Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz

Dinner and jazz drift into Honolulu sunset. On the Star of Honolulu, you’ll sit at a private table for a five-course meal featuring lobster and prime tenderloin, while live jazz plays as Honolulu’s coastline comes into view. It’s one of those Oahu experiences that feels special without being complicated.

The big caveat is simple: the sunset can get muted by clouds or rain, and add-ons (especially premium drinks and photo packages) can push your final bill higher than you expect. If you’re going in with realistic weather expectations, this cruise is a very memorable way to spend an evening in Waikiki.

Key things to know before you go

• Private-table dining with five courses, plus tableside service for lobster and beef
• Jazz through dinner, shifting from piano/singer to sax-style live music energy
• Friday is the big upgrade, with an extra hour to catch the weekly aerial fireworks show
• Views from the water for Diamond Head, Waikiki, and the southern coast scenery
• Weather can change everything, so bring rain gear and keep your sunset expectations flexible
• Pricing feels premium, so decide up front if the meal plus music is worth it for you

What you’re really paying for on this Honolulu sunset dinner

At $236 per person, this isn’t the kind of cruise you book to save money. You’re paying for a package that stacks comfort + entertainment + food quality in one timed evening: a private table, a full five-course dinner, and live jazz with a shipboard atmosphere.

The included meal matters because you’re not just grabbing something quick. Your dinner highlights include Maine lobster and USDA Prime tenderloin of beef, and the experience is built around calm pacing: you sit, eat in sequence, and watch the light change outside the windows or from the deck when you want a better look.

The other thing you’re paying for is how the music is integrated. This is not background noise in the corner. The onboard shows run during dinner, so you get the sense of an evening event rather than a simple ride with a soundtrack.

Getting to Aloha Tower and boarding without stress

This cruise starts at 5:30 pm with check-in from 4:45 pm on the Star of Honolulu. Your meeting point is Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, and the cruise ends back at the meeting point.

I’d treat that check-in window seriously. Boarding times move fast, and your best bet is showing up early enough to settle in before the first food course and the sunset views begin. Also, this is a mobile ticket experience, so have your ticket ready on your phone and keep it charged.

One more practical note: you can request special arrangements by calling the service provider 72 hours in advance. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, this is worth doing early so the crew has time to note it.

The 5:30 pm sunset sail: what you’ll see and what weather can change

The core of the experience is the timing. You board and set sail as the sun is starting to set along Oahu’s southern coast, with views aimed toward landmarks like Diamond Head and Waikiki.

Here’s the honest part: you cannot control the sky. Clouds and rain can roll in. In that situation, you may not get the dramatic sunset you hoped for, even though the rest of the cruise still delivers (music, service, and dinner). If you’re sensitive to changing plans, think of this as a dinner-and-jazz cruise with scenery that may be best-case or weather-adjusted.

The ship can also feel a bit rocky at times. If you get motion sick easily, I’d pack sea-sickness medication just in case. A small amount of rough water can make the difference between enjoying the views and spending the evening uncomfortable.

Your five-course private dinner: lobster, prime beef, and how it lands

The meal is where this cruise justifies part of the price tag. You’re seated at your own private table, and you’ll be served a five-course dinner designed to arrive in a smooth sequence rather than everything at once.

From the sample menu, here’s what you should expect:

• Cheese and charcuterie board (served at your table)
• Maine lobster and beet carpaccio salad, with locally grown vegetables, fennel & goat cheese pearls, plus a champagne-chive vinaigrette
• USDA Prime tenderloin of beef, served with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables (served tableside)
• Sorbet (seasonal fruit sorbet)
• Chef’s special dessert served with freshly baked brioche and butter

Two details I really like here: first, the lobster isn’t treated like a garnish. It’s a starring course. Second, the tenderloin is positioned as a proper meal centerpiece, and it’s served tableside, which makes it feel more “restaurant” than “on-the-boat buffet.”

You’ll also notice the pacing in the way the courses show up. Several guests comment on how quickly dinner starts after you sit down and how the staff brings items on timed increments. That matters because nobody wants a slow, awkward stretch between dishes—especially when you’re paying for a premium evening.

If you’re a lobster lover, keep in mind that the portion is still a plated course. One guest wished for more lobster, which is a fair expectation check: it’s special, but it’s not an all-you-can-eat setup.

The jazz show: Art Deco Super Nova Room energy

This is a jazz cruise in the literal sense: live music runs through the evening, and the atmosphere leans elegant and refined rather than chaotic.

Onboard entertainment is described as smooth jazz with professional performers, and the vibe can build across the meal: piano and singing show up during dinner, with players adding variety (including sax-style performances) as the night continues. If you’re the type who enjoys listening closely rather than just talking over loud music, you’ll probably love this format.

One of the best practical benefits of the music schedule is that it gives you a soundtrack for the whole timeline. You don’t wait around for entertainment. It’s there as you go from course to course, and it helps the cruise feel like an event rather than a simple ride.

If you also like a bit of movement, the experience includes dancing in the Art Deco Super Nova Room. That’s a nice option if you want the music to feel lively while still staying in the comfortable dinner setting.

Friday fireworks: when the extra hour is worth the splurge

Choose Friday and you get a clear bonus. The cruise runs three hours on Fridays (instead of the usual shorter sunset slot), with an extra hour to view the weekly aerial fireworks show.

This is the strongest reason to pick Friday if fireworks are part of your “must see” list. You’re on the water, positioned for a view timed to the show, and the added hour also means more time to enjoy the transition from sunset to nighttime lights.

If your trip schedule is flexible, I’d base the day choice on whether you care about the fireworks more than you care about saving a little money or keeping your evenings light.

Drinks, photos, and the add-ons that can change your total

The cruise includes a champagne toast plus two super premium beverages. That’s great, because you’re not guessing about what you’ll drink for the night.

But anything beyond those included beverages is an extra charge. If you like cocktails or wine, I’d set a budget now rather than waiting to see how the ship prices things during the evening.

Souvenir photos are another possible surprise. Multiple guests mention photo-related charges, with one comment saying the photo wasn’t included in the ticket price and another suggesting they wished photos were handled differently. If you care about keeping a printed memory, ask early what’s included and what costs extra, so you can decide on the spot.

And yes, even parking can be a surprise. One guest reported a parking cost of $27 for an hour, which is the kind of detail that can make a big difference if you’re using a paid lot near Aloha Tower.

Comfort and practical onboard tips (what to wear, where to sit)

Dress code is casual, but short pants are not recommended. You’ll be comfortable in light layers, especially because a deck breeze can feel different from the indoor lounge.

Air conditioning can also vary by where you’re seated. One guest said the experience got a bit warm due to insufficient A/C, while another praised the comfort of the upper deck package on a premium seating option. If you have a choice in seating category, I’d lean toward the upper-deck option for the best mix of comfort and viewing.

Bathrooms are on a ship, so expect small-venue quirks. One guest described a mirror-like tile in the women’s bathroom that made the space feel a little odd. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of real-world detail that helps you mentally prepare.

For the water itself, remember that a sunset cruise is still an ocean evening. Bring a light layer for the wind, and pack something small for rain just in case.

Value check: who this cruise is best for

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A romantic, polished dinner with live jazz
• A set meal that feels like more than a snack
• A special-occasion setting with your own private table
• Views without the hassle of doing everything yourself on land

It’s also a good match for families when you want one structured, adult-friendly activity that still feels fun. One comment specifically noted the whole family enjoyed it, including kids, which suggests the tone is welcoming rather than overly formal.

If you’re cost-focused, you might want to compare this with other sunset options. One guest noted the existence of a Star Casual Sunset and Show Cruise on the same boat and said it’s cheaper with a more active vibe. If you want maximum action and a lower price, that cheaper alternative may fit better.

Also, if you’re the type who expects perfect sunset skies, remember the weather reality. This cruise can still be a great night even if the sunset isn’t perfect, but you should plan your expectations accordingly.

Should you book Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz?

Book it if you’re celebrating something, you love live jazz with a real sit-down dinner, and you’re excited by the idea of lobster and prime tenderloin served as part of a timed sunset cruise. Friday is especially compelling if fireworks matter to your plan.

I’d think twice if you’re going mainly for the sunset view and can’t handle disappointment from clouds or rain, or if you’re sensitive to add-on costs like premium drinks and photo packages. At $236, you want the night to feel worth it from start to finish, and the only real threat to that feeling is weather.

FAQ

How long is Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz?

The included sunset dinner cruise is about two hours, and it becomes about three hours on Fridays.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You meet at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813. Check in is on the Star of Honolulu, and the cruise ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise departs at 5:30 pm, with check-in starting from 4:45 pm onboard the Star of Honolulu.

What’s included in the dinner?

You get a five-course dinner featuring Maine lobster and prime tenderloin of beef served at your private table, plus a champagne toast and two super premium beverages, along with live jazz entertainment.

Do I get fireworks?

If you book on a Friday, you get an extra hour to view the weekly aerial fireworks show.

What is the dress code?

Casual dress is recommended, and short pants are not recommended.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.