Maui Whale Watch Cruises
Whale season lasts from approximately December 15th to May 18th every year. These massive humpbacks travel down the globe from Alaska to give birth and to mate with other whales. Some believe that if it weren’t for the lack of food for them, the whales would live around Maui year round. Watching them interact on the surface is an unforgettable experience and much easier than you’d think. Every boat out for a joy cruise will be looking for whales, though the must stay at a safe distance. If the whales come with in 100 yards of your boat, the engine must be stopped in order to keep from harming the humpbacks. The chances of having whales right up to the boat or even underneath it are very good. This makes for an exciting Maui whale watch. Some of the rafting excursions are great for this because you’ll be lower to the water and right next to them. Some boats have glass bottoms, and others also have microphones that can pick up the sounds of these massive leviathans as they sing.
The best priced boat trip to go whale watching is on the Frogman II. This Maui catamaran is captained by knowledgeable whale experts of whom will guarantee you see whales. To book the best priced catamaran to go whale watching, book the Frogman II.
Sunset Live Music Cruise
Its 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. Thats when it happens, a whale breaches the water on the horizon as the sun goes down. Thats 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 Kaanapali Beach between Lelanis and Hula Grill at The Whalers Villiage Shopping Center.
- One of the biggest draws of this cruise is that it departs from Kaanapali Beach, quite convenient for those staying in West Maui.
- This is a gliding partyif you willcomplete 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 cruiseas well as the others listed heremight see a Humpback Whale or two. We did say Maui is no ka oi, didnt we?
The 5 Best Maui Sunset Dinner Cruises
Have you ever seen a sunset over the water? Natures brushstrokes across the sky, a thousand hues of red and orange uninterrupted by any obstacles. Its an amazing sight best observed from a boat, and now you can experience it for yourself by going on a Maui sunset dinner cruise.
Some Maui sunset trips are packed with great features, such as delicious local food and beverages, live music, stunning scenery, and whales during the winter months.
Ive identified 5 top-rated Maui sunset cruises that I believe youll really enjoy. Why not read through my reviews and see which one appeals to you? Also see our Maui Travel Guide.
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The Best Sunset Cruise On Maui
We love Hula Girl! We have been on many other boats, but the Hula Girl, by far has the best crew and the best food, and a very spacious boat! Whatever you choose to do here, you will enjoy! Also, I found their prices to be better for the value received!
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We were part of a group of 40+ friends and co-workers out for the whale watch/snorkel package. Everyone on board was extremely accommodating, patient, knowledgeable and great personalities. Anything our group needed was attended to in a timely manner. The food was truly restaurant quality with a variety that should satisfy any taste. Great boat, great crew, great time! You won’t regret it!
We made reservations for the Hula Girl Catamaran Dinner Cruise in front of the Lelani’s Restaurant in Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali, Hawaii. We boarded the catamaran in front of Restaurant and walked a short distance from the shore. The crew were outstanding and we cruised up the Maui Coast towards Kapalua. We enjoyed Cocktails, Mai Tai’s and a delicious dinner prepared on the catamaran by the crew. The 2 hour sunset Cruise was a true delight. Would highly recommend this fun casual dinner, reasonably priced $68.00 per person!
A fantastic afternoon of snorkeling, whale watching, and cruising on the boat. Highly recommended for an afternoon
Great boat. Not too many people on board. Great food and drinks . Saw loads of whales. Good staff. High quality trip!
Top Sunset Cruises On Maui
Its an itinerary must-do whether you are a first-time visitor to this verdant island, or a frequent flyer. Not only will you be out in the elements, as in warm ocean breeze, but most operations offer tasty pupus , beer, wine and cocktails. Some, even bring along a live musician.
Go to our shop page for reef-safe sunscreens, small daypacks for hikes and other essentials.
Feature Image: Courtesy of Kai Kanani
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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 natures shows are the best. Savoring them from the islands shores is a highlight for kamaaina and visitors alike, but watching them from the stern of a boat? Now thats 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 affairsand why you should book a spot on one of them.
| TOUR |
Reasons To Go On The Adventure Sunset Sail
Youll set sail from a south Maui beach, meaning you wont have to drive far before or after your sail. Youll be welcomed on board by a friendly and helpful crew who are there to help you enjoy the evening. During the 2 hour sail, youll have plenty of food three-course appetizers as well as an open bar. An open bar full of local spirits such as Ocean Vodka and Kula Rum, as well as wine from Ulupalakuas MauiWine. At sunset, we pour the award-winning Lokelani Sparkling Rosé for a sunset toast. The food served on board is from The Market in Wailea, so you know itll be excellent. View the sunset as you cruise and enjoy a sparkling rose toast as the sun goes down.
Kai Kanani leaves from Maluaka Beach for boat loading, which can be a challenge for some people. During beach loading, you will have to wade into the ocean to reach the stairs of the boat so do plan on getting wet. But that beach loading location is very convenient for anyone staying in South Maui. Rather than drive 30 minutes up to Maalea Harbor, you can set sail closer to your hotel or vacation rental.
Departs from Maluaka Beach
Departs from Maluaka Beach, a gorgeous and secluded beach in Makena, a few minutes south of the Wailea resorts.
Transport Available
Kai Kanani offers shuttle service from Wailea Resorts to and from our check-in location at Maluaka Beach.
Beach Loading Adventure
Let the professional crew of the Kai Kanani II assist you in a safe, wet, and fun beach loading.
2-Hour Sail
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Choosing Your Departure Destination
Sunset sails typically depart from West or South Maui. Remember, they do get back after dark, so consider a departure point close to your accommodation.
Cruises leave from either the beach or the harbor. For a beach departure, the boat pulls up onto the sand, so expect to get your feet wet. If you want to stay dry, look for a harbor departure.
Maui Sunset & Cocktail Cruises
Most sunset cruises are cocktail cruises. You’ll find these are similar to the Maui sunset dinner cruises, but often on smaller boats. They usually offer pupus and a bar of tropical cocktails like mai tais and pina coladas as well as beer and wine. These boat trips are wonderful for couples as well as families with kids. The sailing cruises are fun too. You’ll usually find wind in the afternoon on Maui. This is great for sailing and the warm breezes feel great after a couple drinks. Sunset and Maui cocktail cruises are usually cheaper than the dinner cruise because of the food cost and the smaller boats. But the difference in price is really insignificant.
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Adventure Sunset Sail From Wailea
A Beautiful Sunset, Delivered Monday Through FridayWant a memorable way to end your day on Maui? The Kai Kanani adventure sunset sail is a perfect option. Hop aboard their 65-foot catamaran to enjoy views of the beautiful Maui coastline, wonderful food and drink onboard, live music, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. As the sun sets, cap off the night with a sparkling wine toast.We value our exclusive partnership with the Kai Kanani ohana, book directly with them here.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Activity Overview
- Departs From: Maui Kihei/Wailea
- Duration: 2-hours
- Included in the price: Three Course Appetizers, plated and served, and Open Bar, Lokelani Sparkling Rosé toast at sunset
Find the date and time thats right for you
Enjoy The Beautiful Maui Sunset With One Of These Dinner Cruises
Maui is one of the best places if youre looking to really relax and enjoy life. One of the most enjoyable activities one can do on Maui is take advantage of one of their beautiful sunset dinner cruises!
Youll get to take in the stunning citrus colors of the sunset, reflected on the crystalline waters with a delicious drink in your hand.
Lets go ahead and cover the best sunset dinner cruises Maui has to offer, so you can plan ahead! Be sure to see our reviews of Maui snorkeling tours and Maui whale watching tours.
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What Is A Maui Sunset Sail
The golden sunset is an icon of Maui, with amateur and professional photographers seeking out the best place to capture it.
A Maui sunset sail offers you one of the most exceptional views you can ask for.
Departing in the late afternoon, a sunset sail tours the coastline as the sun sinks down the sky, before returning to land after dark. Romantic, atmospheric, and completely unforgettable.
Maui Sunset Cruise: Your Insider’s Guide To Choosing Right
This page may contain compensated affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Should you go on a Maui sunset cruise? Is it worth the money? How do you pick one? The insider’s guide tells all…
For what it’s worth, we weren’t sure if a Maui cocktail cruise would be for us either. But we needed to relax after a few jam-packed days of sightseeing and decided to give it a try
And…we were SO glad that we did!
Sure, it was touristy, as expected. But it was also romantic and wonderfully relaxing!
In a rush? Book it now!
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Sunset Dinner Cruise From Lahaina
Unwind after a day of exploring Maui on a sunset cruise with a 4-course dinner. Enjoy delicious cuisine and included Mai Tais and other beverages against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding islands of Lanai and Molokai. With a limited number of guests aboard, this makes for the ideal romantic experience. Includes: four courses, three alcoholic drinks, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages Select the premium option to guarantee a private table and blended tropical drinks Plenty of outdoor seating: Skip the crowded boat tours
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Dinner Cruise Or Cocktail Cruise
Toasting the sunset with a cocktail or glass of wine is fairly standard on most Maui sunset sails, but there are a few options to choose from. Most sunset sails operate either as a dinner cruise or a cocktail cruise.
Dinner cruises treat you to the full meal. Diners pick from a limited menu, and food is served to the table. An open bar is generally included. Dinner cruises are typically the more expensive option.
A cocktail cruise might not serve a full meal, but you do have access to well stocked bars. And most sails have appetizers and pupus on hand to soak up the booze. Cocktail cruises are better if youre on a tighter budget.
Cruise companies will add their own twist to make their tour stand out. Look for live music, dancing, and even cultural talks as additions to the standard sunset sail.
Top Maui Sunset Dinner Cruises
| Maui Deluxe Sunset Sail from Lahaina | Departure: Lahaina Harbor public loading dock in front of Pioneer Inn Duration: 2.5 hours |
| Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise from Maalaea Harbor | Departure: Maalaea Harbor, Slip #82, South Ferry Loading DockDuration: 2.5 hours |
| Maui Sunset Sailing Cruise with Champagne from Lahaina | Departure: Lahaina Harbor public loading dockDuration: 2 hours |
| Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise from Lahaina Harbor | Departure: Main loading dock at Lahaina harborDuration: 2 hours Includes: Dinner cruise, 3-course meal, 2 alcoholic drinks, soda, on-board restroom, experienced captain and crew, tableside service |
Now lets take a closer look at the Maui dinner cruises so you can find the right one for you!
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Premium Sunset Cocktail Cruise
Caprese skewers with tomato and mozzarella
Champagne toast and chocolate covered strawberries at sunset
All of our trips include a full open bar for guests that are 21+ years of age with proper ID.
We offer 2 local beers, white wine, champagne, bourbon, light rum, dark rum and vodka. We can create many different cocktails such as Maitais, Maui Mules, etc.
Our non-alcoholic beverages include soft drinks, lemonade, passion orange guava juice, cranberry juice, and water.
Harbor Vs Beach Departure
If you ask me, the beach departure has a certain something special to it – it’s all rather magnificent really, seeing the boat pull up right onto the sand, the sun casting a warm glow over everything, and walking barefoot in the surf to climb aboard.And it’s sometimes doable even as a spur-of-the-moment thing. If you happen to be at the right place on Kaanapali Beach at sunset, you may be asked if you’d like to buy a ticket right then and there!So definitely consider that option.
But if getting your feet wet doesn’t appeal to you, then by all means, take a tour that departs from a harbor.
If I were you, and wanted a harbor departure, I’d narrow down the choices and pick a cruise that departs from the harbor closest to where you are staying the night. That way, you won’t have an unnecessarily long drive home when the cruise is over. There are so many choices, that narrowing things down this way will not mean compromising quality.
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Best Maui Sunset Cruise
There’s a million and one cruises to choose from, and my eyes are glazed over from reading all the blurbs. I am traveling solo , so I’m not looking for a ‘romantic’ evening with dancing, for example. But I want unsurpassed views and service, and drinks that aren’t completely watered down. No dietary or mobility restrictions. I’m staying at the Marriott on Ka’anapli. What are your favorites, and why? Thanks for your guidance!
17 replies to this topic
I just did the Trilogy Sunset cruise out of Ma’alea as a solo 55 YO female and had a great time. Decent food, good drinks, great views, and had multiple really fabulous conversations with captain and crew. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I am familiar with Trilogy – I did a snorkel tour with them many years ago. Thanks for your input, I’ll check it out.
Please don’t take one from Maalaea if you plan to drink.
I think Hula Girl is better.
We have , over the past 25 years, enjoyed Teralani, which boards from the sand right by Whalers Village, as do several other boats. This past year, however, knee issues kept us from doing that, so we went to Lahaina Town where we could board Trilogy from the pier. Just saying in case that might sway your pick.
We have been going on Hula Girl for 10 years. It’s always been great.
Cindy, if you are replying to a post, you’ll need to indicate which one–either by name or number. The useless “reply” button puts all replies at the bottom of the thread, no matter where you click.