Top 5 Maui Sunset Cruises

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 kamaʻaina and visitors alike, but watching them from the stern of a boat? Now that’s another story. Here are the top Maui sunset cruises.

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.

 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Maalaea Harbor serves as the point of departure for this two-hour trip around the Pacific, where guests are treated to a number of sensory pleasures. Enjoy your choice of delectable rosemary garlic roasted prime rib or locally caught island fish as you watch the sun slip behind the horizon. Vegetarian options are available and they can accommodate most food allergies. Add an open bar, complete with local beer and Maitais, and you’re in for a night you won’t soon forget.

Know Before You Go:

• Vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free? Not to distress: Just call ahead of time to hear about your dining options.
• Bring a light jacket (or, ladies, a pareo to wrap around your shoulders): Evenings by the ocean tend to be chilly.
• Keen on learning more about Maui and its marine life? Then this is the cruise for you: A Certified Marine Naturalist is always on board—and they’re always happy to answer your questions.
• Check-in is located at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in the Maalaea Harbor Shops.

Adventure Sunset Sail

There are few beaches as glorious as Makena’s Maluaka—and only commercial vessel that departs from it. That catamaran—the luxe Kai Kanani—not only hosts excellent snorkeling trips but also splendid sails, taking guests out into the sea to witness a sunset with the volcanic caldera Molokini in the distance. Kai Kanani has been building its stellar reputation for three decades, and such perseverance—and such a love for island culture—is apparent in the cruise’s details: The crew is knowledgeable and friendly, the spirits are from Maui wineries, breweries, and distilleries, most of the organic fare is locally-sourced, and the live ukulele music is performed by the acclaimed Dwight Quenga. With eats ranging from seared ahi to charcuterie—and a captain that knows how to tell a fine joke—their Adventure Sunset Sail is one for the record books.

Know Before You Go:

• Staying in Wailea? No need to stress about driving or taking Uber: The Kai Kanani offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the enclave’s resorts.
• Vegetarian options are available, including chickpea salad, hummus with crudité, a garden salad, and more.
• While it may be a sunset dinner cruise, the Kai Kanani recommends donning swimwear underneath for boarding and disembarking the boat.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Prefer to have your dining experience on land? Then this is the sunset cruise for you. Launching from Maʻalaea Harbor aboard PacWhale’s this two-hour voyage includes first-rate pupu (or appetizers) and superb drinks (to say nothing of the epic views). And what appetizers they are: Furikaki crusted ahi crostini and bbq kalua pork quesadillas are just two examples from this well-chosen menu. Certified Marine Naturalists will join you on board to give you info on Maui’s history, culture, and environment, while chill, island-style music will enhance the serenity of the whole experience.

Know Before You Go:

• Traveling with your littles? Children 4 and under are free.
• This cruise sets sail Friday & Sunday at 4:30, but guests are expected to check in 45 minutes before departure. In other words, make sure you’re in historic Lahaina town in advance: Traffic on the Pali can be jammed.
• Check-in is located at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, Maʻalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center.

‘Alihilani Sunset Sail

‘Alihilani translates to “where the heavenly horizon meets the sea”—which is no better way to describe a sunset on Maui. The newest catamaran in Sail Maui’s fleet—a sleek, 65’ catamaran complete with trampolines for lounging—is an ideal vessel on which to watch one. As the sun goes down, Sail Maui’s affable staff will treat you to a selection of drinks (champagne, Mai Tais, wine, and locally brewed beer) and an array of hot and cold eats. With panoramic views and guests limited to 49 passengers (read: a lovely, intimate experience), the ‘Alihilani Sunset Sail underscores why Sail Maui has consistently received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Having serviced visitors and residents for over 25 years, the company has its excursions down pat, giving you, well, a heavenly experience.

Know Before You Go:

• While Sail Maui provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options through their catering services, those who have severe nut allergies or celiac disease should be aware that they cannot guarantee there has been no cross-contamination.
• As with most cruises, Sail Maui suggests bringing a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and a light jacket.
• Due to the Maui fires, this excursion is taking bookings starting in December, but the location of check-in has not been determined yet. 

Sunset Live Music Cruise

It’s understood that cocktails and sunset go hand-in-hand.  Sitting down to a beautiful sunset on the beach with a fresh drink is a moment we forever chase. Add a boat and some live music to the equation, and we are really talking! Glide out onto the water, cocktail in hand, and relax while taking in a beautiful Maui sunset.  Let the live music soothe your soul as you consider if life can get any better than this moment.  That’s when it happens, a whale breaches the water on the horizon as the sun goes down.  That’s right, an added bonus to this cruise is from December 15 to April 15, there is a high probability that you will see whales along your journey, rounding out your perfect Maui moment.

Know Before You Go:

• Check-in is located on Kaʻanapali Beach between Lelani’s and Hula Grill at The Whaler’s Villiage Shopping Center.
• One of the biggest draws of this cruise is that it departs from Ka’anapali Beach, quite convenient for those staying in West Maui.
• This is a gliding party—if you will—complete with an open bar, appetizers, and local musicians.
• Traveling during the winter months? Keep your eyes on the water: Guests of this sunset live music cruise—as well as the others listed here—might see a Humpback Whale or two. We did say Maui is no ka oi, didn’t we?

Still can’t decide?

Get more in-depth information as well as even more options for your Maui sunset cruise.