sipping fruity cocktails by the pool. But trust me on this; if there’s one thing you need to add to your must-do list while visiting Oahu, it’s hopping aboard a sunset cruise. You’ll be whisked away along stretches of gorgeous Waikiki and Honolulu shorelines as Mother Nature puts on an unforgettable display of golden light reflecting upon the Diamond Head volcano.

After countless evenings spent admiring these radiant hues casting a warm glow across the ocean (and devouring gourmet meals along the way), I’ve finally compiled my top recommendations for experiencing the most magical golden hours in Oahu! So whether it’s your first time visiting or your annual Hawaiian getaway tradition, you’ll know exactly which cruise is perfect for soaking up those glorious coastal views.

Warning: Once you’ve embarked on one extraordinary sunset adventure at sea, don’t be surprised if land-based sunsets just never seem to compare anymore!

So grab your favorite shades and camera — let’s set sail together into a world painted with vibrant island colors as we explore the best sunset cruises of Oahu!

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Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise

Start your Oahu sunset cruise with luxury at the Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise. This cruise is one of the finest on the island, including a three-course gourmet meal, live entertainment with a show performed by locals, and cocktails along the way.

The cruise lasts two hours and starts from the pier, where traditional Hawaiian hula dancers welcome guests. From there, you’ll be seated on round tables and sip cocktails as the crew serves a delicious three-course meal with steak and crab. The dinner is made even better with the live show called ’60 Years of Aloha’, which guests will love.

As the sunset approaches, you’ll climb aboard the cruise’s 60-ft wraparound deck and watch the breathtaking views of the sun setting behind the Diamond Head volcano.

We loved this incredible sunset cruise in Oahu, which offered a delicious meal on an impeccable ship. Here’s why you have to try it:

The cruise’s size ensures guests can enjoy privacy while viewing the sunset.
The spacious deck lets you enjoy 360-degree views of the coast at sunset.
The crew is incredible and makes sure guests have a great time.

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise

The sunset from Waikiki’s coast is not a sight to be missed, and you can enjoy front-row seats to it on this sunset cocktail cruise. The cruise is aboard a luxury catamaran cruise spanning 53-ft and includes a 1.5-hour roundtrip to the Diamond Head volcano for unmissable sunset views.

The cruise sails far from the city, leaving the crowded streets and noise behind as you take in beautiful views of the coast. In addition, there’s a delicious pupu (appetizer) platter, including a cheese board, wontons, and meatballs served with two alcoholic drinks during the trip.

As you approach the volcano, take in incredible sunset views and watch the lights change colors from oranges to pink, which is an unmissable sight.

My boyfriend and I loved taking this cruise in Waikiki, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best sunset cruises in Oahu. Here’s why you’ll agree:

Spinner dolphins and sea turtles swim past the cruise as it sails.
Guests can purchase unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages from the bar.
The crew is great and keeps guests entertained on the trip.

Sunset Dinner Cruise in Honolulu

Dinner and drinks on a terrific cruise seem to be the theme in Oahu, and you can enjoy the best aboard the Prince Kuhio luxury cruise. The cruise sets off from Waikiki towards the Diamond Head volcano, as guests are served a fresh meal on the ship and drinks from their upper deck tiki bar.

Guests will love the meal prepared by professional chefs in the ship’s galley, consisting of fresh salads, smoked short ribs, fresh catch of the day, and a round of dessert. After dinner, guests can climb the upper deck for drinks, dance to light music in the background, and watch the stunning sunset.

Along with sunset views, the cruise also provides a stellar view of Honolulu as the city lights up for the night with its vibrant streets and skyscrapers.

My boyfriend and I fell in love with this cruise, and its great amenities make them one of the best cruises in Oahu. Here’s why you have to try it:

The cruise currently has a BYOB policy, which the mixologist prepares for them.
The cruise is ideal for families as they have a separate menu for children.
The cruise is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Sunset And city light tour on a forty foot catamaran

The only thing that makes a sunset in Waikiki better is enjoying it on a private cruise, which is exactly what you get aboard the Kahala Kai catamaran. The 40-ft vessel takes only twenty-five passengers to the coast at a time, ensuring a secluded trip.

The cruise provides refreshments and snacks like cheese and fruit to the passengers, while adults can enjoy the BYOB policy. As the cruise sets off, you can take in Oahu’s coastal views, the lively Waikiki beach, and the approaching Diamond Head. At sunset, take in the scenic sight as lights change color on the shimmering coast, and have the crew take your photos with the view.

On the way back, enjoy the sights of the city, which sparkles from a distance, a truly magical sight.

We loved this relaxing sunset cruise in Oahu, and you have to try it on your next trip.

The captain is friendly and keeps guests entertained.
Their crew is attentive and tends to passengers well.
The cruise is great for families, and they offer a discount for children.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise in West Oahu

Leave the crowded streets of Oahu’s south side behind as you head west for this incredible sunset cruise in Wai’anae. The tour combines a stellar sunset with Hawaiian story-telling on a 2-hour trip, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The 53-foot catamaran on this cruise offers guests a pupu platter and two complimentary alcoholic beverages. Enjoy your food as the captain narrates tales of old Hawaiians, their wayfinding history, and how they pioneered surfing and seafaring on the island.

In addition, you’ll spot green sea turtles, dolphins, flying fish, and even humpback whales (during winter), on the trip. Take in views of the gorgeous Makaha Mountains as the cruise sails past them, and watch the sunset on the beautiful West shore.

My boyfriend and I loved this trip’s scenic views and stories, and it’s undoubtedly the best sunset cruise in Oahu.

You’ll enjoy stargazing on the cruise as the sky lights up after sunset.
The crew helps you spot Hawaiian constellations once used for wayfinding.
The cruise is ideal for all ages.

Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail along Oahu’s Waikiki Coast

Board a vessel made in Hawaii, the Moana catamaran, for a fun sunset sail from Waikiki’s coast. The cruise has a terrific crew who make the two-hour roundtrip to Diamond Head a fun-filled ride. However, arrive early for your cruise at the Kewalo Harbor, as it gets crowded near sunset.

You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Oahu coastline while sailing, watch surfers on Waikiki beach, and see Kalakaua Avenue light up with clubs and nightly entertainment from afar. Then, as you approach the sunset, watch spinner dolphins and humpback whales in the distance as they break the shore.

The sunset is an awe-inspiring sight from this cruise, as you experience a light show and see the crater forming Diamond Head from up close.

We recommend everyone visiting the island try this tour, as it’s one of the best sunset cruises in Oahu.

The cruise is perfect for first-timers as you pass by famous sights on the island.
The rates for this cruise are cheaper than most as it focuses solely on the sunset.
You can buy drinks for only $5 from the ship’s bar.

BYOB Sunset Cruise off the Waikiki Coast

Luxury cruises in Waikiki are all fun, but nothing beats sitting on the deck for a laid-back trip with beautiful sunset views. Enjoy a no-frills sail with this BYOB cruise for adults and watch the gorgeous Waikiki sunset. In addition, the cruise is on a small ship, so guests can enjoy an intimate experience.

Guests can lounge on the deck with their drinks, and the crew provides complimentary snacks. You’ll also pass by famous landmarks on the island, like Waikiki beach, where surfers brave the waves, and the wide Honolulu cityscape.

As you sail toward the Diamond Head volcano, watch the sun fade behind the crater as night falls all around. In addition, the captain sails the ship to a spot on the coast with breathtaking sunset views unmatched by any other view on the island.

Those looking for a lower-priced cruise with the island sunset will love this one, as it’s one of the best in Oahu. Here’s why you’ll agree:

Guests can dance on the open-air deck as the crew plays great music.
You can stay for a while after sunset and see the city light up at night.
The crew is terrific and makes sure guests are enjoying themselves.

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise aboard the Majestic by Atlantis Cruises

Meet the mother of all luxury cruises on the Majestic, a vessel with three expansive decks, entertainment rooms for guests, and an open-air deck to take in the sunset views. The 1.5-hour cruise sets off from the Waikiki coast and sails past the beach toward the volcanic crater for the sunset.

Guests will be greeted with a cocktail upon boarding the cruise, followed by a meal in the ship’s air-conditioned dining room. You can explore all three levels on the trip, including two covered lower levels with a cocktail lounge providing live entertainment.

Once the sunset approaches, head to the upper deck with stellar views of the coast and the stunning light show as the sun changes colors from orange to pink.

Enjoying the cool coastal breeze as you watch the sunset is one of the best ways to end a day on the island, making this one of the best sunset cruises in Oahu.

Guests can dance to live music on the ship’s dance floor.
You can find many secluded spots for some privacy on the expansive ship.
The crew is terrific and makes sure guests have fun.

Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz

Looking for a romantic sunset cruise on Oahu’s waters? Then this cruise is the one for you, complete with a seven-course French-inspired meal, live Jazz music, complimentary drinks, and a private view of the sunset from the ship’s lanai.

Guests will receive a complimentary Hawaiian Bellini on arrival, then get seated on round tables for a gourmet meal comprising seven courses, with specials like Maine Lobster and tenderloin beef served tableside. Then, relax to the sounds of jazz performed live by famous musicians, sip a selection of fine drinks, and slow dance to the music.

For the sunset, head to the ship’s private lanai and take in the breathtaking views of the island sun setting on the coastal waters. Take this moment to propose or celebrate a milestone, as it’ll be just you and the Hawaiian sun.

My boyfriend and I had such a memorable time on this trip, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best sunset cruises in Oahu.

You can schedule the cruise on Friday and stay an extra hour to watch the Friday night fireworks.
Their crew is incredible and takes great care of guests on the trip.
There’s a champagne toast and two premium drinks included in the meal.

Wrapping Up The Best Sunset Cruise in Oahu

The best way to enjoy Oahu’s beautiful coastline is by taking a sunset cruise from Waikiki and Honolulu. The cruises travel to the Diamond Head for the sunset, as the sun fades behind the volcanic crater in a breathtaking light show.

You’ll spot marine life on your cruises, like Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales on most tours, and get amazing photo ops at sunset.

My boyfriend and I love taking the sunset cruises in Oahu, as they offer a range of amenities on well-maintained vessels and leave you with a precious memory to remember.

So don’t miss a chance to see the island sunset from cruises in Oahu!

Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Brigitte