By Stephanie Namahoe Launiu
Whether this is your first trip to Hawai‘i or you’re here so much that waitresses know how you like your eggs, you’ve missed out on a special island experience if you haven’t been on a Hawaiian Dinner Cruise.
Most visitors fly to Hawai‘i and we’ve all seen the islands from the air. But nothing matches the awe-inspiring view of the islands from the ocean. The author Mark Twain called the Hawaiian archipelago “The loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.”
I agree. So if you haven’t been on a Hawaiian Dinner Cruise yet, here’s three of the best to book now. I’m recommending one on O‘ahu, one on the Big Island, and one on Kaua‘i. Three chances to have a dinner experience of a lifetime.
Cruise #1: SUNSET DINNER CRUISE & LUAU SHOW, O‘AHU
The Star of Honolulu is a remarkable four-story ship that lives up to its name. She is Hawai‘i’s only ADA-compliant vessel with two elevators so that guests of any ability can enjoy full access to the four walk-around decks.
As the sun begins to lower in the sky, the Star of Honolulu will begin sailing off into the calm waters off of Honolulu and Waikiki. You’ll start the cruise with a champagne toast as you soak in the iconic view of the Honolulu and Waikiki skyline, Hawai‘i Kai and Diamond Head. The Star of Honolulu has no shortage of vantage points with four decks and a 60 foot-high observation deck!
When was the last time you ate a full lobster? That’s what this Hawaiian Dinner Cruise has waiting for you with a scrumptious five-course meal that includes a whole Maine lobster, tenderloin steak, farm-to-table salads, local fruit desserts, and two premium adult beverages. If you provide 24-hour notice, you can order alternative fish, chicken or vegan entrees.
As if the evening view of Honolulu lights and a lobster and steak meal aren’t enough, the ship’s decks are filled with non-stop Hawaiian music, Jazz and live luau show entertainment. “60 Years of Aloha” is a hula show with stunning choreography and costumes that features the largest cast of dancers on Hawaiian waters.
It’s hard to imagine spending a more memorable two hours than this Hawaiian Dinner Cruise provides. In fact, it may even become the highlight of your Hawaiian vacation!
Things to Know:
- Cruise time: 5:30-7:30pm
- Check-In at 4:45pm onboard the Star of Honolulu, Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 8
- Upgraded plans available for private window dinner tables, photo and extras
- Round-trip transportation from Waikiki area available for additional fee
- If you drive to Pier 8, onsite paid parking is available
- Seating limited to 8 per table for dinner. Groups larger than 8 will be divided & placed at neighboring tables
- The Star of Honolulu does not allow passengers wearing tank tops, swimwear, and flip-flops on this dinner cruise
- 24 hour notice to cancel for Full Refund. Inquire about Group Policy for parties of 10 or more
Book your Hawaiian Sunset Dinner Cruise today!
Cruise #2: CAPTAIN COOK DINNER CRUISE TO KEALAKEKUA BAY, BIG ISLAND
For visitors to the Big Island, this is one of the most popular activities in Kailua-Kona. Don’t be disappointed; reserve your spots on this Hawaiian Dinner Cruise far in advance as soon as you know that the Big Island is on your itinerary.
The Captain Cook Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay been voted Best Cruise on the Big Island. The 65-ft catamaran, Kanao II, has two separate decks and is wheelchair-friendly with a customized boarding ramp. I especially like that this cruise limits occupancy to 85 travelers.
There is nothing that compares with a 3-hour cruise down the Kona Coast on turquoise blue open ocean. The Kona district is one of the most historically important areas in Hawai‘i as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I where history-changing events happened. This cruise begins in Kailua-Kona near the home of Kamehameha and anchors 12 miles away in Kealakekua Bay where the Cook Monument recognizes the arrival and death of British explorer James Cook who revealed Hawai‘i to the rest of the world in 1778.
Historical Narration
On your cruise southward, you’ll be treated to expert narration by a local historian and storyteller. You’ll come away learning about all of the historical sites you pass including the Kuamo‘o Battlefield and the Burial Caverns of Hawaiian Royalty. The sun will be setting and the air cooling, so be on the lookout for sea turtles, dolphins or manta rays. Additionally, you might even be lucky enough to spot humpback whales between December and March. Because of the many photo opportunities, be sure that your phone and/or digital camera is fully charged with ample storage capacity.
Once you anchor in Kealakekua Bay near the Cook Monument, you’ll feel immersed in Hawaiian history and culture near archeological sites of early native settlement.
Relax and enjoy live entertainment on your return to Kailua Kona.This Hawaiian Dinner Cruise will remain in your memory for a very long time. It may be the best three hours you spend on your Hawaiian vacation.
Three-Course Dinner Menu
- Local Baby Spinach, Rincon Farms Strawberries, Big Island Feta Cheese, Candied Macadamia nuts with a Waimea Strawberry Vinaigrette
- Kona Coffee Braised Short Rib with Creamy Mashed Potatoes featuring a Kona Coffee Red Eye Demi-Glace (Vegetarian option also available)
- Chocolate Tart with Strawberry Coulis with 100% Kona Coffee
- One complimentary cocktail
- Craft beers and cocktails are available for purchase.
Things to Know
- Cruise time: 4:00-7:00pm
- Park & Check-In at least 30 min early at Body Glove Ocean Adventure’s Retail Shop in Ilima Court Shopping Center, 75-5629 Kuakini Hwy
- The cruise departs from the Kailua Kona Pier, about a block away, at 4:00pm. If you aren’t driving, you must find transportation to & from the Kailua Kona Pier
- This cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed.
- 48 hr notice to cancel for Full Refund. Parties of 10 or more require 72 hr notice of cancellation.
Book your Captain Cook Historical Dinner Cruise today!
Cruise #3: NA PALI SUNSET DINNER CRUISE, Kaua’i
Finally, or the adventurous cruiser who is ready for a relaxed, barefoot cruise, this Hawaiian Dinner Cruise is for you. Kaua‘i’s majestic Na Pali Coast, with its towering cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and secluded beaches, is one of the most beautifully mysterious locations in the world. Much of this stunning coastline is inaccessible by land, so spending more than three hours exploring its nearshore waters is an experience few visitors to Hawai‘i ever have.
The double-hulled catamaran Holo Holo and its skilled crew work incessantly to ensure that cruisers are comfortable and safe. The catamaran is big enough to cut through the waves, and powerful enough to skim over the ocean quickly. This cruise can be a little rocky at times depending on ocean conditions, so children under 5 and pregnant women aren’t allowed on this cruise. Be sure to bring a change of clothes or wear clothing that will dry out quickly because getting splashed is part of the fun.
This cruise leaves shore at 2pm in mid-afternoon. Get your camera out and watch for sea turtles, dolphins and other marine creatures. You may see a monk seal lolling on an empty beach. And during whale-watching season, you might get lucky and see humpback whales on their annual migration.
Maybe it’s this cruise’s informal atmosphere. Or maybe it’s the magical Na Pali Coast itself. You will share a special bond with the other cruisers you meet on the Holo Holo, and this will be an experience unduplicated exactly as it happened on this day. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime cruise.
Buffet Dinner
During the 4 ½ hour cruise along the Na Pali Coast with spectacular views, you’ll be provided with ample soft drinks, mai tais, beer and wine. You’ll work up an appetite and the hot dinner buffet is a super-delicious feature of this Hawaiian Dinner Cruise. The buffet includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. As the sun begins to set, everybody onboard will celebrate with a champagne toast to nature’s unparalleled beauty.
Things to Know:
- Cruise time: 2:00 pm-6:30 pm
- Check-In at 1:30 pm at Holo Holo Charters, 4353 Waialo Rd #5a, Port Allen Marina Center
- The cruise departs from the Port Allen Commercial Pier at 2pm
- For safety concerns, pregnant women and children under 5 are not allowed on this cruise
- The route may be adjusted according to ocean or weather conditions
- Be sure to book well in advance. This cruise consistently sells out.
- 24 hr notice by parties of 5 or less for Full Refund. Parties of 6 or more require 7-day notice of canceled