Waikiki: Friday Night Fireworks Catamaran Cruise & Drinks

4.52

(594 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the catamaran just as that sticky, salty air started to cool off for the night. The crew was already joking around with people at the bar—one of them handed me a plastic cup and said, “First time seeing Waikiki fireworks from the ocean?” I nodded (maybe a little too eager) and found a spot along the rail. You could see Diamond Head off to one side, all soft and shadowy in the late light. There’s something about watching city lights flicker on from out at sea—it made me feel like I was sneaking a peek at someone else’s party.

The boat started moving before I really noticed, music humming through those big speakers (not too loud, just enough to make you want to sway). Families were taking selfies against the skyline, and there was this group celebrating something—birthday? Anniversary?—they kept laughing every time someone tried to pronounce “Kealoha.” I tried too; Li from the crew cracked up at my attempt. We passed Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, all those boats lined up like they were waiting for their cue. It smelled like sunscreen and maybe rum or pineapple juice—I couldn’t tell which.

Then came the fireworks. It’s hard to describe—like being inside a drum when each boom echoed across the water. Colors exploded above us and reflected off everyone’s faces. Some people cheered; others just watched quietly. I didn’t expect it to feel so close or so…kind of raw? The whole thing lasted maybe fifteen minutes but felt longer. Even after it ended, folks lingered on deck instead of rushing back inside. I still think about that view sometimes—the way Diamond Head looked under all those colors.