Maui sunsets are as exceptional as the rumors suggest, ranging in colors from whisper pink to fiery red and reminding all who witness them that nature’s shows are the best. Savoring them from the island’s shores is a highlight for kama’aina and visitors alike, but watching them from the stern of a boat? Now that’s another story.
Sunset cruises go down as one of the most popular activities on Maui for a reason: They provide beauty and romance in equal measure, as well as an ambiance seldom found on terra firma.
Here are the top 5 dusk-on-deck affairs—and why you should book a spot on one of them.
They don’t call it grand for nothing: The Grand Wailea—a Waldorf Astoria Resort on the south shore of Maui—has it all: beauty and romance, leisure and play, elegance and authenticity, glee and tranquility.
So spectacular is this spot, in fact, that U.S. News & World Report named it one of the top ten luxury resorts on the Valley Isle, while it caters to more than half a million visitors annually.
Planning to count yourself as one of them? Whether you’re on your way there or are dreaming up the vacation of a lifetime, here are 10 things you should know about the Grand Wailea before arriving:
Dream of Hawaii and you might immediately think of stretches of golden sand studded with palm trees.
While this may be an accurate vision of the islands’ sublime shores, few realize that Hawaii is also home to a rainbow of vibrant-hued beaches. Plan to be dazzled by these surreal spots:
Green Sand Beaches
Papakolea Beach—a cove tucked into pastureland on the Big Island’s southernmost tip—is world-renowned for a reason: it’s one of four beaches on the planet that possesses green sand, sharing the distinction only with Norway, Guam and the Galapagos Islands.
What changes can you expect at Maui luaus in our new world? Who’s reopened and which luaus are worth it?
Most luaus across the Hawaiian Islands have reopened with new protocols and pricing. We’re in close contact with every luau and will keep you updated here.
Marriott Luau (Te Au Moana) – WIDE OPEN! This and Sheraton are your best bets to get seats over the next few months. They will sell out QUICK! Preferred Ohana Seating is now available for Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 4:30pm for July and August.With distancing and fewer tables, they’re only selling the premium seats at $225 and $155 for children (5 and under are free.) This will sell out quickly, so if you’re looking to book a luau in that time period, do it now!
Sheraton Luau (Maui Nui Luau) – WIDE OPEN! Now booking for July and August. Mondays and Wednesdays only with additional shows to be added as demand warrants. Like all luaus, family seating (private table) and half the tables necessitates their raising the price to $180 per adult (ages 13+) and $105 per child (ages 6-12) and toddlers 0-5 are free.
Andaz Luau (The Feast at Mokapu) – OPEN NOW WITH AVAILABILITY! Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30-8pm. Due to their having to distance tables, fewer tables are available. Thus there’s a price increase for classic seating from $240 adults ($120 children) to the new pricing of $240 adults ($120 children.) Premium seating is now $300 for adults and $150 for children. This is still our personal favorite. The food is INCREDIBLE! Everything is top-notch.
Grand Wailea Luau (‘Aha’aina Wailea Luau) – OPEN NOW BUT SOLD OUT TILL MID-JULY! Reservations are being taken for every evening (with the exception of most Sundays and Wednesdays). We went last month and it was fantastic. We didn’t know what it would be like, with new COVID protocals, but it was even better than before due to their being less than 1/2 the guests there and table service. All the changes they made were for the better. See the video Maui Guide did below. Due to the low capacity and private tables, only premium tickets are available at $225 for adults and $95 for children 12 and under. There’s also an Ultra Premium tickets for $275 for adults and $140 for children.
Royal Lahaina Luau (Myths of Maui Luau) – OPEN NOW BUT SOLD OUT TILL MID-JULY! and the Myths of Maui luau is being held daily. Standard tickets are $125, children 6-12 are $55, and 5 and under are free. VIP tickets are $175/adult, $105/children, and $50/children 5 and under. No “show only” tickets will be available in the foreseeable future.
Feast At Lele – SOLD OUT TILL MID-AUGUST! Open 5 days a week. Adult tickets go for $155.21 and children ages 2-12 years old go for $98.96.
Old Lahaina Luau – SOLD OUT TILL END-OF-AUGUST! Table and Chair seating is available online at $145.83 for adults, $83.33 for children 3-12. For Traditional Seating, there are a few days available in March and mid-April onwards (for the time being.)
Hyatt Luau (Drums of the Pacific) – SOLD OUT TILL AUGUST! Taking reservations every evening except for Thursdays. Standard table for two is $395 and $100 per additional adult and $50 for additional children 4-12. VIP is $495 for a table of two and $100 for each additional adult and $50 for each additional child 4-12.
A serpentine route that parallels one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Waterfalls galore. Plunging freshwater pools. Beaches comprised of black sand, gray sand, white sand, and even red. Tropical rainforests; radical seascapes.
Is it any wonder why the Road to Hana is considered a leading attraction not just on Maui but also on Earth?
Not at all. And yet, for those who choose to eschew a self-driven exploration of Maui’s remote eastern coast, the question becomes which tour they should select. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together our top 5 picks for the best Road to Hana tours—and given you a rundown of each option.
Sunset cruises go down as one of the most popular activities on Maui for a reason: They provide beauty and romance in equal measure, as well as an ambiance seldom found on terra firma.
They don’t call it grand for nothing: The Grand Wailea—a Waldorf Astoria Resort on the south shore of Maui—has it all: beauty and romance, leisure and play, elegance and authenticity, glee and tranquility.
