Waikiki Venetian Gondola Cruise: Sunset Canal Ride with Pastries & Lei
Glide through Waikiki’s Ala Wai Canal aboard a handcrafted Venetian gondola — leis, pastries and a short light show complete a leisurely 45–60 minute cruise. Ideal for couples and low-effort sightseeing, this outing pairs calm water views with Diamond Head panoramas.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for the X dock
The boarding point is 200ft before the Hawaii Yacht Club; use the satellite view on maps and allow extra time for gate access.
Bring a light layer
Evening trips get breezy on the water—an extra layer or the provided blanket keeps you comfortable during sunset.
Pack a small waterproof bag
Protect phones and cameras from spray and sudden gusts while photographing low-light scenes.
Notify operator about weight/infants
There are weight restrictions and infants must sit on laps—declare during booking to ensure compliance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Stroll the marina walk after disembarkation for quiet sunset viewpoints away from Waikiki Beach crowds
- •Use the included hop-on hop-off voucher to explore Ala Moana Center and the quieter Kakaʻako murals nearby
Wildlife
- •Reef fish visible near marina edges at calm tides
- •Occasional seabirds like frigatebirds or terns hunting the canal mouth
Conservation Note
Stay on-board and avoid discarding trash into the canal; operators comply with local harbor regulations to minimize disturbance to marine life.
The Ala Wai Canal was completed in the 1920s to drain wetlands and enable Waikiki’s urban development; Diamond Head is a 19th-century named tuff cone that predates modern Honolulu.
What to Bring
Light wind jacketEssential
Evening breezes on the canal can be cool; a wind layer adds comfort.
SunscreenEssential
Daytime sails expose you to sun reflected off the water—protect skin even on cloudy days.
Small waterproof phone pouch
Keeps electronics safe while you shoot photos from the gondola.
Travel binoculars or zoom lens
Helps pick out distant landmarks like Diamond Head and the marina’s man-made islands.
Common Questions
Where do I meet the gondola?
Boarding is at the X dock on Ala Wai near 1739 Ala Moana Blvd; search the operator name and use satellite map view to locate the dock and gate.
Are food and drinks included?
The one-hour sunset cruise includes a pastry, drinks and a lei; shorter cruises do not include the full pastry and canal route options differ by duration.
Can infants and pets join?
Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; only service animals are allowed—notify the operator ahead of time.
What about cancellations and weather?
Full refund if canceled 24+ hours before departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
45–60 minutes
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal mobility required to step into the gondola
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