6 Dinner Cruise in Oahu

Are you thinking of taking a cruise to know the sea of Oahu? Don't waste time and book a dinner cruise to enjoy the sea, the colors of the sunset and the night sky of this wonderful Hawaiian island.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

10 min read

6 Dinner Cruise in Oahu

Oahu, During A Cruise | ©Daniel Ramirez

Although Hawaii and especially its most important island are known for its beaches and culture, there are many more activities to do in Oahu. One of them is the dinner cruises. Some are good opportunities to meet new friends and others are ideal for more private trips. The latter is a perfect plan to enjoy as a couple and celebrate a special occasion.

You can also go as a family and appreciate the maritime fauna of Oahu, as well as a fireworks display during the night.

Each cruise has different themes and services to enjoy the sunset and sunset of the Pacific Ocean. Take a look at the options that are available and choose the best one to close your day on Oahu.

1. Sail into the sunset of Oahu on a dinner cruise with show included

Oahu Night Cruise| ©Ken O'Toole
Oahu Night Cruise| ©Ken O'Toole

Already in Hawaii and looking for entertainment and dancing? Then the ideal option for you is a cruise with live entertainment, where you can have an amazing dinner.

The trip starts in the Waikiki neighborhood, one of the most admired, as it has luxurious hotels and is home to many celebrities.

This cruise is undoubtedly a good option among the things to do in Oahu at night. There you can enjoy a buffet dinner at any time of the tour, as it is served and available to enjoy along the way.

On the menu of this gourmet dinner you will find hot and cold dishes of tropical cuisine, with a variety of meats and salads for you to choose your favorite meal.

In addition to sampling each dish, you will have the opportunity to socialize with other crewmembers, as the tables have 6 or 8 seats. While enjoying your meal and a good chat, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the sea and the island of Oahu as the sun sets.

After dinner, it is time for a live show consisting of a traditional Hawaiian dance, including the famous hula dance.

If you are interested in the traditions of the most famous archipelago in the world, you cannot miss the opportunity to appreciate this dance. Once finished, you can have a moment to dance on the dance floor with your friends or partner.

Details of interest

  • Price: about 75 €.
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • What's included: you can choose between a dinner or a snack menu. In addition, welcome drinks, coffee and tea are included.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to appreciate the local culture and dance.

Book a dinner cruise trip on Oahu

2. Enjoy a dinner cruise on Oahu with fireworks and dinner

Oahu Fire Officials| ©SeeBee2189
Oahu Fire Officials| ©SeeBee2189

Do you love the lights of the fireworks in the night sky? If so, you can't miss the experience of living this spectacle at sea aboard a cruise ship, enjoying excellent food.

The tour begins at the port of Kewalo Basin in Waikiki, boarding a luxury catamaran. It is a two-hulled vessel, with enough stability and a safe and comfortable design for its crew.

While sailing the waters of Oahu, you will be able to enjoy a tapas dinner inspired by Western and Oriental cuisine. Without a doubt this is one of the best cruises to watch the sunset in Oahu. Along with dinner, it is customary to enjoy two complimentary drinks.

If you want other drinks it is possible to buy them while you are on board. Don't worry about having a few drinks too many.

If you are worried about how to get around the island once the cruise is over, it is best for your safety to opt for the transfer to your hotel that is usually offered by the cruise line to avoid having to drive at the end of your cruise.

When night falls it will be time for the fireworks show. This lasts approximately 10 minutes. You will have no excuses not to get caught up in the joy and celebrate your vacations, your anniversary or any other special occasion in the company of your friends, family or partner.

Interesting details

  • Price: 150 € approximately.
  • Duration: about 2 hours.
  • What's included: cruise with professional guide, dinner, complimentary drinks and transfer back to certain hotels.
  • Advantages of this option: if you love fireworks and good food, you will have a great time aboard this cruise.

Traveller Tip

Be careful with the fireworks. They are really beautiful, but stay away from the launching point.

3. Relax on a luxury dinner cruise on Oahu with jazz dinner

Sunset on the cruise ship in Waikiki| ©LeAna
Sunset on the cruise ship in Waikiki| ©LeAna

Are you a lover of romance and luxury? Then there is no better option than choosing a romantic evening aboard a sunset cruise in Oahu to the rhythm of live jazz with dinner included.

The tour starts from Honolulu with the taste of a welcome drink: Hawaii's traditional non-alcoholic Bellini.

After this small start, the cruise sets sail for the south shore of Oahu. Along the way, crewmembers will enjoy the lights of Waikiki, a Honolulu neighborhood with some of Oahu's best beaches.

After starting the tour you will soon be able to enjoy the exquisite dishes offered at dinner. This is usually composed of French food, sirloin steak, Maine lobster, among others. If you want to enjoy the local food, you can also choose those options.

So that you can be sure to enjoy this luxurious evening, it is advisable to book in advance. Please note that Fridays are usually the most requested days as they include a fireworks show. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Details of interest

  • Price: 190 € approximately.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • What's included: sunset cruise, signature dinner, non-alcoholic Hawaiian Bellini, fireworks on Fridays and live jazz musicians.
  • Advantages of this option: soft music for a quiet and romantic evening.

4. Choose an Oahu yacht cruise for dinner with your group of friends

Cruise in Oahu| ©Daniel Ramirez
Cruise in Oahu| ©Daniel Ramirez

Do you want a private trip with your friends or family? A yacht cruise in Oahu with dinner included is what you are looking for. While the sun sets, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of the people you love the most.

If you wish, it is very possible that even your pet can travel with you.

During your stay on the yacht do not hesitate to savor a personal tasting menu. In addition, you have access to the bar which includes bottled water, spirits, sparkling wines, beers and soft drinks.

After dinner you can choose any of the available spaces to relax. The yacht usually has three bedrooms and several lounge areas. In addition, it also has three bathrooms and a galley.

In this private yacht you will have enough space for six people. For a more relaxed start to this experience, don't forget to be at the Ko Olina Marina loading docks 10 minutes before departure time. Other options similar to this one include snorkeling in the sea off Oahu.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 200 €.
  • Duration: 120 minutes maximum.
  • What's included: tasting menu, access to the bar and relaxation areas.
  • Advantages of this option: privacy is the main benefit of this cruise, so it is perfect for traveling in small groups.

Book your snorkeling excursion

5. Participate in a Hawaiian show on board of a dinner cruise included

Luau| ©Andy L
Luau| ©Andy L

Are you interested in Hawaiian culture? Then you can board a typical dinner cruise where you will be part of the show.

The best shows in Hawaii are globally recognized and stand out for representing very characteristic elements, from the Hawaiian language to their clothing and customs, but in addition, many people love it because they ask participants from the audience to join in the dances and performances.

These shows are performed by huge casts of local performers and therefore promote the culture of the islands. It is a fun time where you will have the opportunity to participate as the artists include different people from the audience in their show to dance or perform with them.

Upon entering the cruise, it is customary to be welcomed with a hula and a complimentary champagne toast. After that the tour will begin as the sun sets.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance as you savor your seafood and steak dinner with Hawaiian music playing in the background. When you finish eating it will be time to appreciate the cultural show and be part of it.

Besides this show full of life and color, you will be able to enjoy the view of the ocean and the island as the cruise ship leaves Waikiki from the harbor in front of the Aloha Tower Market Place.

I recommend walking around the four decks of the ship and the observation deck so you can appreciate the coast in all its splendor.

Interesting details

  • Price: about 140 €.
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • What's included: welcome glass of champagne, live show, dinner and an extra hour tour on Fridays.
  • Advantages of this option: enjoy the culture in a luxurious atmosphere.

6. Get ready for a submarine adventure and Oahu dinner buffet cruise

In a submarine on Oahu| ©deltaflotfan
In a submarine on Oahu| ©deltaflotfan

Do you want to know the sea of Oahu in all its splendor? Then choose a trip on a submarine cruise and enjoy a dinner there watching those red sunsets that have dazzled even scientists.

To begin this adventure you must board the submarine near the shores of Kahala. The transfer to the departure point is included for selected hotels.

Once you board the submarine, you will begin to enter the sea of Oahu. You will soon see beautiful sea creatures such as corals, Hawaiian turtles and a huge variety of fish and sharks.

In addition to the wildlife, you will be amazed to see shipwrecks, artificial reefs and even airplanes that have been under the sea for years.

For added comfort, the submarine's interior is air-conditioned, with comfortable seating and spacious hatches. It's certainly a trip the whole family will enjoy equally, even if you've traveled to Oahu with children.

During this trip you will spend about 45 minutes at 30 meters below the surface.
Then it's time for a tropical dinner that you can enjoy as the sun sets. Their selection of recipes usually includes teriyaki chicken, fish, rice, cakes and much more.

Choose your favorite meal and watch the scenery of the Kahala coastline and its lights through the submarine's panoramic windows.

Details of interest

  • Price: about 200 €.
  • Duration: about 3 hours and a half
  • What's included: underwater tour, buffet dinner, narration of the trip in several languages through headphones and live cultural show.
  • Advantages of this option: it allows you to appreciate the sea from the surface and from the inside.

Book a shark diving activity

What is the advantage of taking a dinner cruise on Oahu?

View from the Diamond Head cruise ship| ©Yeison
View from the Diamond Head cruise ship| ©Yeison

If you are interested in Oahu I guess you like the ocean. Although the most popular activities are surfing or just swimming at the beach and sunbathing, fortunately these are not the only options. You can choose between different types of cruises to get into the sea and have an unforgettable experience.

From a cruise you can appreciate the immensity of the sea, besides seeing the island from another perspective. Going during the sunset allows you to see part of the landscape during the day, the colors of the sunset and the night sky that blends with the sea. Undoubtedly a spectacle for the human sight.

Choosing cruises that include dinner is the best recommendation I can give you. This way you will be more at ease without worrying about the food. Besides, on cruises the dishes are exquisite and are usually accompanied by premium drinks.

In many occasions, these plans include an entertainment show. Some consist of a live musical performance, typical Hawaiian dances or simply a fireworks show. This moment complements the evening and makes it unique.

Is the cruise and dinner booked in advance?

Cruise in Oahu| ©Viator
Cruise in Oahu| ©Viator

There are a variety of cruise options to choose from. However, it is a very popular activity because it is relaxing and allows you to appreciate the island of Oahu from another perspective.

This is why I advise you not to waste time and book your cruise in advance, even more so if you are going to spend about 6 days on Oahu and want to go on the cruise with a group of people. Doing this will allow you to reserve a table in the place of your choice.

I recommend that you enjoy your dinner at a table near a window. This way you won't miss any minute of the amazing Oahu night sky.

Also, don't forget to mention in your reservation if you want a private table. If you are going for romance, this will be the best option. Although if you prefer, you can share your table and meet new people.

Traveller Tip

It may be that the specific cruise you want may have a limited capacity. That's why it's best to look around a bit earlier and book, but be careful that there is no penalty for cancellation.

Comparison of the different options

  • Sunset and shows
  • Late afternoon
  • Cost: about 75
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Fireworks
  • In the evening
  • Cost: about 150 €.
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Luxury and jazz
  • In the evening
  • Cost: about 190 €.
  • Duration: about 3 hours
  • Private yacht
  • Late afternoon
  • Cost: about 200 €.
  • Duration: about 1 hour and a half
  • Hawaiian show
  • In the evening
  • Cost: about 140 ¤.
  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Underwater
  • At night
  • Cost: about 200 €.
  • Duration: about 3 hours and a half