Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise: Polynesian Show Pacific Buffet

Dinner and a Polynesian voyage across four island nations, all on the water.

The Pacific Star is a sunset dinner cruise from Honolulu's Aloha Tower Marketplace with a three-course Pacific Rim buffet, one signature mai tai, and the live show "Moku Ola: Voyage of Life," performed by the largest Polynesian dance cast on island waters. The ship sails past Diamond Head to the Kahala Gold Coast, with a two-hour cruise on most days or three hours on Friday departures. A live English-language guide, pier-side hula welcome, and dance party round out the evening. The ship is wheelchair accessible and stabilized for smooth sailing in all conditions.

The experience

What makes this different from a standard dinner out is the route itself. The Pacific Star departs daily from Aloha Tower Marketplace and sails past Diamond Head to the Kahala Gold Coast, a stretch most visitors never see from the water. The ship is Hawaii's largest tour vessel, built to hold up to 1,500 guests and fitted with three types of stabilizers so the motion stays gentle even when the ocean doesn't cooperate. It's the only A.D.A. compliant cruise ship in Hawaii, with accessible facilities across four decks.

Dinner is a Pacific Rim buffet (Alaea salt-crusted roast beef, fish of the day with coconut curry sauce, BBQ chicken, and sides) served while you're still moving along the coast. Your signature mai tai arrives with it, and coffee and tea are available throughout. The real draw is the show: "Moku Ola. Voyage of Life" follows the character Hoku's journey of self-discovery through Polynesia, from Hawaii to Tahiti, Samoa, and Aotearoa. The choreography is authentic, the costumes were designed by a local artist, and the lighting and sound systems are state-of-the-art. This is the largest cast performing on island waters, which means the production has scale most dinner cruises don't.

Before the main show, you'll get a pier-side welcome hula and live Hawaiian music as the ship pulls away. Once the show ends, a dance pa'ina (party) keeps the evening going until you disembark. If you book the Friday option, you get an extra hour of sailing, stretching the whole experience to three hours instead of two. The captain can alter the route if sea conditions warrant it, though the Kahala Gold Coast run is the standard. Casual dress is fine, though shorts aren't recommended. Bring a light jacket if the evening feels cool.

What’s included

• Three-hour sunset cruise on Friday or two-hour cruise on other days.
• Pacific Rim dinner buffet with roast beef, fish, and chicken.
• one signature mai tai.
• coffee and tea.
• live "Moku Ola: Voyage of Life" Polynesian show with the largest dance cast on island waters.
• pier-side welcome hula and live Hawaiian music.
• dance pa'ina party.
• Hawaii State Tax and Harbor Fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Dinner CruiseGuide in English · 17:30Buffet dinner and show cruise on Oahu aboard the Pacific Star at sunset

Sunset dinner cruise on FridaysGuide in English · 17:30Lasts 3 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:30

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events

Is this one for you?Book the Friday option if you want the longest time on the water and an extra hour to settle into the evening. The regular departure works just as well if you prefer a tighter schedule or a weekday sail.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the regular and Friday sunset cruise?

The Friday Sunset Dinner Cruise adds an extra hour of sailing, extending the total time to three hours instead of two. Everything else (the dinner, the show, the mai tai) stays the same.

Does the ship really sail past Diamond Head?

Yes. The Pacific Star is stabilized and certificated to sail beyond Diamond Head to the Kahala Gold Coast. The captain can adjust the route if sea conditions change, but the Kahala run is the standard path.

What's included in the dinner?

The Pacific Rim buffet includes Alaea salt-crusted roast beef, fish of the day with coconut curry sauce, BBQ chicken, and sides. One signature mai tai, coffee, and tea are included. Other beverages are not.

Is the ship accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. The Pacific Star is the only A.D.A. compliant cruise ship in Hawaii, with wheelchair-accessible facilities across all four decks. Notify the operator 48 hours in advance if you need specific accommodations.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

The ship departs daily from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8. Book at least 24 hours in advance. Specific departure times are confirmed when you reserve. Contact the operator 72 hours before your date to confirm any special requests.