Sunset tastes better with a fine cigar nearby. This Hawi-area experience pairs premium tobacco (or your own) with local liquor, then adds high-elevation Pacific views over Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Hualalai. I also like the way it works in two meaningful stops, including Mo’okini Heiau, for context around Kokoiki and King Kamehameha’s birthplace. One consideration: this is a smoking-focused evening, so if smoke bothers you, you’ll probably want to skip it.

What makes it feel special is the pace. You’re not stuck in a bus-to-a-viewpoint flow. You’re treated like someone who wants a calm sunset, good conversation, and enough time to actually watch the sky change.

Key moments you’ll care about

• Puʻu Kehoni deck views toward Maui, Lanai, Kaho’olawe, and Hualalai
• Liquor is included with your cigar (and the host does not sell alcohol)
• Bring your own cigars or choose from a selection, including rare “unicorn” cigars
• Two stops with meaning, including Mo’okini Heiau and Upolu Point
• Small group size (max 12) for an easier, more personal feel
• A real wind-and-breeze environment where weather can change fast

Arriving at Puʻu Kehoni: the rustic lounge, the ocean air, and the two-step start

The action starts around 4:30 pm at 56-3029 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea. From there, you head toward Puʻu Kehoni, a spot that feels a bit off the grid. That matters, because it helps the evening feel more private and less like you’re passing through a crowded attraction.

Once you’re there, you’ll find a smoking lounge set up for comfort and conversation. The vibe is authentic and a little rustic: not polished-tourist perfect, but genuinely relaxed. You’ll be sitting high above the ocean, and that ocean air comes with a constant mix of breeze and sea scent. It’s the kind of setting where the minutes slow down without you forcing it.

Two practical notes: the experience requires ascending two steps, so go in with that in mind. And service animals are allowed, which is helpful for travelers who need that support.

Also, there’s a real chance you’ll meet Buddy, the friendly Pomeranian. If you’d rather not have a dog join the moment, you’ll want to make that clear ahead of time.

Cigar choice and liquor pairings: how the $49 value works in real life

At $49 per person for roughly 2 hours, the big value lever is what’s included. You get liquor to enjoy with your cigar. That turns the evening from a simple viewing stop into a pairing experience, with local spirits that fit the tobacco vibe.

A few ways this plays out:

• You can bring your own cigars, if you already have favorites from home or duty-free.
• You can also choose from the host’s selection, including premium and rare “unicorn” cigars—good news if you like the idea of trying something you wouldn’t normally find.
• If you’re new to cigars, you’re not expected to know everything. The host is set up to help you pick in a way that still feels fun and not intimidating.

One more important detail: the host doesn’t sell alcohol, but you can enjoy the local liquors provided with your cigar. If you want to bring your own extra alcohol, that’s your option—just don’t expect a bar menu. This is less about shopping and more about settling in.

If you’re trying to decide whether this is worth it, think about the included pairing plus the guided context. Add up what you’d spend on a drink elsewhere, and what you’d pay for a private sunset moment with meaningful stops—and the price suddenly looks a lot more reasonable.

Stop 1 at Mo’okini Heiau: Kokoiki and Kamehameha’s birthplace context

The first stop is Mo’okini Heiau. Even if you’re not a history person, this part gives the evening weight. You’re in a historic area that overlooks Kokoiki, described as the birthplace of King Kamehameha. That detail changes how you experience the view. It stops being just scenic and becomes something closer to a living landscape of place and memory.

What you can expect here is less of a museum-style lecture and more of a meaningful pause. You’ll likely get conversation that connects what you’re seeing with why the spot matters. The Heiau setting also slows the mood down before you move into the cigar-and-sunset phase.

A small consideration: Heiau and sacred sites deserve a respectful tone. Keep your voice steady, follow the host’s lead, and be mindful that this is not just a photo break. If you treat it like that, you’ll feel the difference instantly.

Stop 2 at Upolu Point: timing the sunset and catching the ocean show

The second stop is Upolu Point. This is where the evening turns into pure sensory reward. Think ocean views, the horizon line, and the sun doing its final color changes.

From the way the experience is set up, Upolu Point is meant to be enjoyed slowly. This isn’t “you get 8 minutes, take your picture, move on.” Instead, you settle in and let the scene unfold—waves, light shifts, and the feeling of being far enough out that the world quiets down.

If weather cooperates, you may also catch more than sunset. People talk about seeing stars and the Milky Way as twilight deepens, with the ocean and wind sounds staying constant. That’s one reason the timing matters. A 4:30 pm start gives you enough daylight to enjoy the full arc: sun-to-twilight-to-starlight.

One more reality check: weather on the Big Island can turn quickly. The host cancels if storms are expected, and if a storm catches you, you’ll enjoy the raw power from the lounge. That’s not a “bad weather surprise” so much as a reminder that you’re living outdoors, not inside a controlled venue.

The 2-hour flow: how the evening stays calm (and not rushed)

This experience runs about 2 hours, and the rhythm is simple: meet, head to the first meaningful stop, move into the best sunset viewing area, and return to the meeting point.

What I like about a format like this is how it avoids the two common sunset problems:

1. You spend half your time driving and searching.
2. You arrive when the sun is already almost gone.

Here, the start time is early enough to matter, and the total duration is short enough to feel focused. You’ll be able to taste, sip, talk, and watch without needing a full day.

One practical prep tip: go in ready to enjoy the breeze. Even if the day is warm, that coastal air can feel cooler once the sun drops. Bring something light you can layer. And if you’re sensitive to smoke, plan accordingly, because cigar lounges are still smoke environments.

Group size and conversation: why small matters on a sunset cigar night

There’s a limit of 12 travelers. That number matters more than it sounds. Smaller groups mean less waiting, more chances to talk, and a better pace around cigar selection and pairings.

It also makes the host’s role feel natural. The evening isn’t just “hand over a cigar.” It’s conversation plus context. Expect friendliness, plus stories and guidance that fit the setting—especially around cigars and local spirits.

This is the kind of experience where the host can tailor things for a range of experience levels. If you’re a cigar regular, you’ll likely appreciate the attention to choice and taste. If you’re brand new, the experience feels more like a guided intro than a test.

What to bring (and what to skip)

You don’t need to pack for a hiking expedition, but you should plan for an outdoor evening with smoke and wind. Here’s what’s worth thinking about based on what the experience is designed to deliver:

Bring:

• Your preferred cigar choice if you want to bring your own
• A light layer for evening air
• A calm attitude for a slower, conversation-led sunset

Skip (or at least rethink):

• The expectation of a smoke-free environment
• Assuming there will be a full alcohol bar, since the host does not sell alcohol
• Relying on transportation being included, because getting there is on you

If you’re going with a mixed group—someone who doesn’t smoke, for example—this can still work as long as expectations match. The point is the cigar-and-sunset moment, but the setting and stars are part of the draw too.

Price and logistics: the real cost equation for your sunset

The price is $49 per person with liquor included to enjoy with your cigar, and the experience lasts about 2 hours. That’s the headline. The real question is how the extras affect your total cost.

Transportation isn’t included. So if you can’t easily get yourself to the Waimea meeting point and back, the net value drops. If you’re already staying nearby or you’re comfortable with local rides, the experience becomes much easier to justify.

Also factor in that you’re paying for:

• A high-view sunset spot
• Two meaningful stops, including Mo’okini Heiau
• A small group size
• An included pairing

For a lot of people, that combo is the difference between “nice sunset” and “I remember this one.”

Should you book Enjoy Sunset with a Fine Cigar in Hawi?

Book it if you want a calm, small-group sunset with serious ocean views, cigar guidance, and included local liquor pairing. It’s also a good fit if you like cultural context and you’re the type who appreciates a thoughtful pause before the main event.

Skip it if you’re smoke-averse, want a strictly non-smoking activity, or you’re not set up for evening weather changes on the Big Island. Also skip if you don’t want to handle logistics for getting yourself to the meeting point.

If you go in with realistic expectations—smoke, breeze, and a relaxed outdoor pace—you’ll likely leave feeling like you caught a slice of Hawi that most people never plan for.

FAQ

How long is the cigar sunset experience?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What time does it start?

The start time is 4:30 pm.

What does the $49 per person price include?

Liquor to enjoy with your cigar is included.

Can I bring my own cigars?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own cigars, or choose from the host’s selection.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

The host does not sell alcohol, but you can bring your own alcohol (BYOB).

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 56-3029 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA.

Is it a small group experience?

Yes. The maximum group size is 12.

Is the experience accessible?

It requires ascending two steps. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. The host cancels if storms are expected, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.