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Kauai Sunset & Dinner Cruises

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Experience the beauty of Kauai at golden hour with the island’s best sunset and dinner cruises. Sail from Port Allen or Nawiliwili Harbor aboard spacious catamarans and boats, and enjoy an unforgettable evening with oceanfront views, tropical cocktails, and optional gourmet meals. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic occasion or planning a fun group outing, find a Kauai sunset cruise that fits your style, budget, and schedule.

Your Guide to Kauai Sunset Cruises in Hawaii

Enjoy a memorable evening on the water with Kauai sunset cruises ranging from casual cocktail sails to elegant dinner experiences. Choose from sunset tours departing from Port Allen in South Kauai or Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor near Lihue, making it easy to join a tour whether you're staying in Poipu, Hanalei, Princeville, or Lihue.

From romantic dinner cruises perfect for honeymoons and anniversaries to private sunset sails ideal for groups of family or friends, there's a tour to match every occasion. Some cruises even explore scenic areas like the Huleiʻa River, offering a peaceful, inland evening experience.

Guests can enjoy amenities such as:

  • Open bar with local craft beer, wine, and signature cocktails like the Wiki Wiki Tiki
  • Chef-prepared or buffet dinners
  • Comfortable catamarans with shaded areas and marine restrooms
  • Opportunities to spot Hawaiian spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales

What to Expect & Know Before You Go

  • What to Wear: Casual resort or aloha attire is common. Bring a light jacket or sweater—ocean breezes can be cool after sunset. Flat or low-heeled shoes are safest onboard.
  • Seasickness Tips: We recommend taking non-drowsy motion sickness medication at least one hour before departure. Larger catamarans are generally more stable.
  • Onboard Comfort: Most boats have lounging nets (you may get splashed!), shaded seating, and marine restrooms. Smaller rafts may not have facilities.
  • Safety Reminder: Keep a hand on the railing while moving around the boat, especially when cruising at speed or over choppy water.
  • Alcohol Policy: Alcoholic beverages are available for guests 21 years and older. Please plan ahead with a designated driver or use a rideshare/taxi service.
  • Gratuity: Tips for the captain and crew are always appreciated for excellent service. Bringing cash is recommended.

How to Get to a Kauai Sunset Cruise

Most cruises depart from Port Allen (Hanapepe) or Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor (Lihue). Drive times vary depending on your location—anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. Since transportation is not included, a rental car is highly recommended. Always check your tour's check-in instructions and map location prior to your departure.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long are Kauai sunset cruises?

Most sunset cruises range from 1.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the experience. Cocktail cruises are typically shorter, while dinner cruises offer a longer experience.

What’s the difference between a dinner cruise and a cocktail cruise?

Dinner cruises include a multi-course or buffet-style meal, and last about 3 to 4 hours. Cocktail cruises usually offer drinks and light snacks and last about 1 to 2 hours.

What is included in a Kauai sunset cruise?

Most tours include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and depending on the cruise, either appetizers or a full dinner. Some offer live music or narration about Hawaiian culture and history.

Are Kauai sunset cruises wheelchair accessible?

Most boats are not wheelchair accessible. Accessibility information is clearly listed on each individual activity page.

What should I wear on a sunset cruise?

There’s no formal dress code. Most guests wear aloha shirts, muʻumuʻu dresses, or casual resort wear. Bring a light sweater just in case.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

Yes. Kauai sunset cruises are very popular and often sell out, especially during peak seasons and holidays. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Will I see marine life?

Many guests see dolphins, turtles, and whales (during winter, December–April). Sightings vary depending on conditions and routes.

What is the best Kauai sunset cruise?

The best cruise depends on your preferences—whether you're looking for luxury, romance, budget-friendly, or family-friendly options. Use our filters to compare experiences, or contact our local experts for help.

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7 Activities Availability varies by date for all activities.
Embark on a fun and relaxing 3.5-hour sunset cruise along Na Pali coast
Enjoy a delicious island-style dinner, sunset champagne toast, an drinks from the open bar
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
Daily
Recently booked 2 times!
Set sail on a 5.5 hour sunset dinner sail along Kauai's beautiful Na Pali Coast
Enjoy a delicious island-style taco buffet dinner, and sip on a variety of drinks and cocktails
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
6 hour(s)
Daily
Enjoy a scenic 90-min sunset cruise along Kalapaki & Nawiliwili Bay, Huleia River and Ninini Point
Featuring full-service open bar, Hawaiian music, friendly crew and historical narration
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Not Provided
Afternoon / Evening
2 hour(s)
Tue / Thu Only
Embark on a 6.5 hour Kauai sunset sail and snorkeling tour along the stunning Na Pali Coast.
Includes a delicious island-style dinner with a variety of drinks including mai tais, wine, and more
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
6.5 hour(s)
Mon / Wed / Thu / Fri / Sat Only
Available exclusively during the summer, go on a 4.5 hour sunset cruise and snorkeling tour
Have a delicious local-style dinner with an open bar on the best Kauai Na Pali boat tour
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
5 - 5.5 hour(s)
Daily
Relax on a deluxe 4.5 hour Kauai sunset dinner cruise along the majestic Napali Coast
Enjoy a sunset champagne toast, mai tais, beer, wine and soft drinks
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
Daily
Head out on a 4 hour sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast on a speedy catamaran
A delicious meal before sunset, and variety of drinks from the open
Pick-up Not Provided
Meal Provided
Afternoon
4 - 4.5 hour(s)
Daily

Top-Rated Activities for Kauai

Latest reviews of Kauai Sunset & Dinner Cruises

Kauai Na Pali Sunset Cruise with Open Bar & Taco Buffet Dinner - Lucky Lady

Nice sunset tour

2025/05/12 Couples DK

We really enjoyed the sunset cruise yesterday. The captain and his team (Audrey, Haley and G) were all great people, very helpful and considerate during the 5 1/2 tour. Few people got sick due to very strong current and ... more

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Kauai Sunset Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean & River Boat Tour from Lihue

11/10!

2025/03/29 Families Scott from Virginia

Capt Stevie and Becca turned a special cruise into something magical. Capt Stevie’s love of the land, the waters, the people, the history, and the culture of Kauai made our sunset cruise a memory for a lifetime. If I’m e... more

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Kauai Sunset Cruise with Open Bar - Ocean & River Boat Tour from Lihue

Nice trip

2025/02/16 Couples Sam

Stevie and Sage were excellent boatmen. It was very windy and choppy in the bay. The river section of the trip was better. Captain Stevie was very knowledgeable about lots of things and informative.

3.5-Hour Kauai Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar - Holo Holo Charters

Dinner and a View!

2025/01/14 Friends Kara

Nothing beats the cliffs of Na Pali. I wish I could have dinner on the coast every day!

3.5-Hour Kauai Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar - Holo Holo Charters

Dinner cruise in November

2024/12/24 Solo Travelers Robi

The water was rough, lots of big swells, people were throwing up over the side or in the bathroom, some laid on the benches in the cabin area. Food was not anything fancy but the crew members were very nice, we have bee... more

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Kauai Na Pali Sunset Cruise with Open Bar & Taco Buffet Dinner - Lucky Lady

Sunset cruise

2024/12/18 Families DT

Captain Kauai and crew were absolutely amazing! Loved hearing the history of Hawaii. The food was great! Could not have asked for a better cruise. Thank you for making our vacation a memorable one. Highly recommend... more

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Sunset Cocktail & Dinner Cruises | Book Kauai Tours, Activities & Things to Do with HawaiiActivities.com
Experience the beauty of Kauai at golden hour with the island’s best sunset and dinner cruises. Sail from Port Allen or Nawiliwili Harbor aboard spacious catamarans and boats, and enjoy an unforgettable evening with oceanfront views, tropical cocktails, and optional gourmet meals. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic occasion or planning a fun group outing, find a Kauai sunset cruise that fits your style, budget, and schedule.