Part of the Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific, the beautiful island of Maui has jaw-dropping views every which way you turn, with pleasure boats occupied by relaxed-looking passengers soaking up their surroundings a regular presence.
(Photo: Sea Maui / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the idyllic waters around Maui is on an organised cruise, most of which depart from either Lahaina or Maalaea Harbors. You can also head to Kaanapali Beach where boats pull up right onto the sand before you walk barefoot into the sea to climb aboard. Or for a truly unique experience, there’s also the chance to enjoy dinner and sunset cruises off the coast of Maui – and here are five of the best.
Kaanapali: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Drinks
Sink back and observe a famous Hawaii sunset while sailing along the Hawaiian archipelago. The 2.5-hour tour starts at Kaanapali Beach, behind the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center, and as you cruise across the water and enjoy the views as a troupe of local performers known as “Sunset Live”, play traditional, contemporary, and reggae cover versions of popular songs. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the views out of the boat’s large windows. The tour also features an all-inclusive premium bar and appetisers. From $142 per person.
From Ma’alaea: Maui Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks
(Photo: Sea Maui / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Maui sunsets are renowned for being some of the most beautiful in the region and this 2-hour cruise combines witnessing the magical disappearance of the sun below the horizon with the chance to observe humpback whales journeying south from Alaska – all while enjoying complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Your three-deck catamaran will embark from Ma’alaea Harbor, with the whale-spotting opportunities starting almost straight away. The boat will make the occasional stop so you can venture down to the underwater viewing room and get up close and personal with any whales in the vicinity. Then as sunset begins, you can head back to the first or second decks where there are spacious cabins with tinted windows from which to take in the views of the vanishing sun. From $102 per person.
From Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver
Another sunset dinner cruise option, this intimate excursion aboard the Quicksilver catamaran sets off from Ma’alaea Harbor, before departing for a magical 2 hours at sea. Over the duration of the trip, there’ll be a 3-course dinner featuring a diverse menu of local delicacies and dishes, traditional island-style music performed live by a local musician, and the opportunity to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat (depending on the season). The tour price also included two complimentary alcoholic drinks. From $111 per person.
South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise
(Photo: Calypso Molokini Charters / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
This sunset dinner cruise allows you to sample some mouth-watering food, watch a stunning Maui sunset and generally let your hair down aboard this fun-packed catamaran. You’ll cruise by the Na Pali coast, and take in views of the golden, pink skies during sunset as you feast on a delectable dinner, featuring a wide range of dishes and desserts, including lobster and roasted prime rib, Mahi Mahi (dolphinfish), plus vegetarian options too. After dinner, the live music will kick in and you’ll also be entitled to two complimentary drinks from the fully stocked bar. From $139 per person.
Sunset Dinner Sail with Open Bar and Appetizers
Pick from an enticing choice of vodka, rum, hand-crafted beer, wine or champagne from the on-board open bar during this fun-filled 2-hour cruise aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran that departs from Ka’anapali Beach. Along the way, you’ll get to marvel at the majestic beauty of the West Maui Mountains and nearby islands, while standing out on the deck, or ensconced in your vessel’s sumptuous seating, if you prefer. As well as the complimentary drinks, there’ll also be a wide selection of appetizers to savour and help line the stomach. From $148 per person.