What to wear on an Oahu dinner cruise

Is there a dress code on Oahu dinner cruises?

Yes on the Star of Honolulu: resort elegant or casual, with short pants and flip-flops not recommended.

The Three Star listing asks for smart casual, and the Nova listing for casual without short pants. Nobody checks your outfit at the door, but you will feel more at home in evening resort wear.

What should women wear?

A sundress, maxi dress or skirt, or smart trousers with a light top, plus a wrap or cardigan.

Choose shoes you can walk in on deck and up stairs: flat sandals or low wedges rather than flip-flops or high heels. A hair tie helps on the windy observation deck.

What should men wear?

An aloha shirt or polo with slacks or chinos, and closed shoes or smart sandals.

Long trousers rather than shorts is the safe choice on the Star. A light jacket or sweater is worth bringing for the deck after sunset.

Will it be cold on the deck?

It can be breezy after dark, so the operator suggests a light jacket on cooler nights.

Inside it can be the opposite: the operator advertises an air-conditioned main deck, and guests report that levels without air conditioning get hot during dinner. Wear something light with a layer you can add for the sunset and the show.

What do you wear on a sunset catamaran?

Beach casual: the Waikiki catamarans are barefoot cruises, and one boards straight from Waikiki Beach.

On the Waikiki sunset cocktail cruise your shoes are kept at the pier while you sail. Expect spray and wind, so bring a light layer and leave anything precious in your hotel.

Prefer shorts and bare feet? The Waikiki sunset catamaran is 90 minutes with drinks and a bento box.

★ 4.7 · 1.5 hours · from $120

Explore the Waikiki sunset catamaran → Tour details

What should you bring?

A card the ship accepts, photo ID, a light layer and anything you need for motion sickness.

• Visa, Mastercard, Discover or JCB: guests report that American Express and cash are not accepted on the Star
• Photo ID if you plan to drink (21 and over)
• A light jacket, wrap or sweater
• Motion sickness tablets if you are prone
• Your booking confirmation and pickup time
• A phone for sunset photos

What is not allowed on board?

Outside food and drinks, candles and pets (service animals are allowed).

You can bring your own cake with 24 hours' notice for a $32 cakeage fee, but no candles, under Coast Guard rules. Smoking is only allowed outside on the fourth deck after departure.

Celebrating a birthday or anniversary?

Dress up a little and book an extra: the operator's Celebration Plan adds a private window table and a memory photo.

Lei cakes, wine and champagne can be added too; call the operator at least 24 hours before your cruise. For the quietest setting, the Nova tier puts you on the top deck with live jazz.

Frequently asked questions