Sunset Dinner Cruise & Luau Show

The Star of Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest dinner cruise. The ship is four stories tall with walk-around decks, plus an observation deck that is 60-feet high and provides 360-degree views. The ship’s size and design makes it the most stable and smooth sailing tour vessel in the area. The cruise route starts in Honolulu and travels east along the coastline, past the beaches of Waikiki all the way to Diamond Head crater. Passengers get to enjoy both the views of Honolulu Harbor and the Oahu coastline at sunset and the bright lights of the city skyline as the ship returns to port. On Fridays, the ship stays out an extra hour to watch the weekly Waikiki fireworks display from the water, at no extra charge to passengers.

It is a two-hour cruise (three-hour on Fridays), plus an extra hour or so for check-in and disembarkation. Check-in begins at 4:45 pm and you will get to enjoy live Hawaiian music and hula dancing pier-side as you embark. You will be guided to your seating assignment at check-in. Tables typically seat eight people, so you may be seated with other passengers. If you would like a more intimate dining experience, there are two upgrade options available which offer private seating at window tables.

The cruise begins with a champagne toast and the live music (Hawaiian and jazz), and hula dancing continues throughout dinner. Later in the evening, there is a hula lesson for those passengers who want to join in on the fun and dance along.

The five-course meal consists of an appetizer course (cheese and tropical fruit plate), salad (locally grown salad greens with a house made dressing),  a seafood course (a whole Maine lobster served in the shell), the main course (Tenderloin steak served with mashed potatoes and vegetables), and then dessert (cake served with Kona coffee). This is a full-service dining experience, you will be served at your table, so no waiting in a buffet line at this luau! 

This deluxe dining package also includes two premium drinks. The Star bar offers a number of frozen tropical drinks and specialty cocktails, as well as a limited variety of beer, wine, and spirits. 

For the evening’s main entertainment, the Star’s cast of performers will present “65 years of Aloha” which is a tribute to the sixty-five years that the dinner cruise has been in operation. This is an original luau show, complete with music, costumes, and choreography, all performed right in your dining cabin. 

Although there are no fire-knife dancers or imu demonstrations on the Star, this dinner cruise has a lot to offer that luaus just cannot provide. The views are spectacular and ever changing. The quality of service and food are top notch, yet the atmosphere remains casual, fun, and laid back. The entertainment is live, up close, and personal. And you just cannot beat the specialness of being on a boat, can you? Overall, a sunset cruise aboard the Star is just a terrific way to spend an evening.

The easiest and most convenient way to get to the ship is by using the Star’s own shuttle bus. They will pick you up right at your hotel, plus you will not have to worry about parking, missing the boat, or having too many Mai-tais. The cost is $18 per person, round trip, and this can easily be added to your reservation during the check-out process.

If you would prefer to drive yourself to the harbor the closest public parking lots are located near Piers 5 and 6. Parking currently costs $6 per hour, and you will need three hours at the very minimum (4:45pm – 7:45pm).

Taxis and rideshares are also an option. Prices will vary with demand, but an Uber or Lyft will cost you about $15-$25 each way.

Finally, public transportation is the cheapest option ($5.50 for a day pass) but be aware that the nearest bus stop will require an additional 10 to 15-minute walk to get to the ship.

Whichever method of transportation you choose, be sure to leave a bit early just in case you experience any delays – the boat will not wait for you if you are late.

If you decide to drive yourself, public parking is available nearby, with Piers 5 and 6 being the closest. Public parking is $6.00 per hour. Valet parking is available with the Celebrity Package.

Taking an Uber/Lyft is also an option, a one-way ride from Waikiki will cost around $15-$25.