Honolulu sunset times, winter 2026-27

What time is sunset in Honolulu this winter?

Between 5:48 PM (early December) and 6:46 PM (April 1). Civil twilight, the afterglow, lasts another 22 to 25 minutes.

The earliest sunset of the year comes in early December, not on the solstice. From January the evenings lengthen fast: by mid February sunset is past 6:25 PM.

Does the 5:30 PM Star of Honolulu cruise catch the sunset in winter?

Yes. The ship sails from 5:30 to 7:30 PM every night, and every sunset this winter falls in its first 80 minutes.

In December the sun goes down about 20 minutes after departure, while the first plates are on the table. In March it sets more than an hour into the cruise. Guests on the served tiers say food keeps arriving while the sun sets, so get up and go on deck when the sky turns. Check-in at Pier 8 is 4:45 PM; the buffet cruise and the lobster tiers all sail together.

On board, the Star prints the evening's sunset time on the menu, per its FAQ.

When do the sunset catamarans sail in winter?

Earlier. Holokai moves to 5:00 to 6:30 PM from October to February, and MANA's Ko Olina yacht leaves at 4:30 PM from September to March.

Holokai's sunset sail from Waikiki Beach runs 5:00 to 6:30 PM from October to February, with check-in at 4:30 PM at the Outrigger Reef, and 5:30 to 7:00 PM from March to September. That works well in December. In the second half of February it gets tight: sunset is about 6:29 PM on February 15 and the boat is due back at 6:30.

MANA Cruises sails its small Ko Olina yacht at 4:30 PM in the cooler months and 5:00 PM in summer. Hawaii Nautical gives the departure time for your date when you book the Waikiki sunset catamaran or the West Oahu cruise.

What time are the Friday fireworks, and which boats see them?

Hilton Hawaiian Village lists its Friday fireworks at 7:45 PM. The Star of Honolulu stays out until about 8:20 PM on Fridays for a chance to see them.

The show is put on by Hilton Hawaiian Village every Friday night; the resort's page gives 7:45 PM. In summer it has started at 8 PM.

Three ways to see it from the water: the Star of Honolulu's Friday sailing, which returns about 8:20 PM; Hawaii Nautical's Friday fireworks catamaran; or Holokai's separate fireworks cruise, 7:15 to 8:15 PM from October to February. Hawaii Nautical warns on its fireworks page that food may not be served on holiday and special event nights.

The buffet and show cruise: on Fridays it stays out until about 8:20 PM for a chance at the fireworks.

★ 4.6 · 2 hours · from $139

Explore the buffet and show cruise → Tour details

Will winter weather spoil the sunset?

Sometimes. Clouds hide some sunsets, and on a few rough nights boats change route or stay in.

The Star of Honolulu has three types of stabilizers, and its captain can alter the route for sea conditions. Even so, two Nova guests in January 2025 and April 2026 wrote that wind or heavy rain kept the ship from leaving. Catamarans feel the swell more. Hawaii Nautical's listing says that if it cancels for weather you choose another date or a full refund.

Cloud is the common problem, not storms. A November 2025 guest on the Nova tier wrote that clouds "had rolled in and blocked the sunset". Keep a spare evening in your plan and book with free cancellation: every cruise on this site cancels for a full refund up to 24 hours before on Viator.

Which month is best for a sunset dinner cruise?

December for a sunset during dinner, February for whales plus a later sunset.

From late November to early January the sun drops while you eat on the Star, and you are back ashore by 7:30 PM with the evening still young. February gives you a later sunset after the meal, peak whale season and long light for photos. On Fridays in either month, the fireworks at 7:45 PM come in full darkness.

For the honest comparison of a big ship against a catamaran, read our catamaran vs dinner cruise guide.

Frequently asked questions