Captain Max's Private Waikiki Sunset Cruise is a private Waikiki sunset cruise on a high-speed rigid inflatable for up to 6 guests, with a swim stop and BYOB, at $691.95 per boat. It suits groups and families who want the sunset without 40 strangers. The drawback is the open boat: no shade, bar or restroom, and a hard 6-person cap.
Highlights
Exclusive use of a high-speed boat for up to 6 guests at sunset
Time to swim or snorkel before the sun goes down, per the Greetwell listing title
BYOB; no bar on board
Operator rated 4.9 from 829 reviews on Greetwell, October 2026
About $115 per person for a full boat of 6, versus $50 to $54 per person on Waikiki's shared sunset catamarans listed on Greetwell
What to Expect
You meet the crew at the Waikiki/Honolulu harbor dock given at booking, in the late afternoon.
Your group of up to 6 boards the rigid inflatable and heads out along the Waikiki shoreline at speed.
The boat stops for a swim or snorkel while there is still daylight; a guide can join you in the water.
The captain positions the boat for the sunset with Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline in view.
You return to the harbor after dark, roughly 2 hours after departure.
What's Included
Private boat and crew for up to 6 guests
Swim or snorkel stop
BYOB allowed
What's Not Included
Drinks and food (bring your own)
Gratuity
Crew photos and videos, sold separately per Greetwell's review summary
What to Bring
Your own drinks and snacks in a cooler
Swimsuit and towel if you plan to use the swim stop
A light layer for the ride back after sunset
Restrictions and Requirements
Maximum 6 guests per boat; one family was refused at the dock over capacity, per Greetwell's review summary
Honolulu/Waikiki harbor area; exact dock confirmed at booking
Ratings from every source we could find
Google
4.9
829 reviews
Google Maps — Summarized by Our Team
Private charter operators in this category generally score well on flexibility (custom timing, playlist, occasion add-ons); common feedback across the category is to confirm exact boat size/passenger comfort before booking for larger groups.
Last checked 2026-09-15
Ratings and review counts are checked periodically and may not reflect same-day changes on each platform.
What the Reviews Say
We read 1 Google review republished on Greetwell (August 2026, about the operator's Turtle Canyon tour) and Greetwell's summary of the operator's 829 reviews. We have not yet read reviews specific to this sunset charter. Scores collected October 2026.
What Reviewers Praise
Small boat and a crew that adapts to conditions(1 of the 1 review we read, echoed in Greetwell's review summary)
The review we read praised two named guides for persisting through wind and poor visibility; the operator-wide summary highlights the 6- to 8-passenger boat and attentive crew.
— Google via Greetwell, 5★, August 2026: the guides were excellent despite strong wind and poor visibility
What Reviewers Complain About
One reported no-show with no communication(1 report (Greetwell review summary) · operator issue · most recent: not shown)
Greetwell's summary records one guest whose tour did not run and who heard nothing from the operator. For a sunset charter there is no later slot that day, so get the meeting details confirmed in writing.
Capacity limit not communicated clearly(1 report (Greetwell review summary) · operator issue · most recent: not shown)
A family was turned away at the dock because the boat's capacity had not been made clear at booking, according to Greetwell's summary.
About the Operator in General
Captain Max Boat Tours also sells a $625 private Friday fireworks charter, a $774 private daytime snorkel charter and a semi-private Turtle Canyon snorkel from $127 per person; Greetwell's summary notes Korean-speaking staff and advises booking directly.
Our Verdict
Tripreviewall's Take
This is worth it for a group of 4 to 6 who want a private sunset with a swim and are happy on a small open boat; at $115 to $173 per person it undercuts most private catamaran charters on Oahu. Couples should think twice, because the same $691.95 buys a dozen tickets on a shared Waikiki sunset sail. The operator's 4.9 rating is reassuring, but the two logistics complaints argue for written confirmation of dock, time and headcount.
Book This Tour If…
You have 4 to 6 people and want a private sunset for well under $200 per person
You want a swim stop before sunset, which the shared catamarans rarely include
You want to bring your own drinks rather than pay bar prices
You prefer a fast, low boat close to the water over a large sail
Skip This Tour If…
You are a couple; a shared Waikiki sunset sail costs $50 to $54 per person
You have more than 6 people; the cap is firm
You want shade, a restroom or a bar; the RIB has none
You are prone to seasickness; a small fast boat moves more than a catamaran
Tips From Reviewers and Operator Notes
Confirm headcount, dock and departure time in writing with the operator before paying
Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks; nothing is served on board
Bring a windbreaker for the fast ride back after dark
Compare with the operator's $625 Friday fireworks charter if your dates include a Friday
Assessed by the Tripreviewall editorial team, last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Captain Max private Waikiki sunset cruise?
The Captain Max Private Sunset Speedboat Cruise and Snorkel in Waikiki was listed at $691.95 per boat on Greetwell in October 2026, covering up to 6 guests. That works out to about $115 per person for a full boat or $346 per person for a couple. Drinks are not included, but you may bring your own.
Is the Captain Max sunset cruise private?
Yes, the Captain Max sunset cruise is a private charter: your group of up to 6 has the rigid inflatable boat and crew to itself, unlike Waikiki's shared sunset catamarans that carry dozens of passengers for $50 to $54 per person. The operator's review summary on Greetwell includes one family refused boarding over the 6-person limit.
Can you swim on the private Waikiki sunset cruise?
Yes, the Greetwell listing describes the Captain Max private sunset cruise as including time to swim before sunset, and the operator's other tours feature guided snorkeling at Turtle Canyon with an in-water guide. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to get in; the boat has no shower or changing area.
What is the difference between Captain Max's sunset cruise and daytime private boat tour?
Captain Max's Private Waikiki Sunset Cruise ($691.95 per boat) runs in the late afternoon with a swim stop and the sunset, while the Private Waikiki Boat Tour with Snorkeling (from $774 per boat) runs in daylight with more snorkel time and wildlife spotting. Both take up to 6 guests on a rigid inflatable and allow BYOB.
How do I contact Captain Max Boat Tours?
Captain Max Boat Tours' own website was not accessible to us in October 2026, and Greetwell lists only its own concierge number, so we could not confirm a direct phone or email. The booking link goes through FareHarbor, where the operator's contact details and meeting dock are shown on your confirmation.
Contact
The operator's phone and email appear here after you check availability on one of their booking sites. Live prices and open dates are only shown there.
Already checked? The details appear automatically when you come back to this tab.
This is the tour operator's own contact info, shared for general questions — not for bookings. Book through the booking links for real-time availability and the best price.
TripReviewAll is an independent review site and does not operate this tour. For changes to an existing booking, contact Captain Max Boat Tours directly.
