Oahu Sunset Catamaran: Diamond Head Cruise & Cocktails

Sunset sails past Diamond Head with drinks in hand

You board a catamaran at Waikiki in the late afternoon, sail toward Diamond Head with complimentary cocktails and appetizers, and watch the sunset from the water with a crew that knows the coast. The boat pauses near the crater so you can look for the green flash, then returns to the lit-up Waikiki shoreline. Plan for about two hours barefoot on deck, and bring a light jacket for the evening breeze.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset catamaran cruise along Waikiki coast

• Depart from Waikiki
• Cruise toward Diamond Head
• Look for sea turtles and dolphins
• Admire Diamond Head silhouette
• Pause to enjoy sunset glow
• Watch for green flash on horizon
• Return to Waikiki with skyline views
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers

The experience

The crew member tying off the boat at the Waikiki pier asked where we were from, then mentioned she'd worked this same catamaran for three years: long enough to know which evenings the green flash actually shows up. That kind of local knowledge isn't in the brochure, but it's what you get when the boat leaves the dock at late afternoon with a crew that's done this hundreds of times. The catamaran heads out along the coast toward Diamond Head, and you're standing on deck with a complimentary local beer or a signature cocktail in hand, watching the light change over the water.

The boat moves at a pace that lets you actually see things: the silhouette of Diamond Head getting sharper as you approach, the water darkening, sometimes a Hawaiian green sea turtle or spinner dolphins if the timing is right. The captain cuts the engine near the crater so the boat sits quiet while the sun drops toward the horizon, and that's when people stop talking and just watch. The pupu platter of appetizers comes around, and there's wine if you want it, but mostly you're there for the moment itself. It takes about two hours total, and the boat turns back toward the Waikiki skyline while it's still glowing.

One thing to know: this is a barefoot cruise, so your shoes stay at the pier. It sounds small, but it changes the feel. You're not in tour mode, you're in ocean mode. The boat has a restroom, and if the weather turns rough enough that they have to cancel, you get to reschedule or get your money back. If you need a shuttle from your hotel, that's available depending on which ticket option you pick, so check that when you book.

What’s included

• Complimentary local beer, signature cocktails, and wine.
• Pupu platter of appetizers (vegetarian and gluten-free options available with advance notice).
• Professional local crew.
• Onboard restroom.
• Optional hotel shuttle pickup depending on ticket selection.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day except Friday at 17:00 and 17:30, from US$ 119.95 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and Friday: 17:00Tuesday: 17:00 and 17:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hawaii Nautical

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in or near Waikiki who want a sunset experience without arranging their own boat or worrying about timing. The fixed departure handles both. Expect about two hours on deck in bare feet with evening breezes, which is exactly what makes the sunset feel unhurried.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): 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 time does the catamaran leave Waikiki?

The cruise departs in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Exact departure time varies by season. Confirm when you book.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. Complimentary local beer, signature cocktails, and wine are included. You must be 21 or older to drink.

What food is served?

A pupu platter of appetizers is included. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with 24 hours' notice.

Do I need to bring shoes?

No. This is a barefoot cruise. Your shoes are kept at the pier while you're on the boat. Bring a light sweater or jacket instead.

Is hotel pickup included?

Shuttle pickup is included only with certain ticket options. Select the appropriate option at checkout if you need it.

What if the weather is bad?

If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

Will we see dolphins or sea turtles?

The boat cruises waters where Hawaiian green sea turtles and spinner dolphins are sometimes spotted, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available during the cruise.