The Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Oahu. This two-hour excursion departs weekly from Ala Moana Center, offering stunning views of the renowned Waikiki Beach fireworks display. Passengers can enjoy the experience from the comfort of an intimate boat, with amenities like an underwater viewing room and open-air upper deck. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening or a fun group outing, this cruise provides an unforgettable way to witness one of Hawaii’s most dazzling traditions.
Key Points
-
The Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise departs from Pier E, Slip F06 at Ala Moana Center and offers prime viewing of the Friday night fireworks over Waikiki Beach.
-
The 2-hour cruise features an underwater viewing room, shaded lower cabin, and open-air upper deck, along with amenities like restrooms and refreshments.
-
The cruise route includes a 30-minute journey past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, followed by a 30-minute stop near the fireworks launch site.
-
Guests should arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, and be aware that the cruise is weather-dependent and subject to a $2 fuel surcharge per person.
-
The cruise has received mixed reviews, with some positive feedback on the prime fireworks viewing and marine life, but also some cancellations due to weather conditions.
Overview of the Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise
The Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise offers visitors a prime viewing experience for Waikiki’s Friday night fireworks display. Priced from $34 per person, the 2-hour cruise departs from Pier E, Slip F06 at the Ala Moana Center.
Guests can explore the underwater viewing room, relax in the shaded lower cabin or open-air upper deck, and enjoy ambient music. While food and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, guests can also BYOB.
With a maximum capacity of 149 passengers, the cruise provides access to restrooms and offers scenic views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach before returning to the starting location.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Honolulu
Highlights of the Cruise Experience
One of the key highlights of the Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise is the prime viewing experience it offers for the weekly Friday night fireworks display over Waikiki Beach. In addition, the cruise provides access to an underwater viewing room to see marine life, as well as shaded lower cabins and open-air upper decks. Guests can enjoy ambient music through the surround sound system and use the two restrooms on board. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, though alcohol is BYOB. The cruise’s itinerary also includes scenic views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.
| Experience Highlights | Details |
| — | — |
| Prime fireworks viewing | Weekly Friday night display over Waikiki |
| Underwater viewing | Fish, dolphins, turtles |
| Cabin and deck access | Shaded lower, open-air upper |
| Surround sound system | Ambient music |
| Onboard facilities | Two restrooms |
| Refreshments | Snacks and drinks for purchase, BYOB alcohol |
Detailed Itinerary and Sightseeing Stops
The cruise’s 2-hour itinerary provides ample time to take in the scenic views along the way.
After departing from Pier E, you’ll spend 30 minutes cruising past Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, taking in the picturesque shoreline.
The boat will then stop near the Waikiki fireworks launch site, allowing you to enjoy the 30-minute pyrotechnics display.
Finally, the boat will return to the starting location at 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, completing the sightseeing portion of the tour.
While the itinerary is subject to change, this typical route offers a well-rounded Waikiki experience from the water.
Helpful Information for Booking and Preparation
When booking the Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise, travelers should keep a few key details in mind.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though no refunds are issued for missed boats. As the cruise is weather-dependent, it’s wise to check forecasts before the trip.
Travelers can cancel their Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise up to 24 hours prior for a full refund, but no refunds for missed boats.
Plus, a $2 fuel surcharge per person applies. Guests should arrive 30 minutes early to check-in at the designated meeting point.
Intoxicated passengers may be denied service at the captain’s discretion. With these considerations in place, travelers can look forward to an evening of stunning fireworks and marine life views.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
According to the customer reviews, the Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise has received mixed experiences, with an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
Reviewers include travelers from Japan, the U.S., and Germany. While some enjoyed the prime viewing of the Friday night fireworks and underwater marine life, others reported cancellations due to weather.
The boat features a shaded lower cabin, open-air upper deck, and restrooms, but snacks and drinks must be purchased on board. Intoxicated guests may be denied service at the captain’s discretion.
- Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa 9 Hour Tour
- Salute to Pearl Harbor Including USS Arizona
- Oahu Circle Island: Snorkel With Turtles & Explore in Small Group
- Majestic Circle Island Tour With Lunch
- Oahus Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, & Byodo Temple
- Deluxe Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour
To reach the departure point for the Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise, guests should head to 1025 Ala Moana Blvd, Ala Moana.
The meeting point is Pier E, Slip F06 at the yellow booth, where guests should check-in 30 minutes before their reservation.
The meeting point is Pier E, Slip F06 at the yellow booth, where guests should check-in 30 minutes before their reservation.
Here’s what to expect:
-
Look for the yellow booth at Pier E, Slip F06.
-
Check-in with the staff at the booth 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
-
Proceed to the boat when directed, as the cruise departs promptly.
What to Expect During the Fireworks Display
As the boat positions itself for the best viewing, guests can expect a stunning display of fireworks lighting up the Waikiki skyline.
The fireworks show typically lasts around 10-15 minutes, with vibrant colors and patterns exploding over the ocean.
Guests can watch from the boat’s upper deck or the lower cabin, which offers an underwater viewing room to observe marine life during the show.
The surround sound system enhances the experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of the fireworks.
Refreshments are available for purchase, making for a memorable evening on the water.
Additional Onboard Amenities and Features
Along With the prime viewing of Waikiki’s Friday night fireworks, the boat offers several onboard amenities and features to enhance the overall experience.
Passengers can enjoy:
-
An underwater viewing room to observe marine life such as fish, dolphins, and turtles.
-
Access to both a shaded lower cabin and an open-air upper deck, allowing guests to choose their preferred vantage point.
-
A surround sound system playing ambient music to set the mood.
The boat also features two restrooms and the option to purchase snacks and drinks, with alcohol allowed as a BYOB policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?
Guests can bring their own non-alcoholic drinks on board, but the cruise offers snacks and drinks for purchase. Alcohol is BYOB. However, intoxicated guests may be denied service at the captain’s discretion.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Cruise?
The activity does not have a stated minimum age requirement. However, unaccompanied minors may be denied service at the captain’s discretion. It’s best to check with the tour operator prior to booking if traveling with children.
How Often Do the Fireworks Displays Occur in Waikiki?
The Waikiki fireworks displays occur weekly on Friday nights. This popular event is a long-standing tradition in the area, providing a lively and visually stunning spectacle for both locals and visitors.
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat?
Yes, life jackets are provided on the boat. The cruise provides access to life jackets for all passengers as a safety precaution during the two-hour journey to view the Waikiki fireworks display.
Can I Disembark and Re-Board the Cruise During the Trip?
Disembarking and re-boarding during the cruise isn’t allowed. The activity is a continuous 2-hour experience, and guests are expected to remain on the boat for the full duration. Leaving and coming back is not an option.
The Sum Up
The Waikiki Fireworks Boat Cruise provides an unparalleled experience to witness the stunning pyrotechnics over Waikiki Beach. With its underwater viewing room, shaded lower cabin, and open-air upper deck, guests can enjoy the show in comfort while surrounded by the scenic beauty of Diamond Head. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable evening, this cruise is a must-do activity during your time in Oahu.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Honolulu
- Pearl Harbor’s #1 Private VIP Tour -“The Arizona Memorial”
- Waikiki Private transfer Airport to Hotel *1-12 Passengers
- Honolulu Airport, Cruise Port and Waikiki hotels Private Transfer
- Private Tour USS Missouri and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor
- Private Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour
- Oahu Unveiled: Tailored Luxury Private Island Tour
More Tours in Honolulu
- Pearl Harbor’s #1 Private VIP Tour -“The Arizona Memorial”
- Oahu: Hidden Hawaii Waterfall Hike and Beach Tour
- Honolulu: Culinary Tour at Diamond Head
- Honolulu: Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour
- Oahu to Big Island Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour
- Oahu’s Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour with Snorkeling and More
More Tour Reviews in Honolulu
Still browsing? Here are more Honolulu experiences we've covered recently
- Group Transportation betwen Airport & Waikiki(up to 40 PPL)
- Pearl Harbor’s #1 Private VIP Tour -“The Arizona Memorial”
- Oahu: Hidden Hawaii Waterfall Hike and Beach Tour
- One-Way VIP Transfer: Honolulu Airport, Waikiki, Cruise Port
- Honolulu Sunset Sail
- Honolulu: Culinary Tour at Diamond Head
- Oahu: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Transfer & Entry Fee
- Honolulu: 1-Hour Friday Night Fireworks Cruise with Drinks
- Honolulu: Ghosts of Old Honolulu Walking Tour
- Waikiki Private transfer Airport to Hotel *1-12 Passengers
- Honolulu: South Shore Open Sail
- Honolulu: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Experience