6 Dinner Cruise in Oahu

Are you thinking of taking a cruise to see the sea of Oahu? Don't waste time and book a dinner cruise to enjoy the sea, the colours 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 main island are known for its beaches and culture, there are plenty of other things to do on Oahu. One of them is dinner cruises. Some are great opportunities to meet new friends and others are ideal for more private trips. The latter is a perfect plan for couples to enjoy and celebrate a special occasion.

You can also go as a family and enjoy Oahu's maritime wildlife, as well as a fireworks display at night.

Each cruise has different themes and amenities to enjoy the sunset and sunset of the Pacific Ocean. Take a look at the options available and choose the best one to end your day on a high note 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 neighbourhood, one of the most admired, luxurious hotels and home to many celebrities.

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

The gourmet dinner menu features hot and cold tropical dishes, with a variety of meats and salads for you to choose from.

As well as sampling each dish, you'll have the opportunity to socialise with other crew members, as the tables have 6 or 8 seats. While enjoying your meal and a good chat, you'll also have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the sea and the island of Oahu as the sun sets.

After dinner, it's 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 world's most famous archipelago, you cannot miss the opportunity to see this dance. Once the show is over, you can have a moment to dance on the dance floor with your friends or partner.

Interesting details

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

Book a dinner cruise on Oahu

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

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

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

The tour starts at Kewalo Basin harbour in Waikiki, when you board a luxury catamaran. The catamaran is a double-hulled vessel, with plenty of stability and a safe and comfortable design for its crew.

As you cruise the waters of Oahu, you'll be able to enjoy a tapas dinner inspired by Western and Eastern cuisine. This is undoubtedly one of the best sunset cruises on Oahu. Along with dinner, you can usually enjoy two complimentary drinks.

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

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

When night falls it's time for the fireworks display. This lasts approximately 10 minutes. You'll have no excuse not to get caught up in the joy and celebrate your holiday, 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.
  • The advantages of this option: if you love fireworks and good food, you'll have a great time on board this cruise.

Traveller Tip

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

3. Relax on a luxury dinner cruise in 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 to choose a romantic evening aboard a sunset cruise on 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. On the tour the crew will enjoy the lights of Waikiki, a Honolulu neighbourhood with some of Oahu's best beaches.

After starting the tour you will soon be able to enjoy the exquisite dishes on offer for dinner. This usually consists of French food, sirloin steak, Maine lobster, among others. If you want to enjoy local food, you can also choose from those options.

In order to make sure you enjoy this luxurious evening, it is advisable to book in advance. Please note that Fridays tend to be the most popular days as they include a fireworks display. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately €190.
  • 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 a yacht cruise on Oahu for dinner with your group of friends

Cruise on Oahu| ©Daniel Ramirez
Cruise on 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 goes down, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of the people you love the most.

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

During your stay on the yacht, don't hesitate to savour 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 in. The yacht usually has three bedrooms and several lounge areas. In addition, there are also three bathrooms and a galley.

On this private yacht you will have enough space for six people. For a more relaxed start to the experience, be at the Ko Olina Marina loading docks 10 minutes before departure time. Other similar options include snorkelling 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 travelling in small groups.

Book your snorkelling excursion

5. Take part in a Hawaiian show on board a dinner cruise

Luau| ©Andy L
Luau| ©Andy L

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

Hawaii's best shows are globally recognised and stand out because they represent very characteristic elements, from the Hawaiian language to their clothing and customs, but also because many people love them because they ask audience members 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's a fun time where you have the opportunity to participate as the artists bring different people from the audience into their show to dance or perform with them.

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

Enjoy the ambience as you savour your seafood and steak dinner with Hawaiian music playing in the background. When you finish your meal it's time to appreciate the cultural spectacle and be a part of it.

In addition to this lively and colourful spectacle, you'll be able to enjoy the view of the ocean and the island as the cruise ship pulls away from Waikiki from the harbour in front of the Aloha Tower Market Place.

I recommend strolling around the four decks of the ship and the observation deck so you can appreciate the coastline in all its splendour.

Interesting details

  • Price: around €140
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • What's included: welcome glass of champagne, live entertainment, dinner and an extra hour of sightseeing on Fridays.
  • Advantages of this option: enjoy 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

Want to see the Oahu ocean in all its splendour? 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. Transfer to the departure point is included for selected hotels.

Once you board the submarine, you'll begin your journey into the Oahu Sea. 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'll be amazed to see shipwrecks, artificial reefs and even aeroplanes 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 a trip the whole family will enjoy, even if you've travelled to Oahu with children.

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

Choose your favourite 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: approximately 3.5 hours
  • 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're interested in Oahu, I'm guessing you like the ocean. Although the most popular activities are surfing or just swimming on the beach and sunbathing, fortunately these are not the only options. You can choose from different types of cruises to take you out to sea for an unforgettable experience.

From a cruise you can appreciate the immensity of the sea, as well as see the island from another perspective. Going at sunset allows you to see part of the landscape during the day, the colours of the sunset and the night sky that blends into the sea. Without a doubt, it is a spectacle for the human eye.

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.

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

Is the cruise and dinner booked in advance?

Cruise on Oahu| ©Viator
Cruise on Oahu| ©Viator

There are a variety of cruise options to choose from. However, it's a popular activity as it's relaxing and allows you to see the island of Oahu from a different perspective.

This is why I advise you not to waste your time and book your cruise in advance, especially if you are going to spend about 6 days on Oahu and want to go on the cruise with a group of people. Doing so 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 a minute of Oahu's amazing night sky.

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

Traveller Tip

It may be that the specific cruise you want to go on may not have a large capacity. So it's best to look around a bit beforehand and book, but make sure there is no penalty for cancellation.

Comparison of the different options

  • Sunset and shows
  • Late afternoon
  • Cost: around €75
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours
  • Fireworks
  • In the evening
  • Cost: around €150
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours
  • Luxury and jazz
  • In the evening
  • Cost: around €190
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours
  • Private yacht
  • Late afternoon
  • Cost: around 200 €.
  • Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
  • Hawaiian show
  • In the evening
  • Cost: around €140
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours
  • Underwater
  • By night
  • Cost: around 200 €.
  • Duration: approximately 3.5 hours