Booking choice: The buffet and show cruise, from $139 per person. Check dates Tour details
Most first-time visitors to Oahu want one big Hawaiian night out, and the two classic options are a sunset dinner cruise and a luau. We compare the Star of Honolulu's buffet and show cruise with Chief's Luau, a luau sold with hotel transfers.
The quick answer
Pick the dinner cruise for the sunset from the water, Diamond Head views and a show at sea, from $139 plus transport. Pick the luau if anyone gets seasick, if you want the ride included (Chief's Luau with transfers is from $178) or a longer evening on land.
How do the two compare side by side?
The cruise wins on views and price; the luau wins on solid ground and included transfers.
| Sunset buffet cruise | Chief's Luau with transfers | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Ship sailing past Waikiki and Diamond Head | On land |
| Length | 2 hours (about 3 on Fridays) | About 3 hours |
| Food | Pacific Rim buffet | All-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet |
| Drinks | One Mai Tai, coffee, tea | One to three, by package |
| Show | Moku Ola Polynesian show | Live Polynesian show |
| Transport | Extra | Included |
| Rating | 4.6 (1,096) | 4.6 (515) |
| From | $139 | $178 |
Leaning towards the sea? Check your date for the buffet and show cruise.
Check dates for the buffet and show cruiseWhich is better for the sunset?
The cruise: you are on the water as the sun goes down, with Waikiki and Diamond Head beside you.
Honolulu sunsets fall between about 5:50 PM in winter and 7:15 PM in summer, always inside the cruise's 5:30 to 7:30 PM window.
Which has the better food?
Different styles: the cruise serves a Pacific Rim buffet built around prime roast beef and fish in coconut curry, while a luau centres on a Hawaiian feast.
If food is the priority on the water, the Three Star tier serves a five-course lobster and steak dinner. See the buffet menu.
Which is better if you get seasick?
The luau, because it stays on land.
The Star of Honolulu is large and has three types of stabilizers, but some evenings are choppy. If anyone in your group dreads boats, keep the evening on land.
Staying on land? Chief's Luau includes hotel transfers, a lei greeting and a Hawaiian buffet.
Explore Chief's Luau Tour detailsWhich is easier to get to?
The luau listing includes transfers; for the cruise you add the operator's Waikiki coach or make your own way to Aloha Tower.
The Star sails from Pier 8 in downtown Honolulu, about 15 minutes from Waikiki by road. The Three Star lobster tier is the only cruise listing here with pickup included (from select hotels).
Which is better for families?
Both work: both have child prices and a Polynesian show; the cruise has elevators and allows strollers.
On the Star, children 3 to 11 pay a child price and under-3s on a lap are free. On the luau listing, children's prices start from age 5 and youths 13 to 20 have their own rate.
Can you do both?
Yes, on different nights, and plenty of visitors do: the cruise for the sunset, the luau for a longer evening on land.
- Only one night, love views: the dinner cruise.
- Seasick or want transfers included: the luau.
- Want lobster: the Three Star cruise.
- Tight budget: the buffet cruise.
Made up your mind? The buffet cruise cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the buffet and show cruiseFrequently asked questions
Is a dinner cruise or luau better on Oahu?
For the sunset and ocean views, a dinner cruise; for an evening on land with transfers included, a luau.
Is a luau more expensive than a dinner cruise?
On the listings here, yes: Chief's Luau with transfers is from $178, the buffet cruise from $139 before transport.
Do both include a show?
Yes. The cruise has the Moku Ola Polynesian show; the luau has a live Polynesian show.
Ready to book
Choose your evening
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise
- Two-hour sunset cruise, 5:30 to 7:30 PM (Fridays to about 8:20 PM)
- Pacific Rim buffet with a prime roast beef carving station
- One signature Mai Tai, Kona blend coffee and tea
Chief's Luau with Hotel Transfers
Three Star Lobster & Steak Sunset Cruise
- Five-course dinner with a 1 lb+ whole Maine lobster and beef tenderloin
- Welcome "Champagne" toast and two premium drinks
- Live Hawaiian music, jazz and the Moku Ola show
