Honolulu sunsets taste better with lobster. On the Star of Honolulu, I like the private-table service feel and the live jazz soundtrack, and I’ve learned one big drawback: clouds or rain can wipe out the sunset. When that happens, the vibe still works, but it changes the main event.

This Oahu dinner cruise is built for romance and milestones. You’ll sail out as the sun drops over Honolulu’s south shore, get a 5-course dinner with tableside specialties, and then move to the Art Deco Super Nova Room for live entertainment and dancing.

At $236 per person, it’s not a budget splurge. You’re paying for the timing, the service pacing, and the premium dining format, and you’ll want to go in knowing that extra perks like photos and extra drinks cost extra.

Key Things I’d Lock In Before You Go

• Private table + 5-course dinner instead of a buffet shuffle
• Live jazz through dinner with piano plus sax and singer moments
• Views for days toward Waikiki and Diamond Head, weather permitting
• Friday night bonus: an extra hour for the weekly aerial fireworks show
• Premium beverages included, but anything beyond that is an add-on
• Some A/C and motion notes: plan for warmth on deck and occasional rocking

Where the Cruise Starts: Aloha Tower Timing and the 5:30PM Departure

Your night centers on one simple thing: getting to the pier early enough to relax before the lines start moving. You check in from 4:45PM onboard the Star of Honolulu, and the cruise departs at 5:30PM from Aloha Tower Marketplace (1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu).

If you’re used to island travel where everything runs late, this one is more structured. The evening runs like a show, with food arriving in order and entertainment landing at the right moments. That’s part of what you’re paying for.

One practical note from real-world experience: parking around Aloha Tower can be pricey. One recent diner said parking was $27 per hour, so factor that into your total cost if you’re driving.

The Dinner Setup That Makes This Feel Like a Real Occasion

This isn’t a “stand and graze” cruise. You sit at your own table and go through a 5-course dinner while the boat slowly drifts and the skyline frames your view.

The menu is built around a lobster-and-steak feel, but it also includes lighter touches to keep it from being heavy all at once. Here’s the lineup you should expect, course by course:

• Starter (at your table): Cheese & charcuterie board
• Starter salad: Nova Scotia Maine lobster & beet carpaccio salad, with champagne-chive vinaigrette
• Main: USDA Prime tenderloin of beef with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
• Dessert: Sorbet
• Chef’s special dessert: served with freshly baked brioche and butter

I love how quickly the meal cadence kicks in. Several people highlighted that you’re served in timely increments rather than waiting around with empty plates. That makes a big difference on a moving boat.

That said, not everything hits the same for every palate. A few diners called out the truffle mashed potatoes as tasting too strong or even like they came from a boxed mix, and another person wanted more lobster. So yes, this is premium, but it’s not the kind of fine-dining where every detail lands perfectly for everyone.

Lobster and Prime Tenderloin, Tableside Style

The headline dishes here are tenderloin beef and Maine lobster, with the cruise described as serving signature entrees tableside. That matters because you’re not just receiving food; you’re getting a moment built into the service.

You’ll also get a welcome champagne toast plus two super-premium beverages included. After that, additional drinks are extra. If you’re the type who will want several cocktails, budget for it up front rather than being surprised later.

One more value tip: if you want the full “occasion” feel, treat the beverage inclusion as part of your planning. The cruise gives you enough to make the dinner feel special without requiring you to chase add-ons immediately.

Jazz in the Art Deco Super Nova Room

Entertainment is part of the ticket value here, not just background noise. You’ll enjoy smooth jazz and professional live music during the cruise, and the plan includes dancing in the Art Deco Super Nova Room.

From the recent feedback, the music program is one of the biggest reasons people recommend this cruise. Many praised the combination of live piano during dinner, then later adding saxophone and a singer. One review even called the singer performance strong enough that it felt like a full set.

My practical take: if you want a boat dinner with a real soundtrack, this one is tuned for you. If your dream is Hawaiian cultural performance or storytelling, you might find this leans more toward classic jazz styling than island-focused shows.

The View: Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the Sunset Reality Check

Let’s talk about the view, because this cruise sells on it. You’re sailing for the Honolulu sunset with sightseeing angles that include Diamond Head and Waikiki.

The catch is Hawaii weather. If clouds roll in, your sunset can turn into gray sky—one family said clouds blocked the sunset even though service and food matched expectations. Another person also said rain prevented the sunset tour due to unsafe conditions to leave the dock.

So here’s the decision rule I’d use: if you’re booking for a sunset, you’re booking for a specific sky. You can still have a great dinner and music night if the weather changes, but your payoff is different.

If you really care about the horizon turning orange, plan to book with flexibility in mind. If your schedule is fixed and weather scares you, you’ll want to accept that you might pay for dinner and jazz more than a perfect sunset.

Friday Fireworks: When the Extra Hour Actually Changes the Evening

Booking on a Friday is where the cruise picks up a major bonus. The schedule expands to three hours, giving you an extra hour to see the weekly aerial fireworks show.

That extra hour isn’t just time. It’s a reason this cruise becomes more of an all-in-one night: dinner, music, sunset views, and then fireworks over Waikiki. If you’re comparing similar dinner cruises, that Friday add-on is a real value swing.

If fireworks are part of your Honolulu bucket list, prioritize Friday and arrive ready to stay on board a bit longer than you’d do on other nights.

Comfort on Board: Air Conditioning, Deck Views, and Sea Motion

This is a cruise ship dinner, so you’re balancing three comfort factors: seating comfort, temperature, and motion.

A few people noted it can feel warm on board with insufficient A/C. If you run hot, dress like you’re expecting a warm evening and bring a light layer you can tolerate if the breeze changes.

Motion is another practical factor. One family suggested taking sea sickness meds just in case because the boat can get rocky. You don’t need to panic, but it’s smart to be prepared if you’re sensitive.

Bathrooms also came up in one review as a strange detail: the women’s restroom had a ceiling mirror tile that made some people uncomfortable. Not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of quirk you should know if privacy matters to you.

And about seating: reviews mention that a premium option can place you on the top deck, which likely helps with views. If that option is available at booking, it’s worth choosing for the best sightlines.

The Premium Experience Pieces That Cost Extra

Even when the ticket is premium, not everything is included. Here’s what you should assume is extra unless it’s explicitly in your booking:

• Additional beverages beyond the included champagne toast and two super-premium drinks
• Souvenir photos: some guests said photos were charged separately, and they felt disappointed it wasn’t included
• Parking if you drive: one person reported $27 per hour

The good news is that the main meal and the core entertainment are covered. The included beverage credit is enough to set the tone, and the dinner pacing keeps the night flowing.

Price and Value: Is $236 Worth It

Let’s be honest about the number. $236 per person is high for an Oahu sunset cruise, especially if you’re comparing against cheaper dinner boats.

So, when is it worth it? I think it’s worth it if you care about:

• A private table and a real 5-course dinner format
• Signature dishes centered on lobster and tenderloin
• Live jazz as a major part of the evening, not just a playlist
• A cruise format where the meal service is paced so you’re not waiting around

It’s likely not worth it if you’re price-sensitive and your main goal is just sunset on the water plus some food. One reviewer felt the experience didn’t justify the price and noted the jazz was only part of the evening, which is why you should check your expectations around how long and how structured the music feels for you.

There’s also the intangible value of occasion energy. Several comments framed this as a perfect setting for anniversaries and birthdays, and that matches the overall design: polished service, plated courses, and a ship vibe that feels dressy enough for photos.

My bottom line: if you treat this as a special-dinner night with a view and music, the price can make sense. If you treat it like a bargain cruise, it won’t.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This is a great fit for couples celebrating something, families wanting a memorable night, and anyone who wants a more refined Honolulu dinner cruise than the party-on-a-boat style.

It’s also a strong pick if you specifically want jazz with live performers while you eat. The entertainment is repeatedly mentioned as a highlight, including piano plus sax and vocals.

I’d hesitate if you’re booking mainly for perfect weather. Clouds and rain can happen, and when they do, your sunset payoff drops. It can still be a good night, but don’t bet your entire emotional plan on a clear horizon.

If you dislike paying extra for add-ons like photos and additional drinks, go in mentally prepared. This experience is premium, and premium usually means extras are separate.

Should You Book Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz?

Book it if you want a Honolulu sunset dinner cruise that feels like a true event: private table, lobster and prime tenderloin, and live jazz in an Art Deco setting. Book Friday if fireworks matter to you, because the extra hour is the kind of bonus that makes a difference.

Skip it or reconsider if your budget is tight, you hate paying for add-ons, or you’re only chasing sunset perfection. Weather is real here, and if the sky changes, the evening becomes more about dinner and music than the skyline turning dramatic.

If you do book, I’d plan like this: wear something comfortable but not too short-shorts casual (short pants aren’t recommended), carry a light layer in case the deck cools, and if you get motion sick, be ready. You’ll get the best version of the night when you treat it like a seated dinner with a show, not just a quick boat ride.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs at 5:30 PM.

Where do I check in for Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz?

Check in is at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813. Guests check in from 4:45 PM onboard the Star of Honolulu.

How long should I plan to be out?

The sunset dinner cruise is listed as two hours, and it becomes three hours on Fridays. The overall experience is described as about 3 hours.

What does the 5-course dinner include?

You can expect a cheese and charcuterie board starter, a lobster and beet carpaccio salad, USDA prime tenderloin of beef with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, sorbet, and a chef’s special dessert with freshly baked brioche.

What drinks are included?

The included drinks are a champagne toast plus two super premium beverages. Additional beverages are not included.

Does booking on a Friday include fireworks?

Yes. If you book on a Friday, you get an extra hour to view the weekly aerial fireworks show.

What dress code should I follow?

The dress code is casual. Short pants are not recommended.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour ticket mobile?

Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.