Honolulu: Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show

If you’re looking to add a touch of island magic to your Hawaiian getaway, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show offers a leisurely evening on the water with good food, lively entertainment, and spectacular views. This cruise, set aboard Hawaii’s largest and award-winning Star of Honolulu, combines relaxed dining with cultural performances, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking a memorable, authentic experience without breaking the bank.

What we love about this cruise is its casual vibe—no formal attire needed—and the opportunity to enjoy a Pacific Rim buffet dinner while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Plus, the live Polynesian show and hula dancers bring a lively, cultural touch that captures the spirit of Hawaii. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s a two-hour cruise, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re hoping for an extended sunset experience or prefer quieter, more intimate settings. Still, for those wanting a lively, fun-filled evening, this cruise offers a great value and a taste of paradise.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate engaging entertainment, appreciate good value, and want a relaxed way to enjoy Oahu’s scenic coastline. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a romantic partner, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet provides a friendly atmosphere — plus, it’s wheelchair accessible and easy to join from Waikiki.

Key Points

• Delicious Pacific Rim Buffet: Features a roast beef carving station and includes coffee and tea.
• Scenic Sunset Views: Perfect for capturing memorable photos of the setting sun behind the islands.
• Live Polynesian Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant show with hula dancers and traditional performances.
• Two-Hour Casual Cruise: Ideal for a relaxed, fun evening without long commitments.
• Includes Signature Mai Tai: Sip on a classic cocktail as you take in the scenery.
• Extra on Fridays: Longer sailing time and a fireworks display add extra sparkle to the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

The Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show is designed for those who want a relaxed, enjoyable evening that combines good food, stunning scenery, and lively entertainment. It’s not a fancy, formal affair but rather a casual cruise that feels welcoming and fun, with plenty of opportunities to capture those postcard-worthy moments.

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

The cruise sets sail from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower Marketplace, about a 20-minute walk from Waikiki Beach. You can opt for the included pickup from several central Waikiki locations, which makes it easy to start the evening hassle-free. Once aboard, you’ll be welcomed with a signature Mai Tai, which sets the tone for a laid-back night.

As the boat gently departs, you’ll immediately be treated to a panoramic view of Oahu’s coastline, with the shimmering city skyline giving way to tropical scenery. Expect stunning sunset vistas that seem to turn the sky into a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples—a highlight that guests consistently praise, as one reviewer put it, “The romantic scenery.”

Food and Drinks

The Pacific Rim buffet offers a generous spread, featuring roast beef at the carving station, along with a variety of other dishes inspired by Asian, Hawaiian, and American flavors. It’s a buffet-style meal, allowing guests to pick what they like and eat at their own pace. We appreciate that the meal includes coffee and tea, and the price of $128 per person reflects a good value considering the food, drinks, entertainment, and scenic experience included.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The live Polynesian show is lively and colorful, with traditional dance routines, hula performances, and music that help evoke Hawaiian culture. Guests have noted that the show is “very nice,” though one reviewer mentioned it was just “okay,” indicating that expectations for spectacle can vary. Still, the energy and authenticity of the performances are generally appreciated.

A bonus for Friday night cruise attendees is the extra hour of sailing and a fireworks show, adding a festive element to an already memorable evening. The fireworks make the night feel even more special, providing a dazzling finale to your sunset cruise.

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The Crew and Service

Guests frequently comment on the friendly crew and the captain’s hospitality, with one reviewer sharing that during the meal, the captain made a point to speak with them and show them around the boat, even helping with photos. This personal touch enhances the experience, making it feel more like a special outing rather than just a touristy event.

Practical Details

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the scenery, dinner, and entertainment without feeling rushed. It departs at various times—so checking the schedule for your preferred day is important. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

Since transportation to Pier 8 isn’t included, most visitors find walking from Waikiki manageable, but there are pickup options at specific hotels if you prefer a more relaxed start. Remember to bring your camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes—the deck can be sunny and breezy.

Value and Considerations

While $128 per person may seem steep at first glance, the price includes the buffet, a Mai Tai, live entertainment, and harbor fees. For a relaxing two-hour scenic cruise with cultural performances, it provides good value, especially when compared to the cost of separate dinner and entertainment options.

Some reviews mention that the show is “okay”, and it’s worth noting that this isn’t a formal luau or highly elaborate production. If you’re seeking an intimate or more traditional Hawaiian cultural event, this might not be your first choice. However, for fun, lively entertainment combined with beautiful views, it hits the right notes.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This sunset cruise is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a relaxed evening. It’s well-suited for those who want a casual, friendly atmosphere with good food and spectacular scenery. If you’re a fan of live Polynesian performances or want to enjoy the island’s sunset from the water, this cruise will not disappoint.

It’s less suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, as the boat does sail along the coast, and if you’re expecting a very formal dining or intimate experience, you might find it too relaxed.

In a nutshell, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to spend an evening in Honolulu. It combines decent food, lively entertainment, and beautiful sunsets, all in a friendly, accessible setting. For travelers who want an authentic taste of Hawaiian hospitality without the fuss of a formal event, this cruise hits the right notes.

The experience is especially valuable for those who appreciate spectacular views and are looking for a fun, cultural introduction to the islands’ traditions. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for many, especially if you’re eager to relax and enjoy the scenery with a cocktail in hand.

Overall, if you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and lively Hawaiian evening that won’t strain your budget, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show is a solid choice.

Is transportation to Pier 8 included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but most visitors find walking from Waikiki Beach manageable. There are also optional pickups from several Waikiki hotels.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to enjoy dinner, the sunset, and entertainment.

Can I see the sunset clearly from the boat?
Yes, the cruise is designed to offer prime views of the sunset over the ocean, making it a perfect setting for sunset photography.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the Pacific Rim buffet dinner, one signature Mai Tai, coffee and tea, live entertainment, and harbor fees.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, though younger children should be comfortable on a boat for a couple of hours.

Are there any special deals on Fridays?
Yes, on Fridays, you get an extra hour of sailing plus a fireworks show, making it especially festive.

Is the cruise accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Don’t forget your sense of adventure!

Is the show worth it?
Most guests find the Polynesian show lively and fun, though some mention it’s “okay.” It adds a cultural flavor to the cruise, but expectations should be realistic.

In summary, the Pacific Star Sunset Buffet and Show offers a lively, scenic, and culturally rich way to enjoy an evening in Honolulu. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere with great views, friendly service, and a taste of Hawaiian entertainment.

You can check availability for your dates here: