The 6 Best Sunset Cruises in the Big Island

1.Big Island GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,706 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $289Our pick

Ride a 4x4 van from Hilo, Waikoloa, or Kona to Mauna Kea’s 13,796-foot summit for sunset, then stargaze at lower elevation. Your small group gets warm jackets, gloves, snacks, hot drinks, guide-led astronomy, a telescope viewing, and a professional night photo. Guides such as Tay, Kella, John, and Chris share Hawaiian stories and sky lore.

“It's an amazing experience being at that height! Once in a lifetime for me. We got some great photos that have impressed are friends and family. Our guide, Tay, was great. The stargazing portion was really cool. The best view of the stars I have ever had.”

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2.Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 843 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Sail the Kona coast aboard a 50-foot catamaran as the sun sets, then hold onto a lighted board while manta rays feed below you. Kona Style supplies snorkel gear, a wetsuit top, drinks, and hot cocoa afterward. Captain Dan and the crew focus on safety, clear instruction, and keeping nervous swimmers comfortable. The boat carries up to 36 people.

“The staff were very friendly and informative . A thorough explanation of what to expect was given by staff . Experience of getting in the water with the manta rays was amazing! The crew was fun and great at what they do! Would recommend choosing Kona Style for your manta ray snorkel experience !”

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3.Hawaii’s GOAT Experience: Mauna Kea Summit, Sunset & Stars

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 443 reviews · from $289

Ride from Hilo pickup points to Mauna Kea for sunset at the Pacific’s highest point, then view stars through a telescope near the visitor center. Guides such as Mitch, James, Jess, Rob, Zac, and Tay share Hawaiian history and astronomy. Parkas, gloves, snacks, hot chocolate, and emailed photos are included.

“Jessica and Robert made this an unforgettable evening. This experience you don't want to miss.”

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4.Waikoloa Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 396 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $159

Sail from Anaehoomalu Bay aboard a 53-foot catamaran for sunset views along the Kohala-Kona coast. The 90-minute cruise includes a premium bar, snacks, shaded seating, restrooms, and live commentary. You board barefoot by tender boat, with room for up to 49 people.

“We had a great cruise. The crew was terrific. We enjoyed the catamaran. The drinks were varied and the dinner was a surprise.”

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5.Kona Signature Catamaran Sunset Sail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109Best value

Sail from Honokohau Harbor along the Kona Coast for about 90 minutes aboard a spacious catamaran. Captain Michael and crew members such as Caesar, John, Xander, Nicole, and Kevin have helped create a friendly, relaxed outing. Expect shaded and open seating, a restroom, snacks, drinks, and possible dolphin or whale sightings.

“The boat was awesome. The crew was a lot of fun. The food was really great and the views were unmatched.”

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6.Catamaran Sunset Sail with Cocktails

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 68 reviews · 1h 30m · from $159

Sail from Anaehoomalu Bay aboard Hawaii Nautical’s Spirit of Aloha catamaran for a 90-minute sunset cruise. Captain Michael and the local crew serve tropical cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and island-style snacks while you watch the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and the Pacific sunset. Boarding involves a short barefoot step through seawater from a tender boat.

“Everything about the sunset sail was awesome. Beautiful sailing and sunset; as well as expert/kind/wonderful captain and crew. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.”

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