The Waikiki Friday fireworks are a free, roughly five-minute show launched off the Hilton Hawaiian Village every Friday night, usually at 7:45pm and at 8:00pm in summer. You can watch from the beach, but a cruise puts you on the water facing the show with the Honolulu skyline behind it. Here are the fireworks cruises we sell, what they cost and which suits you. Prices checked October 2026.
Quick Answer: The cheapest fireworks cruise we sell is the Friday glass bottom boat at $60 per person, one hour from 7:30pm. For sunset and fireworks together, the Big Kahuna costs $65 per person, BYOB, from Kewalo Basin. For your group alone, the private Keanuenue catamaran costs $649 for up to six. The show itself lasts about five minutes, usually starting at 7:45pm (8:00pm in summer).
Fun Fact
- When: every Friday, usually 7:45pm, 8:00pm in summer
- Where: launched off the Hilton Hawaiian Village
- Length: about five minutes
- Cheapest cruise: glass bottom boat, $60
- Sunset plus fireworks: Big Kahuna, $65, BYOB
- Private: up to six guests, $649
What the Waikiki Friday Fireworks Are
Hilton Hawaiian Village has put on a short fireworks show every Friday night for decades. The fireworks go up off the resort at the west end of Waikiki Beach, near the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The show usually starts at 7:45pm, moves to 8:00pm in summer, and lasts about five minutes.
Times can change and the show can be cancelled for weather or other reasons without notice, so check with the hotel on the day. The fireworks are free to watch from the beach; a cruise is about the view and the evening around it.
How the Fireworks Cruises Differ
Glass bottom boat, $60. The Friday fireworks glass bottom boat leaves at 7:30pm year-round, cruises off Waikiki and waits offshore for the show. It is one hour, mostly covered, with a bathroom, water, juice and coolers with ice; you can bring your own food and drinks. Underwater lights show the water below through the glass. It is the easiest choice for families.
Sunset and fireworks, $65. The Big Kahuna is a 54-foot double-decker that leaves Kewalo Basin on Friday evenings for 1.5 to 2 hours: sunset on the water, then the fireworks. It is BYOB (no glass) and for ages 7 and up, so it suits adults and older kids who want a longer night out.
Private catamaran, $649. The private Waikiki fireworks cruise gives up to six people the catamaran Keanuenue for two or three hours from Pier C at Kewalo Basin, with soft drinks, a cooler, a Bluetooth speaker and a marine bathroom. From January 15 to October 15 you catch the sunset and the fireworks; from October 16 to January 14 it leaves after sunset. It is the choice for proposals and celebrations.
Sunset or Just Fireworks: The Real Decision
The fireworks last five minutes, so the cruise is really about the evening. If you want the whole show, sunset, city lights and fireworks, choose a longer cruise like the Big Kahuna or a private charter in the months when sunset falls before the show. If you just want to see the fireworks from the water with kids, without a late night, the one-hour glass bottom boat does it for the lowest price.
For other evening sails without fireworks, see our guide to Oahu sunset cruises, and for drinks-focused boats, our Waikiki party boats guide.
Where to Watch the Fireworks for Free
From the sand between Hilton Hawaiian Village and Fort DeRussy Beach Park you are close to the launch point, and Duke Kahanamoku Beach in front of the lagoon is the classic spot. Further east along Waikiki Beach the view is more distant but less crowded. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for a good spot on the sand.
What to Wear and Bring
- A light jacket. It cools down on the water after dark.
- Your own drinks and snacks on the BYOB boats, in cans or plastic (no glass on the Big Kahuna).
- A phone with night mode or a camera with a fast lens. Fireworks photos work best braced against the rail.
- Cash for a tip. Gratuity is not required on the glass bottom boat but appreciated.
Practicalities
- Arrive 15 minutes early. Boats leave on time to be in place for the show.
- Bring ID. The US Coast Guard requires a passenger manifest.
- Check the age rules. The Big Kahuna is for ages 7 and up; the glass bottom boat takes all ages.
- Have a plan B. If the hotel cancels the fireworks, you still get the night cruise; ask the operator about their policy.
- Get to Kewalo Basin by car or rideshare. It is a few minutes west of Waikiki, with paid parking.
Our Take
Which Should You Book?
- Family with young kids: the glass bottom boat at $60, one hour, all ages.
- Couple or friends, want sunset too: the Big Kahuna at $65, BYOB.
- Proposal or celebration: the private Keanuenue charter at $649 for up to six.
- On a budget: watch free from Duke Kahanamoku Beach.
- Not here on a Friday: book a Oahu sunset cruise instead.
Browse all Oahu sunset cruises, Oahu boat tours or read our guide to things to do in Waikiki.
Waikiki fireworks cruises compared: price, departure and length
| Cruise | Price from | Departs | Length | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday Fireworks Glass Bottom Boat | $60 per person | Waikiki, 7:30pm Fridays | 1 hour | All ages, BYO food and drinks |
| Big Kahuna Sunset & Fireworks | $65 per person | Kewalo Basin, Fridays | 1.5 to 2 hours | BYOB, no glass, ages 7+ |
| Private Fireworks & City Lights | $649 for up to 6 | Kewalo Basin Pier C | 2 or 3 hours | Private, sunset Jan 15 to Oct 15 |
Prices are the lowest listed on each operator’s site, checked in October 2026. The fireworks are run by Hilton Hawaiian Village and can change or be cancelled without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time are the fireworks in Waikiki on Friday?
Usually 7:45pm, and 8:00pm in summer. The show lasts about five minutes, and the hotel can change the time or cancel without notice.
Where are the Waikiki Friday fireworks launched?
Off the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the west end of Waikiki Beach, near the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.
How much is a Waikiki fireworks cruise?
From $60 per person on the Friday glass bottom boat and $65 on the Big Kahuna sunset and fireworks cruise. A private catamaran for up to six costs $649.
Are the Waikiki fireworks every Friday?
Yes, as a regular weekly show, though it can be cancelled for weather or events. Check with Hilton Hawaiian Village on the day.
Can you bring alcohol on a Waikiki fireworks cruise?
On BYOB boats, yes. The Big Kahuna allows your own drinks with no glass, and the glass bottom boat allows your own food and drinks including adult beverages. Drinkers must be 21 or over.
Where is the best free spot to watch the Waikiki fireworks?
Duke Kahanamoku Beach in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon, or the sand toward Fort DeRussy Beach Park. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early.
Planning a Friday night out?
See live times and book online, or call and we’ll help you choose.
Glass Bottom Boat · Big Kahuna · Private Fireworks Cruise · (808) 207-9427
Pricing disclaimer: Prices are the lowest rates listed on each operator’s site or booking page in October 2026. Fireworks times are set by Hilton Hawaiian Village. Prices, schedules and inclusions can change without notice. Final prices, availability and inclusions are confirmed at checkout with the operator.
