Star of Honolulu · Aloha Tower, Pier 8
The Star of Honolulu, billed by its operator as Hawaii's largest dinner cruise ship, leaves Aloha Tower at 5:30 PM with a buffet, a Mai Tai and a Polynesian show on board. Pick it for the full evening at the lowest price on the Star: dinner, sunset, show and a dance party in two hours.
The Star of Honolulu is a 232-foot ship with four floors of walk-around decks and a 60-foot-high observation deck, and the operator calls it Hawaii's largest dinner cruise vessel. It sails from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace in downtown Honolulu, not from Waikiki: about 15 minutes away by road, says the operator's directions page. Three dinner tiers share the ship every night, and this is the buffet one.
The evening starts with a hula welcome on the pier. On board you get one signature Mai Tai, then a Pacific Rim buffet with an Alaea salt crusted prime roast beef carving station, fish of the day in coconut curry sauce, BBQ chicken, yakisoba and island salads, per the operator's menu. Live Hawaiian music plays through dinner. After that comes the Moku Ola (Voyage of Life) Polynesian show, which follows Hoku from Hawaii to Tahiti, Samoa and Aotearoa, and the night ends with a dance party.
Two things to know before you book. There is no lobster on this tier: lobster and steak come with the Three Star dinner and the Nova Five Star on the same ship, and one October 2026 reviewer who expected them was let down. And other drinks are extra, paid by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or JCB only: the operator's FAQ lists no American Express and the ship is cashless.
Drive or ride to Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, and check in at the Star of Honolulu. Parking is in nearby lots run by other companies.
Dancers greet you on the pier, and a Bon Voyage hula follows on board.
The ship heads out of Honolulu Harbor toward Waikiki and Diamond Head. The captain can change the route for sea conditions.
Dinner is served while the sun goes down. Step out on deck for the sunset.
The Polynesian show, then the crew leads the dance party.
On Fridays the ship stays out until about 8:20 PM for a chance at the fireworks.
★★★★★We had a great time. The food was really good and how they coordinated everything helped things go smoothly. Our absolute favorite was the end watching the dances that told stories. They also included all who wanted to join in the dance party after. Staff is awesome. Would book again!
★★★★★It was a well organized event, with very friendly and helpful hosts. The afternoon cruise was scenic and the water beautiful. The buffet dinner was delicious with a large selection of entrees. The floor show entertainment was great.
★★★★★Great staff, food, drinks, and entertaining shows. A great mix of buffet, being out on the water, and good views for pictures. The boat is nice and stable so there's a low chance of sea sickness.
★★★★★The buffet dinner had great options and the food was delicious. We also enjoyed the entertainment. The staff/crew were all very professional and friendly. We highly recommend this dinner cruise.
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No. The buffet has prime roast beef, fish of the day, BBQ chicken, yakisoba and island sides. Whole lobster and beef tenderloin are served on the Three Star and Nova tiers of the same ship. Our price guide compares the three.
Not on this ticket. The Star of Honolulu sells round-trip motorcoach transport from major Waikiki hotels for a fee (its FAQ quotes $20), with pickups at 4:20 or 4:30 PM depending on the hotel. Otherwise check in at Pier 8 from 4:45 PM.
At 7:30 PM. On Fridays it returns about 8:20 PM, because the ship stays out for a chance to see the Waikiki fireworks.
One signature Mai Tai plus coffee and tea. Everything else is paid on board by card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover or JCB. Alcohol is served from age 21 with photo ID.
Ready to book
Buffet dinner, a Mai Tai, the Polynesian show and the sunset past Diamond Head, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Three Star Lobster & Steak Sunset CruiseFive courses on the Star of Honolulu: a whole Maine lobster and tenderloin, a toast and two drinks, with hotel pickup.★ 4.4 · 2 hours · from $193
Nova Five Star Dinner & Jazz CruiseThe Star's quiet top deck: a private table, lobster and prime tenderloin in five courses, and live jazz.★ 4.6 · 2 to 3 hours · from $236
Waikiki Sunset Cocktail CruiseNinety barefoot minutes toward Diamond Head with two drinks and a bento box of appetizers. Not a dinner.★ 4.7 · 1.5 hours · from $120