Sunset, steak, and jazz on Honolulu water. This Nova Five Star cruise is built around a prime Oahu sunset view and a calm private-table dinner on the Star of Honolulu. Add live music, Art Deco style, and the chance to spot Waikiki from the sea, and you get a night that feels a cut above the usual tourist cruise.

What I like most is the way the evening is structured for comfort. You’re checked in, seated at your own table, and served a 5-course meal while the boat glides through golden hour.

One thing to keep in mind: weather can make or break the sunset part. If clouds or rain roll in, the sky might not deliver, and the “sunset cruise” vibe can feel muted.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• A 5-course dinner served at your own private table, not a buffet scramble
• Prime tenderloin beef and Maine lobster as signature mains, with tableside service
• Honolulu views across Waikiki and out toward Diamond Head
• Live jazz during dinner, with the option to dance in the Art Deco Super Nova Room
• Friday gets an extra hour for the weekly aerial fireworks show
• Premium add-ons cost extra, including additional beverages and photos

Getting on Board at Aloha Tower, Without Losing Time

Start at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu. The cruise runs from the Star of Honolulu, and you’ll want to be there for check-in from 4:45 PM so you can get settled before departure.

The boat leaves at 5:30 PM. That timing matters because the whole experience is paced for sunset, not for waiting around.

If you’re planning special requests, call the provider 72 hours in advance to confirm. Also note the ticket is mobile, so have your phone charged and easy to access.

Dress code is casual, but skip short pants. In practice, you don’t need a suit, but you’ll feel better if you come looking put-together.

Cruising Into Golden Hour, Waikiki and Diamond Head From the Water

As you pull away from the pier, the view is the star of the show. You’ll be sailing off Oahu’s southern coast with sightlines that include Waikiki and Diamond Head, plus a slow-motion feel you won’t get walking along the shore.

This is one of those “stand up, take photos, then go back to eating” cruises. The rhythm works because you’re not rushed, and the boat gives you multiple angles as the sun drops.

Friday nights add a bonus later in the sailing for the fireworks portion. On other days, you’re still getting that classic sunset timing, just without the extra aerial time.

The 5-Course Dinner: Lobster, Prime Tenderloin, and Service That Stays on Schedule

The dinner is the main reason this cruise costs more than basic sunset boats. You’ll sit down at your private table and move through a structured five-course meal.

A sample menu includes:

• Cheese and charcuterie board to start
• Maine lobster and beet carpaccio salad
• USDA prime tenderloin of beef, served with truffle mashed potato and seasonal vegetables
• Sorbet
• Chef’s special dessert served with freshly baked brioche and butter

One detail I really like for value: the mains are part of the show. Maine lobster and the tenderloin are described as tableside signature entrees, so you’re not just handed a plate and forgotten.

Service pacing comes up again and again in people’s impressions: food arriving at the right moments, without long gaps. That matters on a cruise, where delays can turn dinner into a slow, cold workout.

If you want more lobster, you’ll want to be honest with yourself. This is a premium dinner, but it’s still a set menu, not an all-you-can-eat feast.

Live Jazz in the Art Deco Super Nova Room, Plus a Dance-Ready Moment

The entertainment is live jazz, not a canned playlist. During dinner, you’ll enjoy smooth jazz and professional performance, which helps the evening feel like a night out instead of a floating meal.

There’s also an Art Deco space called the Super Nova Room, and you can dance there if you feel like it. That’s a nice touch because it gives you options, quiet dinner mode or music-and-movement mode.

If you’re the type who expects constant band time from start to finish, know that the musical flow can feel like part of the dinner’s pacing. The night is built around jazz as a backdrop and then a highlight, rather than a stage show that never stops.

Still, the overall vibe tends to land well for couples, birthdays, and anniversaries. It’s elegant without being stiff.

Drinks, Photos, and the Extra Costs That Sneak In

Your ticket includes a welcome toast and two super premium beverages, but it does not include all drinks. Additional beverages are extra, so if you plan on wine or cocktails, decide early.

One thing to watch: souvenir photo packages can add cost. Some people were surprised that photo offerings are not included in the base ticket, and they can be pricey.

Parking can also be a surprise budget hit. One person reported paying $27 per hour. I can’t tell you what you’ll pay, but I can tell you to plan for it, especially if you’re arriving early or getting stuck in Aloha Tower traffic.

This is where the cruise can feel worth it for some people and frustrating for others. If you watch the add-ons, you’re mostly paying for the dinner and the experience. If you add everything, the price climbs fast.

Friday Fireworks: The Extra Hour That Changes the Whole Night

If you book on a Friday, the cruise runs longer. You get an extra hour to view the weekly aerial fireworks show.

This is a real differentiator. Dinner cruises are fun, but the fireworks turn it into a memory maker, especially if you’re pairing the celebration with an anniversary, birthday, or a proposal-style night.

From the water, the fireworks add scale. You’re not just watching from a sidewalk. You’re floating out in the mix, with the skyline behind the show.

Plan to stay present when it starts. Dinner and dancing can lull you into relaxing, then fireworks time comes fast.

Weather, A/C, and the Reality of a Ship at Sea

Let’s talk comfort, because it can matter as much as the menu. The big weather wildcard is the sunset itself. If clouds or rain show up, you may not get the sky you hoped for, and in rough weather it’s possible the boat might not be able to leave the dock.

The ship is also described as a little dated by some people. That doesn’t automatically ruin the night, but it can show up in comfort details.

A few folks mentioned A/C being less than ideal at times, and the boat can feel rocky. If you get motion sick, take precautions. It’s an easy problem to solve before you board.

If you want the best chance at comfort, you’ll likely feel better on higher decks when offered, because you can get more airflow and view space. When you’re booking, choose the seating option that best matches your comfort priorities.

Also note: it can get warm on board if the weather turns muggy, so bring a light layer even if Oahu feels warm on land.

Price and Value Check: Why It Costs $236, and When It Makes Sense

At $236 per person, this is not a budget cruise. You’re paying for a package: a two-hour sunset dinner cruise (three hours on Fridays), a full five-course meal, live jazz, and a private table experience.

Here’s how I’d judge the value. If you want one ticket that covers dinner plus entertainment plus prime views, it can feel like a smarter spend than piecing together dinner reservations and a show. If you’re mainly chasing the sunset photo and the music is secondary, you may feel the price is heavy.

The best “value scenario” is when you treat it as a celebration night. The service and presentation lean premium, and that’s exactly what special occasions tend to need.

But if you’re the type who wants flexible choices, you may dislike set-menu limitations. Also, if you start adding lots of drinks and paid photos, the final cost can move far beyond the base ticket.

Who This Cruise Is For, and Who Should Skip It

This works best for couples who want an easy, romantic night with a real meal and live music. It also fits families celebrating something, especially if you like the idea of kids seeing fireworks from the water.

Choose this if you want:

• A structured dinner that arrives in the right rhythm
• Live jazz as part of the atmosphere
• A calm way to see Waikiki from the sea

Skip it if:

• You need a guaranteed clear sunset, because weather can change the plan
• You’re looking for the cheapest way to spend time on a boat
• You dislike add-on pricing for photos and extra beverages

Should You Book Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz?

If you want a single, polished night on Oahu that blends sunset views, a lobster-and-tenderloin dinner, and live jazz, I’d book it. This is the kind of experience that shines when you treat it as your main event.

If your priority is only the cheapest sunset, you might prefer a different cruise. And if you’re sensitive to motion or heat, plan ahead for comfort, because the ship and conditions can vary.

Overall, this is a strong pick when you match the experience to the occasion and keep an eye on the add-ons.

FAQ

How long is the Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise?

It’s about 3 hours (approx.). On most nights you’ll have a two-hour sunset dinner cruise, and on Fridays it runs three hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

Meet at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.

What time does the cruise depart, and when should I check in?

Check in is from 4:45 PM onboard the Star of Honolulu, and the cruise departs at 5:30 PM.

What extra do I get if I book on Friday?

On Friday, you get an extra hour to view the weekly aerial fireworks show.

What does the 5-course dinner include?

The included dinner is a 5-course meal featuring Maine lobster and USDA prime tenderloin of beef, plus starter(s), sorbet, and a chef’s special dessert.

Is dinner served at a private table?

Yes. Dinner is served at your own private table.

Are drinks included?

Your ticket includes a Champagne Toast plus two super premium beverages. Additional beverages are not included.

What entertainment is included?

The cruise includes live jazz entertainment and professional live performers, with dancing available in the Art Deco Super Nova Room.

What dress code should I follow?

Dress code is casual, and short pants are not recommended.

Are service animals allowed, and how do special requests work?

Service animals are allowed. For any special requests, you must call the provider 72 hours in advance to confirm.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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