Set sail on a private sunset cruise off the Kona Coast aboard the UliUli Moana. Enjoy sparkling drinks, local charcuterie, and iconic views like the Captain Cook Monument as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon.
Set sail on a private sunset cruise off the Kona Coast aboard the UliUli Moana. Enjoy sparkling drinks, local charcuterie, and iconic views like the Captain Cook Monument as the sun dips below the Pacific horizon.
As the Hawaiian sun begins its slow descent behind Kona’s rugged coastline, a private cruise aboard the UliUli Moana offers an intimate vantage point over the Pacific’s shimmering expanse. The sea, alive with subtle currents and gentle breezes, invites travelers to leave the bustle of land behind and embrace an evening where the water seems to hold the last light of day in its grasp.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ocean Blue Kona · Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
As the Hawaiian sun begins its slow descent behind Kona’s rugged coastline, a private cruise aboard the UliUli Moana offers an intimate vantage point over the Pacific’s shimmering expanse. The sea, alive with subtle currents and gentle breezes, invites travelers to leave the bustle of land behind and embrace an evening where the water seems to hold the last light of day in its grasp.
Departing from the northern side of Kona Harbor, the voyage is as much about presence as it is about destination. You glide past landmarks like the Captain Cook Monument, its stoic silhouette standing guard over Kealakekua Bay’s historical waters—a place where native Hawaiian history met European exploration in 1779. The coastline here reveals layers of volcanic heritage, forged over millennia by lava flows merging with the ocean, creating a dramatic seascape that dares to challenge one’s sense of time.
On deck, the experience is thoughtfully curated: a bottle of champagne or sparkling grape juice to toast the moment, a charcuterie board pairing local flavors with ocean air, and the option to bring your own favorite beverages with mixers provided. The crew, attentive yet unobtrusive, ensures cups remain full and conversations flow as freely as the waves beneath the hull. Sunlight flirts with the water surface, gradually shifting to a palette of flame as the sun’s edge meets the horizon.
Planning your cruise, consider timing for the perfect Western-facing sunset, typically between 6:15 and 6:45 PM depending on the season. The round-trip lasts about two hours, sufficient to absorb the slow cadence of evening settling over Hawaii. Dress comfortably against the cooling ocean breeze—light layers are advisable. Sunscreen and lavender-infused oshibori towels are included, a small luxury to refresh after sun exposure.
Kona itself is a hub for adventure and flavor, from the rich coffee plantations inland to lava fields that invite exploration. But on the water, this cruise distills that essence into a tranquil yet vivid encounter with the island’s edges. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply claiming space in the moment, the UliUli Moana ensures the Pacific is not just seen but felt—alive, daring, and endlessly expansive.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels; mostly seated and relaxed during the cruise.
This is a private charter, ideal for couples or groups of up to six.
Yes, you may bring your own beverages; the crew provides mixers, ice, and cups.
The cruise lasts approximately two hours, including the round-trip from Kona Harbor.
Yes, a complimentary bottle of champagne or sparkling grape juice, bottled water, mixers, and a charcuterie board are provided.
Guests must be comfortable on the water; it's suitable for all ages, but young children should be supervised at all times.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing and bring sunscreen to protect from sun exposure before sunset.
The Captain Cook Monument commemorates the British explorer who first landed in Hawaii in 1778 and met his fate nearby in 1779.
Operators follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on marine life and support sustainable tourism practices around Kona's marine ecosystems.
Ocean Blue Kona operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




As the Hawaiian sun begins its slow descent behind Kona’s rugged coastline, a private cruise aboard the UliUli Moana offers an intimate vantage point over the Pacific’s shimmering expanse. The sea, alive with subtle currents and gentle breezes, invites travelers to leave the bustle of land behind and embrace an evening where the water seems to hold the last light of day in its grasp.
As the Hawaiian sun begins its slow descent behind Kona’s rugged coastline, a private cruise aboard the UliUli Moana offers an intimate vantage point over the Pacific’s shimmering expanse. The sea, alive with subtle currents and gentle breezes, invites travelers to leave the bustle of land behind and embrace an evening where the water seems to hold the last light of day in its grasp.
Departing from the northern side of Kona Harbor, the voyage is as much about presence as it is about destination. You glide past landmarks like the Captain Cook Monument, its stoic silhouette standing guard over Kealakekua Bay’s historical waters—a place where native Hawaiian history met European exploration in 1779. The coastline here reveals layers of volcanic heritage, forged over millennia by lava flows merging with the ocean, creating a dramatic seascape that dares to challenge one’s sense of time.
On deck, the experience is thoughtfully curated: a bottle of champagne or sparkling grape juice to toast the moment, a charcuterie board pairing local flavors with ocean air, and the option to bring your own favorite beverages with mixers provided. The crew, attentive yet unobtrusive, ensures cups remain full and conversations flow as freely as the waves beneath the hull. Sunlight flirts with the water surface, gradually shifting to a palette of flame as the sun’s edge meets the horizon.
Planning your cruise, consider timing for the perfect Western-facing sunset, typically between 6:15 and 6:45 PM depending on the season. The round-trip lasts about two hours, sufficient to absorb the slow cadence of evening settling over Hawaii. Dress comfortably against the cooling ocean breeze—light layers are advisable. Sunscreen and lavender-infused oshibori towels are included, a small luxury to refresh after sun exposure.
Kona itself is a hub for adventure and flavor, from the rich coffee plantations inland to lava fields that invite exploration. But on the water, this cruise distills that essence into a tranquil yet vivid encounter with the island’s edges. Whether celebrating a milestone or simply claiming space in the moment, the UliUli Moana ensures the Pacific is not just seen but felt—alive, daring, and endlessly expansive.