Best Sunset Dinner Cruise Big Island Hawaii (Spoiler…)
Looking to find the best sunset dinner cruise on the Big Island? You’ll find your romantic, oceanic options here!
I lived on the Big Island for a year and every single sunset was gorgeous! It’s even better from the decks of a sailboat with nothing but you and the ocean!
You’ll be surprised to know that there are not very many options for a dinner cruise in Kona, Hawaii.
In fact, SPOILER ALERT! There is only one main company that provides this experience.
But, there is a private charter you can hire, or I’ve listed other creative ways to have a sunset sail and a meal too.
Let’s find out where to catch a Kona dinner cruise at sunset!
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The ONE company that offers a sunset cruise with dinner is:
Body Glove Historical Dinner Cruise
As Body Glove is the only sunset dinner cruise on the Big Island, you don’t have to look much further than here (unless you want to!).
Great food! Great views! Great time!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Best Kona Sunset Dinner Cruises
1. Body Glove Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay
⭐Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 3 hrs ⚠️Likely to Sell Out!
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Body Glove Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay Here!
The Body Glove Historical Dinner Cruise includes:
- One complimentary cocktail
- Light appetizers upon boarding
- A historical narration
- Hawaiian style dinner
- Live entertainment
- Max 89 passengers
- Bathrooms onboard
Why choose this tour? It’s really the ONLY sunset dinner cruise on the Big Island.
This unique experience takes you on a journey back in time, as you learn about the many secrets of the Big Island from a local historian. Along the way, you’ll enjoy 24-miles of stunning views of the Kona Coast and Kealakekua Bay along with live entertainment.
A complimentary cocktail and delicious dinner is served when you reach Kealakekua Bay with the Captain Cook Monument and golden sunset as your romantic backdrop!
What past diners have said:
“Excellent in every way. Dinner was exceptional for this kind of thing. Historical narrative informative without being overbearing. Seeing humpback whales in November was an extraordinary gift!” – Mark (read more reviews)
2. Kona Ocean Adventures Kona Sunset Cruise Private Charter
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Kona Ocean Adventures Private Charter Now!
The Kona Ocean Adventures Private Charter includes:
- Whatever your imagination can conceptualize
Why choose this tour? For a truly luxurious experience, take a Kona Ocean Adventures Private Charter and sail along the legendary Kailua Kona coast. With this private charter, you’ll be able to customize your white-cloth dinner menu with organic local produce and Hawaiian twists all while enjoying a comfortable, modern boat.
The local crew will share stories about the history and wildlife of Hawaii’s Big Island as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
This is a great Kona dinner cruise to take for avoiding crowds as it will be just you and only people you invite.
What past cruisers have said:
“I booked a private charter with Kona Ocean adventures. They provided excellent cuisine, drinks, and festive dessert! They also served the guests and checked in on us. Shawn and Alexis were absolutely amazing captains. They were informative with options of where to cruise…We had a magical day cruising … into the Hawaiian sunset where we saw a mother humpback whale soaring out of the ocean from head to tail with her baby to do the same right after!” – Linda
💞 Find other Romantic Things to Do on the Big Island here!
Other Sunset Cruises in Kona
So those are your choices for a Big Island dinner cruise, but there are other sunset cruises you can take from Kona. I have them listed here below.
Pro Tip: One idea, since these cruises don’t serve dinner – eat a large, late lunch and fill up on the snacks onboard these cruises as your dinner substitute!
3. Ocean Sports Pau Hana Sunset Cocktail Cruise
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 2 hrs
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Ocean Sports Pau Hana Sunset Cocktail Cruise Here!
Pau Hana” means “the work day is done”
The Ocean Sports Pau Hana Sunset Cocktail Cruise includes:
- Unlimited sodas, beer, and wines
- Variety of snacks
- Max 49 passengers
Why choose this tour? While dinner is not served, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks from a complimentary bar onboard the Ocean Sports Pau Hana Sunset Cocktail Cruise.
Departing from either Waikoloa’s A-Bay or Kawaihae Harbor, this 2-hour cruise takes you on a tropical relaxation as you soak in the stunning views of the Kohala Coast sunset.
You might even be able to take the helm yourself, under the guidance of their professional captain of course!
Check with Ocean Sports whether your date includes a sailing catamaran or powered catamaran.
What past cruisers have said:
“Beautiful ride with a great crew! Everyone was kind, helpful and so welcoming! We saw dolphins and a gorgeous sunset!” – Ashley (read more reviews)
4. Hawaii Nautical Sunset Sail Experience
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 1.5 hrs ⚠️Likely to Sell Out!
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Hawaii Nautical Sunset Sail Experience Here!
The Hawaii Nautical Sunset Sail Experience includes:
- Two alcohol beverages
- Snacks
- Soda, juice and water
- Onboard bathrooms
- Max 49 passengers
Why choose this tour? Hawaii Nautical’s Sunset Sail is a 1.5-hour tour that departs from Honokohau Harbor on an 53-foot, custom-built sailing catamaran with knowledgeable captains guiding you every step of the way along the majestic coastline.
Enjoy two alcoholic beverages along with plenty of snacks while watching a spectacular Hawaiian sunset during your cruise and keeping an eye out for marine life.
What past cruisers have said:
“We had a wonderful time during our sunset sail. Captain Mike, Chelsea, and Luis were courteous and professional. We had an amazing sunset on the west and beautiful rainbow on the east of Hualalai, and we were greeted by energetic dolphins. I highly recommend this excursion when in Kona.” – Sophia (read more reviews)
💞💍💞
Looking to Pop the Question on the Big Island? Ask on a sunset cruise!
Or check out these other ideas!
5. Hang Loose Private Charter: Customizable Big Island Boat Adventure
⭐Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⏳Tour Length: 4hrs
➡️ Check Rates and Availability for Hang Loose Private Charter Here!
The Hang Loose Private Charter includes:
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Underwater disposable camera available for purchase
Why choose this tour? Another way to get creative for a dinner sunset cruise in Kona is to book a private charter with Hang Loose. While they do serve snacks, you can also bring your own food. So pack a picnic or order some food to-go from a local restaurant and create your own Hawaii dinner cruise!
This private charter is customizable and caters to your own group of up to 15-50 people. Your trusty captain will help put together an itinerary of activities and destinations sure to impress!
What past cruisers have said:
“Booked this for a family group of 15 people and we had a great time! The captain and crew were fabulous…Plenty of shade on the boat and they provided drinks and snacks. Would highly recommend.” – Andrea (read more reviews)
FAQs
Where can I watch the sunset on Big Island?
There are many great spots to watch the sunset on Big Island! Here are some popular places:
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area: This beautiful beach on the Kohala Coast is the longest white sand beach on the island and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
- Mauna Kea Summit: The summit of Mauna Kea is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset. You can watch from the Visitor Center at 9,000ft or, if you have a 4×4, you can drive to the 13,000ft summit.
- Anaeho’omalu Bay: Also known as “A-Bay,” this beach on the Kohala Coast is another popular spot for watching the sunset, especially if you get coveted restaurant seats at Lava Lava Beach Club.
These are just a few of the many places to watch sunset on the Big Island.
What is the difference between a sunset cruise and a dinner cruise?
A sunset cruise and a dinner cruise are two types of boat tours that offer different experiences.
A sunset cruise typically takes place in the early evening and is focused on watching the sunset. The boat will typically sail along the coast or out to sea, and passengers will have the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the sun setting over the water. These types of cruises may also offer drinks and light snacks, but they are not typically centered around a meal.
A dinner cruise will also often depart in time to catch sunset, but instead of just snacks and drinks, you will get to enjoy a full meal. Depending on the company, dinner cruises often offer a buffet-style dinner or plated meals, as well as live entertainment.
What do you wear to a sunset party cruise?
What to wear to a sunset party cruise can depend on the theme of the party and the dress code of the event. In general, it’s a good idea to dress in comfortable, casual clothing that is appropriate for the weather and the activity.
Here are some tips for what to wear to a sunset party cruise:
- Check the dress code: Some sunset party cruises may have a specific dress code, such as “casual” or “resort wear.” Check the event details to see if there are any guidelines to follow.
- Dress for the weather: Be sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. If it’s cool or windy, consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You may be walking around the boat or dancing, so wear comfortable shoes that you can move around in. Avoid high heels or shoes that may be slippery on the deck. Some boats may require barefeet so shoes will be completely unnecessary.
- Choose breathable fabrics: Since you will be outdoors, choose clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. This will help keep you comfortable in warmer weather.
- Accessorize: Dress up your outfit with fun accessories such as a scarf, hat, or statement jewelry to add some flair to your look.
Overall, the key is to dress comfortably and in clothing that makes you feel good, so you can fully enjoy the sunset party cruise experience.
Looking for other Big Island tours? Check these out!
Epilogue: Best Big Island Sunset Cruise with Dinner
It’s pretty easy to find the best sunset dinner cruise on the Big Island as there really is only one. HOWEVER, there are private charters to hire or regular sunset cruises where you can have a “snack dinner” instead.
Professional crews will ensure these spectacular sunset sailings will provide an unforgettable, romantic journey along the Kona coastline, creating memories that last a lifetime!
So what are you waiting for? Book your dream Hawaii sunset dinner cruise today!
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
