Big Island sunset cruise: prices, length and what is included
Prices and details checked on October 21, 2026How we compare tours
If price comes first, the Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay from Hilo Ocean Adventures is priced from $99 per person. The Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise from Kohala Divers starts at $159 per person and runs 2.5 hours.
If price comes first, the Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay from Hilo Ocean Adventures is priced from $99 per person. The Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise from Kohala Divers starts at $159 per person and runs 2.5 hours. The rest of the choice comes down to time on the water and group size.
Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay
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Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise
Direct Booking Guarantee: the tour operator takes your booking and runs your tour. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
What should you know before you book a Big Island sunset cruise?
Choose by where you stay, how long you want to be on the water and how many people are in your group. Price matters most for a family or a pair. Length matters most if you want more time at sea. The Mauna Kea Sunset Coastline Cruise from Hawaii Nautical Big Island runs 1.5 hours. The Exclusive Sunset Cruise from Kona Ocean Adventures is priced per group, not per person, so it makes the most sense if your party is large enough to share the cost.
Mauna Kea Sunset Coastline Cruise
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Exclusive Sunset Cruise
Direct Booking Guarantee: the tour operator takes your booking and runs your tour. We may earn a commission, never added to your price.
How much does it cost, and what is included?
Price is the first thing to compare. The Hilo cruise starts at $99, the Mauna Kea cruise at $99.95, and the Kohala Divers cruise at $159. The Kona Ocean Adventures cruise starts at $1,200 for the group. If you are traveling as a couple, the per-person rates are the ones to compare.
| Tour | Operator | Price from | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay | Hilo Ocean Adventures | $99 per person | 2 hours |
| Mauna Kea Sunset Coastline Cruise | Hawaii Nautical Big Island | $99.95 per person | 1.5 hours |
| Whale Watch and Sunset Cruise | Kohala Divers | $159 per person | 2.5 hours |
The Mauna Kea cruise includes cold non-alcoholic beverages, shaded seating, an open deck and a restroom on board.
What should you expect: how long it lasts and where it starts?
The Hilo cruise runs 2 hours and departs about 1.5 hours before sunset, so plan your afternoon around that departure time. The Mauna Kea cruise leaves from Kawaihae Harbor South in Waimea. The Kohala Divers cruise meets at Kohala Divers, 61-3665 Akoni Pule Highway, Kamuela. The Kona Ocean Adventures cruise meets on the Kailua Kona Coast.
Who does it suit, and who should skip it?
If you want the sunset without a long afternoon on the water, choose the Mauna Kea cruise, which runs 1.5 hours. The Hilo cruise has a minimum age of 8 years. If young children are coming, that 8-year minimum on the Hilo cruise is the number to plan around. If you want a marine naturalist on board, choose the Kohala Divers cruise.
What are the tours to book?
Here are the cruises covered above, with their length and starting price.
- Sunset Cruise in Hilo Bay from Hilo Ocean Adventures: 2 hours.
- Exclusive Sunset Cruise from Kona Ocean Adventures: 2.5 hours, from $1,200 for the group.
How do booking, cancellation and weather work?
The Mauna Kea cruise offers a full refund or the option to rebook if you cancel 48 hours or more before departure. The Hilo cruise offers a full refund or a 1-year gift card if you cancel 48 or more hours in advance. The Kona Ocean Adventures cruise has a 48-hour cancellation window. The Kohala Divers cruise charges the full amount for any cancellation made less than 24 hours before your scheduled charter.
If your plans may change, the cancellation window is the number to plan around for each cruise above. The Kohala Divers cruise includes a hydrophone only if conditions allow.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Big Island sunset cruise cost?
The Hilo cruise starts at $99 per person, and the Kohala Divers cruise starts at $159 per person.
How long does a Big Island sunset cruise take?
The Mauna Kea cruise takes 1.5 hours, and the Hilo cruise takes 2 hours. The Kohala Divers and Kona Ocean Adventures cruises each take 2.5 hours.
What is included with a Big Island sunset cruise?
The Kohala Divers cruise includes light refreshments, a cooler with ice and complimentary snacks and beverages.
Where does a Big Island sunset cruise start?
The Hilo cruise is based in Hilo.
