Are you planning a trip to Oahu and want to do a dinner cruise? Keep scrolling to check out this honest Star of Honolulu cruise review!
This honest Star of Honolulu Review was written by Marcie Cheung (a Hawaii travel expert) and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve known about the Star of Honolulu dinner cruises for years, but it’s never worked out in our schedule to actually do one.
So, I was really pumped to have the opportunity to check out a Star of Honolulu cruise on my recent trip to Oahu.
It’s one of the most popular dinner cruises in Waikiki plus it features Hawaiian entertainment.
Keep scrolling to read my honest Star of Honolulu dinner cruise review so you can decide if you want to add it to your Oahu itinerary.
Where is the Star of Honolulu Located?
Thinking about the Star of Honolulu cruise? Let’s talk about where it is. It’s at Pier 8 in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, and the address is 1 Aloha Tower Drive in Honolulu.
It’s a quick 15-minute drive from Waikiki, so it’s not too far from where lots of tourists stay. But, it’s not close enough to walk from Waikiki, so you’ll need to plan how to get there.
You can drive yourself or arrange a ride. If you drive, remember you’ll need to pay for parking. And here’s a tip: get there about 45 minutes early, especially for dinner cruises, which means checking in by 4:45 PM. That way, you’re all set and not rushing at the last minute.
Driving Yourself?
There are pay parking lots nearby. We parked at the Irwin parking lot which is the closest to the Star of Honolulu at Pier 8. But, it also shares the parking lot with a luau, so it fills up quickly.
First Impressions
When we first got to the Star of Honolulu cruise, it was pretty neat. We noticed it was mostly older folks and honeymooners on board. Since it was the off-season, there weren’t as many families around. Check current rates and availability.
Before we even got on the ship, there was this cool hula show right on the dock. It was a fun, quick performance that got everyone excited. At 4:45 p.m., they started inviting guests to board the ship.
The whole vibe was welcoming, and it was awesome to start the cruise experience with some traditional Hawaiian dancing. It definitely set the mood for a great evening ahead!
Entertainment Value
On the Star of Honolulu Cruise, the entertainment really adds to the experience, but it can vary depending on where you’re seated.
We were on the Three Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise, and there was this awesome jazz singer during dinner. She sang lots of different songs and even took requests from us. It was cool hearing jazzy versions of some classic hits!
After the cruise ended, we got to watch the “65 Years of Aloha” show. It lasted about 15 minutes and was like a mini luau. There was hula dancing, Tahitian dancing, and even Maori dancing from New Zealand.
The dancers were not just on stage; they were all around us, so no matter where you sat, you had a great view.
The best part? The show wrapped up with a dance party. They played “YMCA,” and almost everyone got up to dance. It was so much fun seeing everyone just let loose and enjoy themselves.
If you’re into music, dancing, and a good time, this cruise has got you covered!
Food & Drink Experience
On the Star of Honolulu Cruise, you’ve got a bunch of dining options, each with its own cool features. Let’s break it down:
Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise
This one’s great for families. It’s more affordable and includes a welcome Mai Tai and a tasty Pacific Rim dinner buffet. Think roast beef carving station and a fun Polynesian show.
Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise
Here, you get a Signature Mai Tai and a 3-course meal with crab, steak, and BBQ chicken, plus the “65 Years of Aloha” show. Sounds pretty delicious!
Three Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise
We tried this one and loved it! You get a 5-course dinner with lobster and steak, super premium drinks, and live entertainment, including jazz during dinner. Fancy and fun!
Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise
This is the top-tier option. You dine on the top deck with amazing views, enjoy a “champagne” toast, and get a 5-course lobster and beef dinner. Plus, there’s jazz music.
They’re cool about special diets too. If you’re vegan or have other dietary needs, just let them know 24 hours in advance, and they’ll sort you out.
And the drinks? There are tropical cocktails like Blue Hawaii, Lava Flow, and their Signature Mai Tai, plus other cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
So, whatever your taste or budget, there’s something for everyone. And the quality of the food and drinks? Top-notch! It’s a great mix of delicious eats and cool Hawaiian vibes.
Pricing & Value
Thinking about the Star of Honolulu Cruise and wondering about the cost? They’ve got different packages with something for every budget.
Pacific Star Sunset Buffet & Show Cruise: Adults pay $117, and kids (ages 3-11) are $70. This package includes a welcome Mai Tai, a yummy Pacific Rim dinner buffet with roast beef, and a cool Polynesian show.
Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise: For adults, it’s $141, and kids are $85. You get a Signature Mai Tai and a 3-course dinner with crab, steak, and BBQ chicken, plus the “65 Years of Aloha” show.
Three Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise: This one’s $184 for adults and $110 for kids. It’s fancier, with a 5-course lobster and steak dinner, premium drinks, and Hawaiian entertainment.
Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise: The top option is $225 for adults and $135 for kids. You’ll dine on the top deck, start with a champagne toast, and enjoy a 5-course lobster and beef dinner with live Jazz.
The prices are pretty much in line with what you’d spend on other Oahu luaus. Each package offers something special, like free drinks and amazing views. So, it’s all about what kind of experience you’re looking for!
Things to Know Before Booking
Before you book the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise, here’s what you need to know. If you’re staying in Waikiki, you can get a ride to the cruise and back for a small fee. It’s super handy!
This cruise is the only one in Hawaii that’s fully set up for people with disabilities. It’s got ramps and elevators, so everyone can join in the fun.
For dinner cruises, dress nicely but comfortably. Think resort style, but leave the shorts and flip-flops at home.
And, they’ve got bathrooms on the ship, even one with a changing table for little ones. Kids under two who sit on a parent’s lap are free.
If your plans change, you can cancel or change your booking for free up to 24 hours before the cruise. But if you cancel within 24 hours or don’t show up, you’ll have to pay the full price.
Celebrating something special? They’ve got cakes, wine, and more to make your cruise extra special.
They’ve got something fun for every holiday, like New Year’s Eve or the 4th of July. Who doesn’t enjoy a themed cruise?
After the ship leaves, you can smoke outside on the fourth deck. And don’t forget to bring your ID if you want a drink – you need to be 21 or older.
The ship has four decks and a 60-foot-high observation deck for amazing views. And if you get seasick, they offer free herbal ginger capsules to help settle your stomach.
So, whether it’s a special day or just a fun outing, the Star of Honolulu has lots to offer!
Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise FAQs
Does this Oahu dinner cruise include Hawaiian traditions?
The Star of Honolulu dinner cruise is pretty cool because it does include some Hawaiian traditions. You get to see hula dancing and listen to Hawaiian music, which adds a special touch to the experience.
Is it good value for money considering the overall experience?
When it comes to value for money, it’s a pretty good deal. You get a nice meal, some cool entertainment, and amazing views. Plus, there are different packages, so you can pick one that fits your budget.
How does it compare to other dinner cruises in Hawaii?
Compared to other dinner cruises in Hawaii, the Star of Honolulu stands out because it’s really big and has lots of decks to walk around. It’s more than just a dinner; it’s like a mini adventure on the water with a taste of Hawaiian culture.
Some other cruises might be more intimate or have different themes, but the Star of Honolulu offers a mix of fun, food, and Hawaiian vibes, making it a great choice for a special night out.
Conclusion & Personal Verdict on the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise
So, what’s my final take on the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise? There are lots of cool things about it. You get to enjoy Hawaiian music and dancing, eat some tasty food, and see awesome views. It’s a bit like having a party on the ocean!
If you’re looking for something more romantic and low-key, try the Five Star Sunset & Jazz cruise.
I’d totally recommend it for honeymooners, couples, or anyone celebrating something special like a birthday or anniversary. It’s a great way to make your celebration extra memorable with a Hawaiian twist. For families, it could be fun too, as long as the kids are into the music and the vibe of the cruise.
Rating
Overall Score: 8/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Entertainment: 7/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The entertainment is good with Hawaiian music and dancing, but it might not be everyone’s favorite part. It’s fun, but there’s room for a bit more excitement.
Food & Drink: 9/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The meals and drinks are great. There’s a nice variety, and everything tastes pretty delicious.
Value for Money: 9/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For what you pay, you get a lot: good food, entertainment, and amazing views. It feels worth it.
Authenticity: 9/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They do a nice job of mixing in Hawaiian traditions with the cruise, making it feel authentic and special.
Overall, I’d say the Star of Honolulu Dinner Cruise is a great experience, especially if you’re celebrating something special. The food and the authentic Hawaiian touch are highlights. The entertainment is good too, though it could be a tad more thrilling.
