Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz

The best part of this cruise is the changing view. You sit down to a proper dinner while Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Oahu’s southern coast slide past the windows, then watch the sky turn gold over the Pacific. The private table makes it feel more like a special dinner than a standard boat outing.

I like the combination of lobster and USDA Prime tenderloin, along with the polished live music, champagne toast, and two included premium drinks. I also like the Friday sailing, which adds an hour for the Waikiki fireworks. The catch is the price: at $236 per person, this is a celebration splurge, not a casual meal, and the entertainment timing and sunset depend on weather and the evening’s program.

Key points to know before you book

• Maine lobster and prime tenderloin: The five-course dinner centers on lobster and beef served at your private table.
• Friday adds fireworks: The longer Friday cruise gives you a chance to watch the weekly aerial show near Waikiki.
• Live jazz in an Art Deco setting: Expect piano, singing, saxophone, and a 1960s-inspired ship atmosphere, though the music schedule can vary.
• Top-deck seating matters: Premium seating brings better views and a more refined dining area, according to the experience details.
• Check in early: Boarding check-in begins at 4:45 p.m. for the 5:30 p.m. departure at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
• Budget for extras: Two super-premium beverages and a champagne toast are included, but further drinks, photos, and parking cost extra.

A sunset dinner with Waikiki as the backdrop

The Star of Honolulu leaves from Aloha Tower Marketplace at 5:30 p.m., timed to catch the changing light along Oahu’s southern coast. Before departure, you check in onboard from 4:45 p.m., so I would not arrive at the last minute. The ship can hold a very large number of people, but your dinner is set at a private table rather than at a shared communal table.

The cruise is designed around the view. From the water, Waikiki takes on a different shape, with the hotels lining the shore and Diamond Head giving the scene its familiar volcanic profile. You are not simply looking at a sunset from a fixed restaurant. The boat slowly changes your angle as dinner unfolds.

That matters because the scenery is part of what you are paying for. On a clear evening, the sunset can be the high point of the night. On a cloudy or rainy evening, the cruise still operates when conditions allow, but you may lose the colors and the broad ocean view that make the outing feel special.

What happens after boarding

Once you are seated, the evening moves through several courses rather than one large plate arriving all at once. The meal begins with a cheese and charcuterie board served at the table, followed by a salad built around lobster, beet carpaccio, locally grown vegetables, fennel, goat cheese pearls, and a champagne-chive vinaigrette.

The main course pairs Nova Scotia Maine lobster with USDA Prime tenderloin of beef. The beef comes with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. This is a generous pairing for a dinner cruise, especially if you want both seafood and steak without choosing between them.

Dessert includes seasonal fruit sorbet and a chef’s special dessert served with freshly baked brioche and butter. The exact dessert presentation can vary, and some meals have included cheesecake. The sorbet is a useful light finish after a rich main course.

The kitchen has a tricky job here. It must serve a full meal to a large number of diners on a moving ship. The strongest dining experiences have included food arriving at a good pace and at the proper temperature. Still, do not expect a small, chef-led restaurant where every course is prepared to order for a handful of tables.

Lobster, beef, and the value of the five-course meal

The food is the main reason this experience costs more than a basic harbor cruise. You get lobster, prime beef, a composed salad, dessert, a champagne toast, and two premium beverages. For an anniversary or birthday, that package can make sense because dinner, entertainment, and the view are wrapped into one evening.

The value is less convincing if you are judging the meal alone. At $236 per person, you need to care about the ship, the ocean views, the music, and the occasion. A person seeking the best steak or lobster meal in Honolulu can likely find other dining choices worth comparing.

The strongest menu item is the beef and lobster combination. The food has been praised for freshness and careful timing, but the meal is not perfect for every palate. Some diners have found the truffle flavor in the potatoes too strong and the potatoes less impressive than the beef. Bread service can also feel limited.

Portions matter here. The lobster is a highlight, but do not expect an oversized Maine lobster dinner. If you are hungry, the five courses help, yet this is still a polished cruise meal rather than a giant seafood feast.

Live jazz, piano, singing, and saxophone

The music gives the night its identity. The program includes live jazz and professional entertainment, with piano, a singer, and saxophone featured during the evening. The Art Deco Super Nova Room adds a retro touch, with a 1960s feel that suits the style of the cruise.

The music is generally background-friendly during dinner, then becomes more of a show as the night progresses. That balance works well for couples who want to talk over dinner but still have live entertainment. You can also dance in the Super Nova Room.

The timing is worth understanding before you commit. The entertainment schedule can vary, and some evenings place the fuller jazz performance later in the cruise. One account of the experience found that the jazz arrived mainly during the return portion, while other evenings featured piano during dinner followed by a singer and saxophone. If you are booking mainly for a full concert, this uncertainty is important.

This is also a more restrained program than the livelier sunset shows on the same ship. The Five Star experience aims for an elegant dinner atmosphere, not a high-energy stage production. I would choose it for conversation, music, and scenery. If you want constant action, a less expensive cruise with a more active show may suit you better.

Why the top deck can be worth the upgrade

Premium or upper-deck seating appears to make a real difference. The dining area has better views of Waikiki, and the setting feels more polished than the standard sections. Several strong experiences have specifically favored the upper deck.

You still want access to the outside decks. The view through a window is useful, but sunset photographs and Diamond Head look better with an unobstructed sightline. Moving outside also gives you a break from the dining room and lets you watch the ship’s position along the coast.

Air conditioning has been comfortable for some people, but others have found the ship warm. The ability to step outside helps. The boat can also feel a little rocky, so bring your usual motion-sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness. This is a sensible precaution, especially when you are planning to eat a rich meal at sea.

The ship itself has a dated quality in places. That is not necessarily a flaw if you enjoy the retro Art Deco character, but it is not a sleek, modern yacht. You are booking a large dinner vessel with a classic showboat feel.

Friday fireworks and the best night to go

Friday is the most event-packed option. The cruise lasts about three hours instead of two, giving you extra time on the water and a chance to see the weekly aerial fireworks show from near Waikiki.

That extra hour can change the value calculation. A sunset, dinner, live music, and fireworks create a fuller celebration than the regular sailing. If your schedule is flexible, Friday is the obvious choice for a birthday, anniversary, or final night in Honolulu.

The tradeoff is timing. Sunset and fireworks both depend on weather, visibility, and the show schedule. Clouds can block the sunset, and rain can reduce the pleasure of standing outside. The fireworks are a bonus, not a guarantee of a perfect sky.

Service and the feel of a special occasion

Service is a major part of the Five Star package. The strongest evenings include attentive waitstaff, organized check-in, and courses arriving at sensible intervals. A champagne toast at the start helps signal that this is a celebration meal rather than a routine excursion.

Service can vary by table. Some diners have received warm, personal attention, while others have had to ask for water or coffee. A busy ship means your experience depends partly on how well your server manages several tables at once.

Special requests should be made early. The operator asks you to call 72 hours in advance for special arrangements. That is useful for birthdays, anniversaries, or dietary needs, although you should confirm exactly what can be accommodated rather than assume every request is possible.

Photos are available at an added cost. Several people have felt that a souvenir photo should be included in a package at this price. I would treat photos as optional and avoid counting them as part of the core value.

Getting there and planning the evening

The meeting point is Aloha Tower Marketplace, at 1 Aloha Tower Drive in Honolulu. The cruise ends at the same location, which keeps the evening straightforward.

Check-in begins at 4:45 p.m. onboard, and the ship departs at 5:30 p.m. Give yourself enough time to reach the pier, locate the correct area, and complete check-in without rushing. Parking deserves special attention. The actual cost may be much higher than a simple hourly estimate, so confirm the current rate before you arrive.

The dress code is casual, but short pants are not recommended. I would choose neat resort clothing that is comfortable for dinner and suitable for an evening breeze. You do not need formalwear, but this is not the setting for beachwear.

A mobile ticket is accepted. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, but reservations made within five days of the cruise may be confirmed within 48 hours and remain subject to availability. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz Cruise to couples celebrating an anniversary, families marking a birthday, or anyone who wants one planned evening with dinner and entertainment already arranged. The private table and changing coastal views help create a sense of occasion.

It also works for people who are unsure about dinner cruises. The food, music, and view give you several things to enjoy, so the night does not depend on one perfect sunset. Families can take part, though the atmosphere is more refined and quiet than a casual show cruise.

I would hesitate to recommend it to budget-minded diners, people who want a small boat, or anyone booking solely for gourmet food. The large vessel, extra charges, dated areas, possible heat, and variable music timing can make $236 feel steep.

Should you book the Star of Honolulu Five Star cruise?

Book it if you want a polished celebration with lobster, tenderloin, live jazz, Waikiki views, and the option of Friday fireworks. Choose the upper deck if the budget allows, and call ahead for special requests.

Skip it if you mainly want an inexpensive sunset or the most exciting show on the water. For the best value, make it a Friday evening, arrive early, check the parking cost, and think of the price as paying for the complete night rather than the meal alone. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, which gives you some flexibility if the forecast looks poor.

FAQ

Where does the Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz Cruise depart?

It departs from the Star of Honolulu at Aloha Tower Marketplace, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.

What time should I arrive?

Onboard check-in begins at 4:45 p.m., and the cruise departs at 5:30 p.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The regular sunset dinner cruise lasts about two hours. Friday sailings last about three hours because they include extra time to view the weekly fireworks show.

What food is included?

The five-course dinner includes a cheese and charcuterie board, a Maine lobster and beet carpaccio salad, USDA Prime tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, seasonal sorbet, and a chef’s special dessert with freshly baked brioche and butter.

Are drinks included?

A champagne toast and two super-premium beverages are included. Additional beverages cost extra.

Is a private table provided?

Yes. Dinner is served at your own private table.

What kind of entertainment is offered?

The cruise includes live jazz and professional entertainment. The program can feature piano, singing, saxophone, and dancing in the Art Deco Super Nova Room.

Is Friday a better day to book?

Friday adds about an hour to the cruise and includes the chance to watch the weekly aerial fireworks show near Waikiki.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is casual, but short pants are not recommended.