Sunset Gondola Cruise Waikiki: Venetian boat on the Grand Canal

A Venetian gondola floats through Hawaiian waters, complete with a singing gondolier.

A sunset gondola cruise on Oahu's Ala Wai Canal near Waikiki takes you past Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline on a Venetian-style boat with a live English-speaking guide. The one-hour evening cruise includes a lei greeting, drinks, desserts, and a short light show if conditions allow. You'll also receive a full-day hop-on-hop-off bus voucher to explore Waikiki and Ala Moana Shopping Center afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing gondola cruise and sightseeing

• Arrive at Waikiki Beach Marina
• Board Venetian-style gondola
• Cruise along Ala Wai harbor and canal
• Enjoy views of Diamond Head
• See Honolulu city skyline and possible rainbows
• Experience sunset and city lights (if evening cruise)
• Enjoy desserts, drinks, and Hawaiian breeze
• Watch short laser show if conditions allow
• Receive full day Hop on Hop off bus voucher

The experience

The gondola departs from the marina next to Waikiki Beach and cruises the Ala Wai Canal for one hour during the sunset sailing (5 pm to 7:15 pm). As you leave the dock, you're greeted with a warm lei and Hawaiian hospitality. The route takes you past Magic Island, a man-made island in the harbor, and along the stretch of water locals call the Venice of the Pacific: a narrow, scenic canal lined with the island's quieter side.

Diamond Head rises across the water throughout the cruise, its volcanic silhouette sharpening as the light changes. The itinerary passes the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and carries you through views of the Honolulu city skyline. Depending on weather, rainbows can appear over the harbor. As the sun drops, the city lights begin to glow, and a short laser light show plays under the bridge if conditions allow. Drinks and a pastry come with the ride, and you can order personalized messages projected during the show for an extra fee: proposals, birthday wishes, or other occasions.

After you step off the gondola, the operator hands you a full-day hop-on-hop-off bus voucher, so the evening doesn't have to end there. You can use it to explore more of Waikiki or head to Ala Moana Shopping Center without arranging separate transport. The shared gondola keeps the experience intimate without the cost of a private boat.

What’s included

• The one-hour sunset cruise includes the gondola ride itself.
• a lei greeting and Hawaiian hospitality upon arrival.
• drinks and a pastry.
• use of an umbrella and blanket during the cruise.
• a short light show display if conditions allow.
• and a full-day hop-on-hop-off bus voucher for exploring Waikiki and Ala Moana Shopping Center afterward.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (21 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (18 to 20 years) · Child (2 to 17 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 4

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 6 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 marina sits right next to Waikiki Beach with public transportation nearby, so you don't need a car or a rental to reach the dock. The full-day bus voucher included afterward means you can keep exploring the island on your own schedule once the sunset cruise ends.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 20 years); Child (2 to 17 years); Infant (under 2): 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 Diamond Head and why does it have that name?

Diamond Head is a dormant volcanic crater on Oahu that rises across the Ala Wai Canal. In the 19th century, British soldiers visiting the area spotted sparkling calcite crystals on the neighboring beach and mistook them for diamonds. The name stuck and has been used ever since.

What exactly is included with the one-hour sunset cruise?

The one-hour sunset cruise includes the gondola ride itself, a decorative Hawaiian lei upon arrival, drinks and a pastry, use of an umbrella and blanket, and a short light show display if weather permits. You also receive a full-day hop-on-hop-off bus voucher for Waikiki and Ala Moana after the cruise.

Can I book a personalized message during the light show?

Yes, personalized messages (such as proposals or birthday wishes) can be projected during the light show for an extra fee. Call the operator directly to arrange this and confirm the current pricing.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the marina?

The gondola departs from the marina at Waikiki Beach, which is accessible by public transportation. If you're staying in Waikiki, the marina is within walking distance or a short ride away. Public transportation options are available nearby.

What happens if the weather is bad on the evening I'm booked?

The cruise operates rain or shine. The operator provides an umbrella and blanket for comfort. The light show display depends on weather conditions and may not happen if it's too cloudy, but the gondola cruise itself proceeds as scheduled.

Are there weight or capacity limits I should know about?

Passenger weight restrictions are in place to ensure the gondola does not exceed its maximum carrying capacity. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. If you have concerns about capacity or specific needs, contact the operator before booking.