Top Private Events to Host on a Ship in Oahu, Hawaii

There’s been a noticeable shift in how people approach planning special occasions. Lately, when someone types “private event venues near me” into a search bar, they often look for something more meaningful than a banquet hall and more personal than a crowded restaurant. They want an experience that feels complete, stress-free, and genuinely memorable.

That’s why hosting private events aboard a ship has become such a popular choice, especially in a place as naturally stunning as Oahu. Celebrating on the water brings a sense of movement and magic that no land-based venue can match. With the breeze in your hair, views of Diamond Head on the horizon, and the sky shifting into gold at sunset, even the most familiar celebration feels brand new.

At Star of Honolulu, we take that idea and turn it into something real. From gourmet dinners and live entertainment to seamless planning and professional aloha service, we offer a space where the moment takes center stage and the details are already handled. Here are some of the most popular private events to host with us and why they work so well on the water.

Corporate Holiday Parties with Elegance

Company events are meant to unite people, celebrate wins, and reward the team with a night they’ll enjoy. But planning them? That’s often a different story. The hunt for private event venues near you can quickly lead to stressful logistics, high rental fees, and a long list of separate vendors you’ll need to keep track of. That’s where a private cruise with Star of Honolulu changes everything.

What’s Included

Your team steps aboard with transportation already arranged and walks into a private dining room with ocean views. There, you’ll enjoy a delicious island-style dinner accompanied by the sounds of live music drifting through the air. There’s no need to worry about coordinating vendors, managing staff or setting up AV — our team handles it all.

We provide microphone access for speeches or fun team awards, a flat-screen for company videos or year-end recaps, and even the option to personalize the menu with your logo and date. Many groups also choose to add fresh flower leis, hosted bar service, or photography to round out the experience. Compared to a hotel ballroom, a cruise gives you a setting, an experience, and a memory your team can share.

Wedding Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners at Sea

Planning a wedding often begins with the search for the ideal romantic setting. But couples quickly realize that a truly remarkable experience involves more than elegant décor and a great menu. The real charm lies in the setting itself, and there’s something undeniably magical about celebrating at sea.

With sweeping views, a warm breeze, and the gentle rhythm of the waves, a dinner cruise creates an easygoing yet heartfelt atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate rehearsal dinner or an elegant reception with a twist.

What’s Included

Our private rooms give you and your guests a beautiful, quiet space to connect. The menu is personalized with your name and date, and your program runs at your pace. You can bring in a playlist, schedule a toast, or play a video montage on a built-in screen.

The entertainment, whether it’s live jazz or a Polynesian performance, happens right in your room, adding cultural depth to the celebration. We’ve seen couples time their cruise perfectly with sunset, creating golden light for dinner and soft evening skies for dancing. And because dinner, drinks, transportation, and staffing are already included, all that’s left to do is enjoy it.

Anniversaries and Milestones to Remember for a Lifetime

Some occasions call for something more intimate, more elegant, and more intentional. When you’re celebrating a 40th birthday, a golden anniversary, or even a retirement, it’s worth choosing a setting that reflects the importance of the moment. If you’ve been browsing for private event venues on Oahu and haven’t quite found the right blend of warmth, beauty, and ease, a dinner cruise might be what’s missing.

What’s Included

The Star of Honolulu offers an elegant dining experience with space for reflection, laughter, and connection. You can gather a group of close friends or family, enjoy a fresh island dinner, sip wine as the sky changes color, and settle into the rhythm of a night you’ll remember for years.

We often see guests use the microphone for heartfelt toasts or surprise speeches. Some bring memory books or create a video tribute. Our team is here to help you incorporate those elements seamlessly without taking away from the natural flow of the evening. With ocean backdrops in every direction, these milestones are easy to celebrate and even easier to capture in photos.

Family Reunions in Oahu

Planning a family reunion is a chance to bring everyone together in a way that feels fun, meaningful, and easy to enjoy. A dinner cruise offers the ideal setting with something that appeals to every generation, keeps the logistics simple, and gives your group the space to reconnect while sharing a beautiful evening on the water.

What’s Included

Aboard the Star of Honolulu, your reunion begins the moment guests are picked up from their Waikiki hotels. No driving, no stressing. Everyone arrives together, boards easily, and finds their place in a private dining room reserved just for them.

Dinner is relaxed and flavorful, with options that work for a range of tastes. There’s live entertainment that delights kids and grandparents alike. And the private space allows families to share stories, play a slideshow, or hand out keepsakes without feeling rushed or crowded.

We’ve seen families celebrate baby’s first birthday, honor grandparents, and reconnect after years apart, all while the waves carry them along the coastline. There’s something about being at sea with a stunning backdrop that brings people together without needing to plan much else.

What to Expect Onboard Any of Our Seabound Private Parties

One of the most common questions we hear from guests is, “What’s the night actually like?” So, if this is your first time considering a private cruise event, here’s what your group can expect.

You’ll start with round-trip transportation from your Waikiki hotel. Upon arrival, your group is greeted and guided aboard. Once everyone is settled into your private room, drinks are served, and the cruise sets sail. As the ship pulls away from the harbor, meal service commences with appetizers or salads. Views begin to shift. Soon the Aloha Tower and cityscape of Honolulu recedes behind you as you head for the open sea. Watch as the sunset lights up the sky, Diamond Head rises ahead, and the coastline sparkles with velvet green mountains and azure blue seas. Dinner service freshly prepared in our onboard kitchen, continues.

Throughout the evening, entertainment fills your space. Live music, hula, or jazz performances take place right in your room, so you don’t need to move or miss anything. With a dedicated musician and attentive waitstaff, your group can give speeches, share a video, or mingle freely. The evening ends with a delicious dessert and coffee and tea service, followed by a smooth ride back to your hotel.

Let’s Plan Something You’ll Be Proud Of

If you’re starting to picture your event unfolding on the water, with great food, good company, and the ocean all around, we’d love to help bring it to life. Our group private dinner packages are a great place to start if you’re looking for something that’s already thoughtfully put together, with dinner, drinks, entertainment, and transportation included.

If you have a specific vision in mind or want to add personal touches, you can also request a custom quote and tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll work with you to create something that fits your style and simplify the planning process. If you have questions, contact us. Either way, we’re here to help you make it feel effortless — and truly special.