Sunset Cocktail Cruise on our Sailing Catamaran

The best part of this cruise is simple: you watch the Big Island sunset from offshore, with the Kohala Coast behind you and the open Pacific ahead. The boat moves at an easy pace, giving you time to settle in with a drink, sample the pupu appetizers, and find a good place for photos.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the generous onboard service. I also like the space on the catamaran, especially if you dislike being packed into a small boat. The main thing to check before booking is the vessel and meeting point. Some departures use a sailing catamaran, while others use the powered Alala, and departures may leave from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor.

• Sunset from the water: The boat pauses or slows near sunset so you can focus on the horizon and changing sky.
• Unlimited included drinks: Soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are covered in the $165 price.
• Hot and cold pupu: Expect a selection of appetizers rather than a full dinner.
• Room to spread out: The catamaran can carry up to 49 people and offers places to sit or stand.
• Check the boarding point: The departure location changes, and the directions can be confusing.
• Power or sail: Cruises on the Alala are under power, not under sail.

A Two-Hour Sunset on the Kohala Coast

This is a relaxed evening cruise, not a sightseeing expedition packed with scheduled stops. You board, settle in, and cruise along the Kohala Coast while the crew serves drinks and snacks.

The coast looks different from the water. From shore, you see resorts, beaches, and roads. Offshore, you get a broader view of the volcanic coast and a clean horizon for sunset photos. The ocean also gives you a changing angle on the island, which is the real reason to choose this trip over a sunset drink at a resort bar.

The cruise lasts about two hours. That is enough time for a drink, a plate of appetizers, conversation, and the sunset itself without taking up your entire evening. You return to the same meeting point, so you can make dinner plans afterward.

The atmosphere is social but not necessarily rowdy. You may chat with other people onboard, or find a quieter spot toward the edge of the boat. The catamaran has room to move around, and the forward seats over the water can be especially appealing if you want a better view.

The Best Seat Depends on Your Evening

If you want photographs, look for an open view toward the western horizon. The crew may suggest good places to stand or sit as the boat moves, and the captain may slow or stop near sunset.

For a more social evening, stay near the bar and service area. The crew has been praised for keeping drinks moving and checking on people throughout the cruise. For a quieter ride, choose a spot away from the central activity and enjoy the breeze and water.

The boat is large enough to avoid the cramped feeling common on smaller sunset outings. The maximum group size is 49, so this is still a shared excursion, not a private charter. Some departures may feel fairly intimate if fewer people book, but you should not assume you will have the boat to yourself.

The catamaran layout also gives you choices. Sit back with your drink, stand along the rail for photos, or use the forward trampoline-style seating when available. If you are sensitive to motion, remember that even a large boat can move in open water. One person became seasick and received prompt help from the crew, but prevention is still wise if you know you are prone to it.

Unlimited Drinks and Pupu, Not a Full Meal

The $165 price includes unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails. That can make the outing a fair value for people who plan to enjoy several drinks, especially compared with buying sunset cocktails separately at a resort.

The food is a variety of hot and cold appetizers, described locally as pupu. You might find items such as cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, vegetables, and other light bites, though the exact menu is not specified. Think of the food as substantial snacking, not dinner.

I would eat a light meal before boarding if you need a full evening meal. The snacks work well with drinks and help make the cruise feel complete, but they are not a substitute for a restaurant dinner.

The open bar is also part of the social rhythm of the trip. You can have a cocktail, switch to wine or beer, or stick with soft drinks. The included service means you do not have to keep reaching for your wallet during the cruise, which is one of the more useful benefits of the fixed price.

As always, drink at a pace that suits you. The best part of this outing is the sunset and the setting, not seeing how much you can order.

Sailing Catamaran or Powered Alala?

The name of the experience can make you expect a traditional sailing trip. That is not always what you get.

Ocean Sports operates both a 58-foot sailing catamaran and a 65-foot power catamaran. Departures on the vessel Alala operate under power, so you should not count on sails filling above the boat. The listing specifically notes this distinction, but it is worth confirming because the vessel can affect the mood of the ride.

A sailing catamaran may appeal to you if you want the quiet, tilted feel of moving under sail. The powered boat may be the better fit if you care more about space, a steady route, and getting back to the harbor on schedule.

This is not a flaw, but it is an important expectation to set. The sunset, crew, drinks, and coastal views remain the core of the experience. The boat may not match the sailing image you had in mind.

No Guaranteed Commentary Along the Shore

Do not book this cruise expecting a narrated tour of every point along the coast. Commentary has not been a consistent feature of the sunset outing.

Some people prefer this. You can listen to the water, talk with the people around you, and watch the sky without a running explanation. One guest specifically appreciated the lack of music and commentary and enjoyed the relaxed social mood.

If you want stories about Hawaiian culture, coastal landmarks, or the geology of the Big Island, this may feel quiet. The crew has marine biology and anthropology experience, and some departures have included useful information about marine life and Native Hawaiian history, but narration is not presented as a standard part of the trip.

That distinction matters. I would treat the cruise as a scenic cocktail outing first and a guided sightseeing tour second.

The Sunset Is the Main Event

As the sun drops, the captain positions the boat so the horizon becomes the focus. The Kohala Coast is especially appealing at this hour because the water, cliffs, and sky shift color as daylight fades.

The sunset itself can be spectacular, but the conditions will vary. Clouds, wind, and the time of year all affect the view. The operator requires good weather and may cancel if conditions are poor. If that happens, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

One practical detail explains the quick return after sunset. The harbor and parking area may not be well lit, so the boat heads back soon after the sun goes down to make deboarding safer. Do not assume you will sit offshore for a long period of pink afterglow.

You may see marine life, including flying fish, dolphins, or humpback whales during the right season. These sightings are not guaranteed, and they are pleasant extras rather than the purpose of the cruise. If whale watching is your main goal, choose a dedicated whale excursion instead.

Getting to the Correct Check-In Point

The most common practical problem is not the boat. It is finding the boat.

The cruise may depart from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor, depending on the date. These locations do not always have a clear official street address, and directions from booking platforms can be wrong or lead you toward a locked gate.

Call Ocean Sports to reconfirm the departure point and ask for current step-by-step directions. Follow the operator’s instructions rather than relying only on the address shown in a confirmation. At some departures, you may first go to a check-in location and then follow staff instructions or a vehicle to the actual boarding area.

Arrive early. Check-in is generally 30 minutes before sailing time, and the boat will not wait indefinitely. One missed departure led to a disagreement about what happened, while other people were rescued from similar confusion only because the operator called them. The sensible approach is to confirm the location, allow extra driving time, and keep your phone available.

The listed meeting point is ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach at 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Drive in Waikoloa Village, but that does not mean every departure boards there. Confirm before setting out.

Who Will Like This Cruise Most

I would recommend this for couples wanting an easy romantic evening, families looking for a scenic activity, and anyone who prefers a broad catamaran deck to a small, tight boat.

It also suits a final-night plan. The cruise gives you a memorable view without demanding a full day of hiking, driving, or organized sightseeing. You can enjoy the coast, have a few drinks, and be back at the starting point after about two hours.

It is less suitable if you want a formal dinner, detailed narration, guaranteed sailing, or a private experience. People who dislike alcohol-centered activities should also note that the bar is a major part of the outing, even though soft drinks are included.

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 21. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information, so call ahead with specific mobility questions.

Is $165 a Fair Price?

At $165 per person, this is not a budget sunset outing. The value depends on how you use the package.

The price covers the professional crew, about two hours on the water, unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks, plus hot and cold appetizers. If you would buy several drinks and want a boat-based sunset rather than a basic harbor ride, the package can make sense.

If you do not drink and mainly want a sunset view, the price may feel high. You are paying for the boat, crew, service, setting, and convenience, not just for access to the horizon.

The high rating and strong recommendation rate reflect how well the central formula works: a comfortable boat, kind service, drinks, snacks, and a sunset. The weaker experiences tend to center on unclear directions, lack of narration, or disappointment when the boat operates under power.

Booking and Cancellation Advice

This cruise is often reserved about 23 days ahead, so I would book early if your dates are fixed. That matters especially for sunset outings, since you have only one sunset on a particular evening.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local Hawaii time.

The operator may cancel for poor weather or because too few people book. In that case, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

My Verdict: A Pleasant Way to Watch the Big Island Sunset

I would book this cruise if I wanted a comfortable, social sunset with included drinks, light food, and plenty of room on deck. The crew service appears to be the strongest part of the experience, and the view from the water gives the evening a special sense of place.

Before paying, I would call to confirm three things: the departure location, the vessel, and whether the cruise will operate under sail or power. I would also arrive early and follow the operator’s directions instead of trusting a generic map.

Choose it for the setting and easygoing mood. Skip it if you need a full meal, a detailed narrated tour, or a guaranteed sailing experience.

FAQ

How long is the Sunset Cocktail Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $165 per person.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are included.

Is food included?

Yes. The cruise includes a selection of hot and cold appetizers, described as pupu.

Where does the cruise depart?

Departures are from either ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor, depending on the date. Confirm the location before you go.

What is the listed meeting point?

The listed meeting point is ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach at 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii 96738.

Does the boat always sail under wind power?

No. Cruises scheduled on the Alala operate under power. Ocean Sports also operates a sailing catamaran, so confirm the vessel for your date.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes, most people can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 21.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.