Waikiki Fireworks Gondola Cruise: Singing & Sparkling Cider

Sip sparkling cider and hear stories beneath the glowing Aloha Borealis lights

A sixty-minute gondola cruise in Waikiki for small groups of up to four passengers per boat, with fireworks viewed from the water, sparkling cider in champagne glasses, pastry, and a singing gondolier who tells stories and performs a laser light show under the bridge. The route follows Waikiki's Grand Canal and passes Magic Island when waters are calm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waikiki gondola cruise and sightseeing

• Board gondola for cruise
• Enjoy fireworks with cider and pastry
• Listen to gondolier sing and tell stories
• Experience laser light show under bridge
• Traverse Waikiki's Grand Canal
• See Duke Kahanamoku statue and hotels
• Visit Ala Moana Shopping Center
• View Magic Island

The experience

The cruise departs with up to four passengers per gondola and moves along Waikiki's Grand Canal, the route adjusting based on water conditions to keep the ride smooth. You'll sip chilled sparkling cider from champagne glasses and enjoy a pastry while the gondolier sings, tells stories and, if conditions allow, creates a laser light show under the bridge called the Aloha Borealis. The fireworks display unfolds from this unique vantage point on the water, an angle most visitors never get from the shore.

The itinerary includes a Hawaiian lei, an umbrella and blanket for comfort, and passes Magic Island, a man-made lagoon within the harbor. After the gondola cruise ends, you receive an all-day hop-on, hop-off trolley bus ticket that lets you explore Waikiki's hotels, the Duke Kahanamoku Statue at Waikiki Beach, and the Ala Moana Shopping Center at your own pace. The gondolier speaks English and guides the entire experience.

This is a shared-ride cruise. If you want a completely private gondola, the operator can arrange that separately. The experience suits all ages and fitness levels, and infants can sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Enchanting gondola cruise around the harbor, under bridges and along Magic Island.
• Hawaiian lei.
• umbrella and blanket for use during the cruise.
• sparkling cider and pastry.
• short laser show under the bridge if conditions allow.
• fireworks display.
• all-day hop-on, hop-off trolley bus ticket for Waikiki sightseeing after the cruise.

Information

Lasts 1h, runs Friday at 19:30, from US$ 128 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 4 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 19:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Youth (18 to 20 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3): free

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Waikiki Gondola Experiences

Is this one for you?The gondola departs from Waikiki's harbor, so you don't need a car or arrange separate transport to the departure point. After the cruise, the included trolley bus ticket gives you a full day to explore Waikiki's beaches, shops and landmarks on your own schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 20 years); Child (3 to 17 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 is the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and where is it on this tour?

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue is a landmark at Waikiki Beach honoring the legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer. It's one of the stops you can visit during the all-day trolley bus portion that comes after your gondola cruise ends.

Can I bring my own champagne or wine on the gondola?

You can bring your own bottle, though a $14 corkage fee applies. The cruise includes sparkling cider served in champagne glasses, so you have the option to enjoy what's provided or add your own.

What happens if the water is too rough for the cruise?

The route adjusts based on water conditions to ensure a calm experience. If the Grand Canal is too choppy, the gondolier will take an alternative path that keeps the ride smooth and safe.

Does the laser show happen every time?

The laser light show under the Aloha Borealis bridge runs if conditions allow. Weather and water conditions can affect whether it's possible on any given departure, but the fireworks and singing gondolier are part of every cruise.