Sunset & Cocktail Cruises

Very chill evening. The crew was very laid back. We hada clear view of the fireworks, all while enjoying the a few adult beverages and making new friends and memories.

I booked this Luau with our Ko Olina Kaula Kai Sunset Sail and Luau Combo.
https://www.veltra.com/en/hawaii/oahu/a/201093

After checking in around 5:00–5:15pm, we were instructed to board the catamaran while musicians p... morelayed and welcomed guests. For safety reasons, women wearing sandals or heels were asked to remove their shoes and board barefoot.

There were cookies and chips available for everyone on board, and once most guests had boarded, the bar opened. It was an open bar with options such as lilikoi mai tai, Waianae sunset, piña colada, turtletini, catatonic, and local beers from Kona Brewing. The boat was quite packed, and with only one bartender, the line became very long—so unless you were willing to wait, you could likely only get one or two drinks. They also ran out of chips, so not everyone was able to have some, until the very end when they refilled the table again.

We departed around 5:30pm. Since this was after the days of the storm, the ocean conditions hadn’t fully settled, and the ride was still a bit bumpy. Fortunately, I found a spot at the back of the boat, leaning against the railing and facing forward, which helped with the motion. We were able to spot a few​ whales, though they appeared only briefly, making them difficult to capture on camera. We returned to the harbor around 6:30pm, so the sailing portion lasted about an hour.

Captain Jenna, Kaiala and Dez were all awesome! Family friendly! Very accommodating to my kids! So nice, and friendly and the Drinks were wonderful! Great views of Diamond Head and Waikiki beach. I want to go again!!!!!!... more Really really great tour!

So fun! Found it through a Groupon, and we totally got our money's worth. Take this cruise!

[Reviewed by HawaiiActivities.com Staff]

​The evening began with a warm welcome as guests boarded the catamaran around 5:00–5:15pm, accompanied by live music at the dock. Light snacks were available and an open bar offe... morered a variety of tropical cocktails and local beers, creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The boat was quite full, which led to long lines at the bar and limited snacks at times. The sail departed around 5:30pm and lasted about an hour. Ocean conditions were still a bit rough following recent storms, but we were still able to spot a few whales, which added a special touch to the experience.

​After returning to shore, we headed straight to the luau and arrived while dinner and entertainment were already in progress, so we likely missed some of the pre-show activities such as hula lessons and cultural demonstrations. Dinner was described as a buffet, but it was actually set up more like a series of food trucks, kiosks, or booths, where guests visited different stations to receive plated items. While this setup provides a wide variety of options, it can also lead to using multiple plates per person.

​The food​ was catered by Moani Island Bistro, which was flavorful and well-prepared. Seating was first-come, first-served for this event, ​but even though​ we were seated in the back, we still had a good view of the stage. The show itself featured engaging storytelling, Polynesian dances, and impressive production elements like lighting and visuals, giving it a polished, theatrical feel.​

Overall, the combo offers a unique way to experience both a sunset sail and luau in one evening. However, timing overlaps may cause guests to miss some activities, and those sensitive to motion may find the boat portion challenging.

Everything was smooth sailing from our pick up at the Hyatt to being delivered back to the Hyatt after. Boarding was quick and easy. We had a member with mobility issues and even though the boat was rocking a little bi... moret while going through the buffet she made it safely back to her seat with all her food still on the plate. Our waiter was Ryan and he was great. Very efficient and he loves to dance. He led us on a music train around the room, then got up and danced on the stage.
Food was decent, what I will say is it is typical buffet food. Nothing stood out as a WOW. The entertainment was good and lively. Also typical Polynesian dances if you've been to a Luau. Fireworks at the end of the night were spectacular and watching them from the water was a highlight.