Honolulu: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Jazz & Lobster Dinner

4.52

(162 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how everyone sort of paused when we stepped onto the Star of Honolulu — maybe it’s the way the light hits the deck at that hour, or just that feeling of leaving land behind. We got handed these tall glasses for a “champagne” toast (non-alcoholic, but honestly I didn’t mind), and then there was this soft buzz in the air as we pulled away from Aloha Tower. Our server, Malia, grinned when she saw my partner eyeing the charcuterie board — she said to go for it before it got too dark to see what you’re eating. Good advice.

I’d read about this Honolulu sunset cruise but didn’t expect the jazz band to be so… present? The saxophone sort of drifted out onto the water while we ate — first course was Maine lobster with this beet salad thing (the fennel surprised me). The prime tenderloin came out next; I’m not usually a steak person but it was so tender I barely needed my knife. The windows were open just enough to let in that salty breeze and every so often you’d catch someone leaning out to snap Waikiki lighting up behind us. Malia told us if we wanted to dance later, they’d open up the Super Nova Room upstairs — which sounded fancy but actually felt pretty relaxed.

Somewhere between dessert (brioche and something sweet I can’t remember now) and a second drink, I realized how quiet it had gotten except for laughter and music. There’s something about seeing Diamond Head from out on the water that makes you feel small in a good way. On Fridays there were fireworks — we missed them by a day but honestly, watching city lights flicker over the waves was enough. If you’re thinking about booking this sunset dinner cruise from Honolulu, just know: you’ll probably leave fuller than you planned, maybe a little lighter too.