Sunset Cocktail Cruise on our Sailing Catamaran

A sunset on the Kohala Coast is beautiful from land, but it becomes a proper evening out when you watch it from a catamaran. This cruise gives you about two hours on the water, with open seating, warm breezes, a complimentary bar, and a spread of hot and cold pupu snacks.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the easy social mood onboard. I also like the chance to see the coast from offshore, especially when the captain pauses for the sunset. The main drawback is practical: the departure point can change, directions can be confusing, and some sailings use a power catamaran rather than a sailing catamaran.

Key points at a glance

• Sunset from the water: Watch the sun drop into the Pacific with the Kohala Coast behind you.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks are available without an extra bar bill.
• Pupu buffet onboard: Expect a selection of hot and cold appetizers, with cheese, crackers, fruit, and vegetables mentioned as examples.
• Two possible departure points: You may leave from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor, depending on the date.
• Sailing is not guaranteed: Cruises on the Alala are operated under power, so check the vessel details if sailing matters to you.
• Small enough to feel social: The maximum group size is 49 people, with plenty of room to sit or stand.

A two-hour sunset party on the Kohala Coast

This is not a sightseeing tour packed with stops. It is a slow, easy cruise built around one main event: sunset.

The boat heads along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast while you settle in with a drink and a plate of snacks. The coastline looks different from offshore. Resorts and beaches fade into a broader view of lava-colored shoreline, open Pacific, and the changing light around the island.

The pace is part of the appeal. You are not rushing from one activity to the next. You can sit, stand, chat with the people around you, or move about the catamaran to find a good photo angle. Some past sailings have included flying fish, dolphins, and even humpback whales, though wildlife sightings are never promised and should be treated as a bonus.

The main focus is relaxation. If you want a narrated account of Hawaiian history or a running explanation of every point along the coast, this may feel quiet. The cruise no longer centers on formal commentary, so I would choose it for the setting, drinks, crew, and sunset rather than for an educational boat tour.

What the evening feels like onboard

The catamaran gives you more freedom than a small boat. You are not confined to one seat, and the open layout lets you shift between conversation, views, and photos.

Some seating is available, and you can also stand as the boat moves along the coast. Earlier feedback describes forward seating over the water and trampoline areas, which can be especially fun when conditions are comfortable. These spots may be popular, so do not count on having one particular seat for the whole trip.

The mood is casual and social. Couples can make it a quiet date, while families and small groups can treat it as an easy final activity before dinner. Several accounts describe the crew as kind, attentive, and quick to help with drinks. One account also describes the crew assisting a passenger who became seasick and helping that person return ashore first.

There is no promise of live entertainment or a formal program. In fact, some people like the lack of constant commentary or loud activity. You hear the boat, the water, and the conversations around you. For some, that is exactly right. If you need music, narration, or a set schedule of attractions, the calm format may seem less engaging.

The Kohala Coast views at sunset

The best part comes when the boat turns the outing into a floating sunset viewpoint.

From offshore, you get a wide view of the sun over the Pacific rather than a narrow view between buildings or palm trees. The captain may slow or stop the boat near sunset so everyone can watch the horizon. That pause gives you time to take photos without trying to frame them while moving at speed.

The light changes quickly in Hawaii. The sun can disappear soon after reaching the horizon, and the boat may return promptly afterward. This is partly a safety matter, since one departure point has limited lighting around the dock and parking area. Do not expect a long afterglow cruise after the sun is gone.

That timing is worth knowing if you want the pink sky after sunset. One person found the return too quick and wished the boat had stayed out longer. I would set expectations accordingly: this is a sunset cruise, not an extended night sail.

You may also see the coastline from a different angle as you travel. The views are the main visual reward, but the exact route and conditions can vary with the vessel and departure harbor.

Drinks and pupu snacks included in the fare

The $165 price includes unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails. That changes the value calculation. You are not paying $165 for a boat ride alone, though you should still compare the cost with other sunset cruises on the Big Island.

The bar is a good fit for an evening activity. You can order a cocktail, wine, beer, or a nonalcoholic drink while watching the sunset. The minimum drinking age is 21, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Food is served as a selection of hot and cold appetizers. Descriptions of the spread include cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and vegetables, along with other pupu-style items. Think snacks rather than a full dinner.

That distinction matters. You can use this cruise as the start of your evening, but I would not book it as your only meal unless you are comfortable making do with appetizers. A sunset drink and light food are included, then you can continue to dinner after returning to shore.

The crew’s drink service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. With a maximum of 49 people, service should feel more personal than on a very large sightseeing boat, though the actual number onboard depends on the date.

Sailing catamaran or power catamaran?

The title suggests a sailing experience, but you need to read the vessel details carefully.

Ocean Sports operates both a 58-foot sailing catamaran and a 65-foot power catamaran. Cruises scheduled on the Alala are not sailing trips. They operate under power, even though the experience may still be marketed with sailing imagery.

This is the clearest point to settle before booking. If your main goal is to feel the sails catch the wind and glide without engine power, confirm the vessel for your date. If your priority is the sunset, open-air space, drinks, and coastal views, the power catamaran may still deliver the evening you want.

A power catamaran can also make the trip feel more predictable. But you should not assume that every departure includes sails simply because the activity is described as a sailing catamaran cruise.

The departure point needs careful planning

The cruise can leave from either ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor. The exact location depends on the date, so confirm it before setting out.

The listed meeting point is ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach at 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Drive in Waikoloa Village. That does not mean every departure boards there. Some dates use Kawaihae Harbor, and the check-in process may involve following directions to a specific loading area.

This is the one part of the outing that deserves extra attention. Some addresses supplied through booking channels have led people to a locked gate or the wrong access point. The departure areas do not always have clear official map addresses, which makes standard navigation less useful than step-by-step directions from the operator.

I would call Ocean Sports to reconfirm the departure location and directions. Save the operator’s phone number, read the instructions they send, and allow extra time. Check-in is generally expected about 30 minutes before departure. Do not rely on a generic map pin if you have not confirmed the actual beach hut, harbor entrance, or loading spot.

Arriving early is also wise because seeing a boat move away from its mooring does not necessarily mean the cruise has departed. A boat may leave briefly for maintenance and return before boarding. Check in with staff rather than judging the schedule from the shoreline.

How the itinerary unfolds

The cruise has one main stop, the open water along the Kohala Coast. After check-in and boarding, you settle into the catamaran and begin the coastal run.

During the first part, you can get a drink, sample the pupu buffet, and find your preferred place onboard. This is the time to take in the shoreline while there is still daylight. If you want photos of the coast, do them early rather than waiting for the sunset alone.

As the sun gets lower, the pace becomes slower. The crew continues serving drinks and snacks while the boat positions itself for the best horizon view. The open layout means you can move around, but be thoughtful about crew instructions, especially if sails are in use.

Near sunset, the captain may pause the boat. This is the photo moment. The view is broad, the ocean catches the last light, and the boat gives you a stable platform for watching the sun go down.

After sunset, the boat heads back. The return can happen quickly, so keep personal items together and do not expect a second sightseeing circuit in the dark. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, small groups, and families who want a pleasant evening with minimal planning once they are onboard.

It works well as:

• A relaxed first evening activity
• A final-night treat before dinner
• A date with drinks and ocean views
• A social outing for a family group
• A simple alternative to watching sunset from a resort beach

It is also a good match if you enjoy meeting people in a casual setting. The boat encourages conversation, and the open bar helps make the experience feel more like a party than a formal tour.

I would be more cautious if you want detailed cultural narration, a full meal, guaranteed sailing, or a long stay on the water after sunset. I would also think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The crew can help, but the boat is still on the ocean, and conditions can change.

Most people can participate, and the maximum group size is 49. Children are allowed with an adult. No special access restrictions are listed, but the operator should be contacted directly if you have mobility concerns or need specific boarding help.

Is $165 a fair price?

At $165 per person, this is a treat rather than a budget activity.

The fare includes the catamaran ride, professional crew, unlimited drinks, and hot and cold appetizers. If you would otherwise spend money on cocktails and a sunset dinner, the package can make sense. You are also paying for the setting, the boat, and the convenience of placing the whole evening in one reservation.

The value is weaker if you do not drink and prefer a simple sunset view. In that case, you are paying for an open bar you may barely use. The price also feels less attractive if you expect a full dinner, a narrated coastal tour, or guaranteed sail power.

The high rating, 4.8 out of 5 from 62 reviews, and 95 percent recommendation figure indicate that the basic formula works for most people. Still, the lower ratings point to real issues: confusing directions, limited narration, and disappointment when the boat runs under power.

I would book it for the overall evening, not just for the phrase sunset sail. That distinction keeps the price in perspective.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

The activity is often booked about 23 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your dates are fixed. You receive confirmation at booking, and a mobile ticket is available.

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

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

I would avoid scheduling this as the only possible activity on your final evening. Weather and harbor logistics can interfere, and the sunset itself cannot be moved to a better day.

Should you book this sunset cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed two-hour outing with open-bar drinks, pupu snacks, and a wide ocean sunset. The crew service, room to move, and easy social atmosphere are the strongest reasons to go.

Before paying, confirm two things: the exact departure point and whether your date uses the sailing catamaran or the power catamaran. If you make those checks and want a pleasant evening rather than a narrated tour or full dinner, this is a strong Big Island choice.

FAQ

How long is the Sunset Cocktail Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours and returns to the meeting point.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails are included in the price. The minimum drinking age is 21.

What food is served onboard?

A variety of hot and cold appetizers are served as a pupu buffet. Examples described for the cruise include cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and vegetables.

Where does the cruise depart?

Depending on the date, the cruise departs from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or Kawaihae Harbor. Call Ocean Sports to confirm the location and receive directions.

Is this always a sailing trip?

No. Cruises scheduled on the Alala operate under power rather than sail. Ocean Sports uses both a sailing catamaran and a power catamaran, so confirm the vessel for your date.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Children may participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather cancels the cruise?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.