Enjoy a night out on Oahu — out on the open ocean that is! A dinner cruise is the perfect way to explore the island’s wonder and beauty while wining, dining, and dancing the night away. It’s easy for first time visitors to be overwhelmed by the wide array of cruises offered. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 3 Best Dinner Cruises on Oahu to make island living a bit simpler.
This is the cruise you’ll want to put on a postcard and send home to friends. A classic Hawaiian atmosphere sets the mood of the voyage, complete with a complimentary beverage. Although the Makani Catamaran is the smallest on our list, the route — and outstanding views — more than makes up for the smaller quarters. Guests will experience luxury dining options alongside a “fishing boat” vibe. Enjoy frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins from the comfort the trampoline net hammocks located at the back of the ship.
Traditional island style buffet awaits, with main courses offering a variety of options from BBQ chicken to curry tofu veggie wraps. All dining ware is eco-friendly and biodegradable. The ship tours Honolulu, Waikiki, and ends with a sunset view of Oahu’s famous Diamond Head. Depending on the season, guests may even spot a humpback whale!
Makani Catamaran sets sail from 5:30 to 7:30 on most days. Be sure to reserve a spot well in advance as seating fills up quickly!
From the smallest to the largest, the Star Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show offers an extravagant experience for a reasonable price. Start the night off right with a free Mai Tai and head over to the show. “60 Years of Aloha” is a theatrical event for the whole family. This 232-foot luxury liner features 4 panoramic decks and tours Oahu’s Diamond Head. 6 dining rooms, featuring the option to upgrade to a 5-star menu, make The Star of Honolulu the largest dinner cruise on the island. All-you-can-eat crab and delicious beef tenderloin will keep you coming back for seconds.
Book cruises on a Friday to take in the weekly fireworks show over the water.
A wide selection of exotic wines sets this cruise above the rest. The Majestic is ideal for parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and any occasion to celebrate! A great cruise for guests who prefer indoor dining options. Live music sets the soundtrack to a magical journey across the waters of Waikiki and Oahu. Sunset colors paint the waters an ethereal orange while you take it all in from the comfort of the 3 main decks.
Reserve a spot early! Cruises depart at 5:30 each day.
It’s a beautiful Saturday morning in West Oahu, (like most of them are) and it’s time to get out and go for a drive. A great trip for such a Saturday is the drive up the Leeward Coast to the Waianae Farmer’s Market. It’s a beautiful drive of less than 12 miles from Kapolei, with the ocean on your left and the Waianae Mountains on your right, that only takes 20 minutes or so.
The Farmer’s Market is an open-air affair that is held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to Noon. There are a whole host of different types of vendors selling their products and wares. There are all kinds of fresh, locally grown, fruits and vegetables as well as several types of prepared foods ranging from plate lunches to, Thai food and Southwestern chili. If you’re in need of additional caffeine to get you through the morning, Starbucks is right there in the same parking lot where the market is held. One can also find fresh flowers, handmade arts and crafts, jellies and jams and perhaps a few items you’ve never seen or heard of before.
All the vendors I’ve met at the market are friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have and will also offer samples of their foods if you ask. I particularly like buying the fresh fruits and vegetables for use during the week rather than going to the grocery stores for produce. My last trip up the coast, I stopped on my way to Makaha and bought some really nice Roma tomatoes, fersh sweet corn and broccoli right off the farm. I couldn’t resist and on my way back to Kapolei, I stopped again and had a bowl of chili from one of the vendors. Onolicious!
Give it a try next Saturday; I think you’ll enjoy it!