Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz

Golden hour, served with jazz and lobster. This Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise is a smooth, upscale way to see Honolulu’s coast as the sky turns gold, with your own private table and professional music on board.

I really like the Maine lobster and USDA prime tenderloin focus of the menu, because it feels more like a real dinner than typical cruise food. I also enjoy that the vibe is built for more than eating, with live jazz and a spot to move in the Art Deco Super Nova Room.

One consideration: the sunset is weather-dependent. If clouds or rain roll in, you’ll still have dinner and music, but the big view moment may be muted.

Key things to know before you go

• Private table service makes it feel less like a cattle-boat dinner.
• 5 courses with lobster and prime tenderloin, including tableside-style presentation.
• Departing at 5:30 PM means you’re on the water right as the light starts to change.
• Friday adds fireworks time (weekly aerial show viewed from Hilton) with an extra hour on the water.
• Views from the southern coast include Diamond Head and Waikiki.
• Casual dress, but skip short pants for comfort and fit with the onboard style.

Entering the Star of Honolulu: timing, check-in, and what to expect onboard

Your experience starts at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, at 1 Aloha Tower Dr in Honolulu. Check in begins at 4:45 PM onboard the Star of Honolulu, and the cruise departs at 5:30 PM sharp.

Plan to arrive with a little buffer. A mobile ticket is part of the setup, but you still need time to get through the check-in flow and find your way to your assigned area.

This is a sunset dinner cruise, roughly 2 hours long. On Fridays, it runs about 3 hours total because they add an extra hour to line up with the weekly aerial fireworks show.

The ship setting matters here: you’re on the water for dinner, not just passing time on a short sail. That makes the timing feel intentional—especially if sunset is your main reason for booking.

Getting the views: Diamond Head and Waikiki from the water

The whole point of this cruise is the slow drift while the sky does its thing over Honolulu’s southern coastline. As the sun starts to set, you’ll have open sightlines toward major landmarks, including Diamond Head and Waikiki.

Now the reality check. Reviews and experience notes line up on one theme: weather can shut down the sunset drama. If it’s cloudy or rainy, you still get the cruise, but the light show might turn into a gray show.

If you want the best “I can actually see it” angles, consider the premium seating options (the top deck shows up as a popular choice). More space and better sightlines help, especially once the boat begins the evening rhythm.

Also, the boat can feel a bit choppy at times. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual prevention method. You’ll thank yourself halfway through dinner.

The 5-course dinner: cheese board, lobster salad, prime tenderloin, and brioche dessert

This is where the experience tries hardest to justify the higher price. You’re not doing a simple buffet. You’re sitting down at your private table for a 5-course meal that centers on Maine lobster and USDA prime tenderloin.

Here’s what the menu includes:

• A starter cheese and charcuterie board, served at your table.
• Nova Scotia Maine lobster & beet carpaccio salad, built around locally grown salad vegetables, fennel, goat cheese pearls, and a champagne-chive vinaigrette.
• USDA prime tenderloin of beef, served with truffle mashed potato and seasonal vegetables.
• Dessert sorbet (seasonal fruit).
• Chef’s special dessert, served with freshly baked brioche and butter.

A practical note: the lobster and tenderloin are the signature items, but if you’re coming in expecting a mountain of seafood, manage expectations. This is plated fine-dining portions, not an all-you-can-eat seafood binge.

The pacing is also important. One of the strongest themes from the experience is that courses tend to arrive in an orderly flow without long delays. That keeps you from feeling rushed while the view is fading.

Even if the weather isn’t perfect, the meal still performs. It’s designed as the anchor of the trip, not a bonus.

Champagne toast, premium beverages, and the lounge vibe

You get a champagne toast plus two super premium beverages included. After that, additional beverages are an extra cost.

That setup is good for a clear decision before you spend: you get a “start strong” moment, and you’re not stuck paying for drinks from the first minute. If you love cocktails, you’ll probably want to budget extra, since the cruise treats beyond-included drinks as add-ons.

There’s also a comfortable lounge space where beverages are served. It’s not just a place to wait between courses. It’s part of the evening atmosphere, especially if you want a calmer moment away from the main music zones.

Live jazz and the Art Deco Super Nova Room: a dinner show, not background music

This cruise is built around smooth jazz and live entertainment. The music isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the dining experience from the moment you sit down.

The onboard entertainment includes professional performers, with piano and additional featured musicians as the evening builds. If you like jazz that feels like it belongs in a nicer lounge, you’ll likely enjoy the pacing.

You can also dance in the Art Deco Super Nova Room. That’s a standout feature because many cruises offer music, but don’t give you a space that actually invites movement.

One more thing to keep in mind: jazz intensity can vary by night and by what stage of the meal the performers highlight. Some people want more constant, in-your-face music throughout the entire timeline. If that’s your style, aim to arrive and settle early, so you catch the full arc while dinner is still going.

Friday fireworks from Hilton: why one extra hour changes everything

Book on a Friday and you get a real time upgrade. The cruise adds an extra hour, timed for the weekly aerial fireworks show viewed from Hilton.

This is valuable for two reasons:

1) You get the fireworks from the water, which feels more open and special than watching from shore.

2) You’re not scrambling to coordinate with other plans. The cruise builds it into the program.

Weather still rules everything outdoors. If skies are blocked, fireworks may look different or not happen as you expect. But if Friday availability matches your schedule, this is the version with the built-in wow-factor.

Price and value: what $236 gets you (and where it might fall short)

At $236 per person, this isn’t a casual deal. You’re paying for a higher-end dinner experience, a private table, and live jazz in a sunset setting.

Here’s what’s included that directly affects value:

• A sunset dinner cruise (2 hours, or 3 hours on Fridays)
• A 5-course dinner featuring Maine lobster and prime tenderloin
• Champagne toast + two super premium beverages
• Live jazz entertainment
• Dinner at your own private table

What’s not included:

• Additional beverages

So who does the price work for? It fits best if you’d otherwise pay big for a waterfront dinner plus live entertainment, and you want fewer moving parts. It’s also good for couples and milestones, where “one planned evening” beats trying to stitch together dinner, music, and a view.

Where it may disappoint: if you’re purely chasing the cheapest way to see the sunset, or if you want the biggest portions possible for the money. Some diners felt the food was fine but didn’t match the premium price, especially when the sunset didn’t cooperate due to weather.

That doesn’t make it bad. It just means you should book with the right expectations: this is a packaged evening with fine-dining style food and music, not a bargain sunset tour.

Who should book Nova Five Star, and who should pick something else

This cruise is ideal if you want:

• A romantic, polished evening with a clear plan
• Live jazz during dinner
• A milestone celebration setup (birthdays and anniversaries are a perfect fit)
• A waterfront viewpoint without the stress of parking and timing three separate things

It can also work for families. There are notes of kids enjoying the experience, and the atmosphere is more formal than chaotic.

I’d steer you toward a different option if:

• You’re price sensitive and mainly want views over a meal
• You expect sunset every time, no matter the forecast
• You don’t want to spend extra on beverages beyond what’s included

Also, check the dress code. Casual is fine, but short pants aren’t recommended. If you show up in very casual beachwear, you might feel slightly out of place.

A smooth evening usually means planning for a few rough edges

A great sunset cruise has moving parts: timing, weather, motion, and service. Here’s what you can do to reduce the risk.

• Weather: clouds and rain can block the sunset, even if everything else is great. Bring a light layer anyway; evenings near the water can feel cooler than you expect.
• Motion: if the boat gets choppy, take your preferred sea-sickness prevention.
• Heat and comfort: some people note temperature comfort can vary on board. A small layer helps whether you feel warm or cool.
• Service differences: dining cruises depend on staff attention at each table. If you need frequent water refills or coffee right after dessert, flag it early.

None of these issues are deal-breakers. They’re just the kind of things that decide whether you have an effortless evening or an “almost great” one.

Final call: should you book this dinner and jazz cruise?

If you want an organized, upscale Honolulu sunset experience with lobster and prime tenderloin, live jazz, and a private-table setup, this is a strong choice. The Friday version is especially worth it if fireworks are on your must-do list.

I’d book it if you’re celebrating something, enjoy live music with dinner, and you’re okay paying for a premium, packaged evening. I’d hesitate if you’re mainly chasing a cheap sunset view, or if your plan depends on perfect weather.

If you do book, my practical tips are simple: arrive early for check-in, bring a light layer, and expect that the sunset is a gift, not a guaranteed product. Then settle in, let the food land in five smooth courses, and let the jazz carry the last light out over the water.

FAQ

How long is the Nova Five Star Sunset Dinner and Jazz cruise?

It’s about 3 hours on Fridays and about 2 hours on other days.

What time does the cruise depart, and when do I check in?

Check in is from 4:45 PM onboard the Star of Honolulu, and the cruise departs at 5:30 PM.

What’s included in the dinner?

The included dinner is a 5-course meal with a cheese and charcuterie starter, Maine lobster & beet carpaccio salad, USDA prime tenderloin of beef, sorbet, and a chef’s special dessert served with brioche and butter.

Are beverages included?

Yes for a champagne toast plus two super premium beverages. Additional beverages cost extra.

Is there fireworks on this cruise?

Yes. If you book on a Friday, there’s an extra hour on the water to view the weekly aerial fireworks show from Hilton.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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