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★★★★★A Waikiki Beachside Hostel Favorite

Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Live DJ

Sail out of Waikiki for sunset with a live DJ, a full bar, and a dance floor under the open sky. This 21 and up party cruise pairs Diamond Head and city light views with drinks and music aboard the Ariya II, and it leaves just a short trip from the hostel. Friday cruises run a little longer and catch the weekly fireworks from the water.

About 2 Hours Live DJ Full Bar Friday Fireworks Ages 21 and Up

What’s Included

  • A sunset party cruise along the Waikiki coast aboard the Ariya II
  • One complimentary drink ticket per guest, redeemable at the bar
  • A live DJ spinning through the whole cruise
  • A dance floor with mood lighting and a full sound system
  • Sunset views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline
  • A safety briefing from a friendly, licensed local crew

Sunset, Drinks, and a Live DJ

This is the grown-up way to end a day in Waikiki. The Ariya II heads out along the coast just as the light starts to turn, with the whole run of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline glowing from the water. It is a lively, open-air couple of hours with a live DJ, a dance floor, and a full bar, and it leaves just a short trip from the hostel.

The Ariya II is a roomy double-decker party boat with a proper dance floor, mood lighting, and a sound system built for the DJ. Your ticket comes with one complimentary drink, and the bar stays open the whole time with cocktails, beer, seltzer, and non-alcoholic options for purchase. There is no bringing your own on this one, so leave the cooler at the hostel and let the bartender handle it. If you want to keep the drinks coming, ask about the unlimited refill cup upgrade when you board.

This is a 21 and up cruise, so bring a valid photo ID and expect a real party atmosphere. It is a favorite for birthdays, bachelorette nights, and anyone who just wants a fun night out on the water. Keep an eye on the ocean too, because spinner dolphins and sea turtles turn up now and then, and humpback whales pass through in the winter months. On Friday nights the cruise runs a little longer so you can watch the weekly fireworks light up over Waikiki from the best seat around.

Watch the Cruise

Tour Highlights

  • Live DJ and dance floor: music the whole way, with mood lighting and a full sound system.
  • Full bar on board: one complimentary drink ticket, then cocktails, beer, and seltzer for purchase.
  • Sunset on the water: Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline glowing as the light fades.
  • Friday fireworks: Friday cruises run longer and catch the weekly fireworks from the open ocean.
  • Ariya II party boat: a roomy double-decker with an open deck and 360-degree views.
  • 21 and up: a true adults-only party, great for birthdays and celebrations.

How the Evening Flows

  • Before You BoardCheck in at Kewalo Basin Harbor about 15 minutes before departure and meet the crew.
  • Set SailCruise out along the Waikiki coastline as the DJ gets the party started.
  • Golden HourGrab your complimentary drink and watch the sun drop behind Diamond Head.
  • On the Dance FloorThe DJ turns it up while the city lights come on across Honolulu.
  • Friday FireworksOn Friday nights, settle in for the weekly fireworks show over Waikiki from the water.
  • Back to HarborReturn to Kewalo Basin after about two hours, or a bit longer on Fridays.

Departure is typically around 5:30 PM from October to March and 6:15 PM from April to September, and Friday fireworks cruises run about 2.5 hours. Times shift with the season, so check your confirmation for the exact time.

What to Bring

Photo ID
Easy-Off Shoes
Light Layer
Sunglasses
Cash / Card
Camera

Shoes come off on board for safety, so wear something easy to slip off like flip-flops. Evenings on the water can get breezy, so a light layer helps. Bring a valid photo ID, since this is a 21 and up cruise, and a little cash or a card for the bar. There is no BYOB on this cruise.

Good to Know

  • Where it leaves: Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Pier D, a short trip from the hostel.
  • 21 and up: everyone must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID. No exceptions.
  • Drinks: one complimentary drink ticket, a full bar for purchase, and no outside drinks or BYOB.
  • Shoes off: shoes come off on board for safety, and storage is provided. Clean reef shoes or grip socks are fine.
  • Check-in: arrive 15 minutes early. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own ride.
  • Good to know: the cruise needs a minimum of 10 guests to run and operates rain or shine, with severe weather the only reason to cancel.

Getting There

The cruise leaves from Kewalo Basin Harbor on Ala Moana Boulevard, about two miles from Waikiki Beachside Hostel and roughly a 10 to 15 minute drive. A quick rideshare or TheBus gets you there easily, and there is parking at the harbor for about $2 per hour. There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own ride and arrive 15 minutes before departure. The map below shows the harbor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cruise?

About two hours on the water for the standard cruise, and about 2.5 hours on Friday nights for the fireworks. Plan to check in 15 minutes before departure.

Where does it leave from?

Kewalo Basin Harbor at 1125 Ala Moana Boulevard, Pier D in Honolulu, about two miles from Waikiki Beachside Hostel. There is no hotel pickup, so plan a rideshare, TheBus, or your own ride, and ask the front desk for the easiest way to get there.

Is there a bar, and can I bring my own drinks?

There is a full bar on board. Your ticket includes one complimentary drink, and after that cocktails, beer, seltzer, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. There is no BYOB and no outside drinks. Ask about the unlimited refill cup upgrade if you want to keep them coming.

Do I have to be 21?

Yes. This is a 21 and up cruise with a real party atmosphere, and every guest needs a valid photo ID to board. There are no exceptions.

What are the Friday fireworks?

Waikiki has a weekly Friday night fireworks show, and the Friday cruise runs a little longer so you can watch it from the open ocean with a clear view and no crowds. The Friday fireworks cruise is $99 per person.

Can I swim or snorkel?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are not part of this cruise. It is a sunset party cruise focused on the DJ, the bar, and the views.

What is the cancellation policy?

Any cancellations or amendments, including tour date and time, must be made at least 48 hours prior to the departure time on the reservation date to receive a full refund of the tour fees. Reservations made within 48 hours of departure are considered final sale. We do not provide refunds for no-shows or late arrivals.