Have you ever seen a sunset over the water? Nature’s brushstrokes across the sky, a thousand hues of red and orange uninterrupted by any obstacles. It’s 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.

I’ve identified 7 top-rated Maui sunset cruises that I believe you’ll really enjoy. Why not read through my reviews and see which one appeals to you? Also see our Maui Travel Guide.

Be sure to see our reviews of Maui Snorkeling Tours, Helicopter Rides and Whale Watching Tours.

Best Sunset Dinner Cruises in Maui

	From Ma'alaea: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver	South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise	South Maui: Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner and Drinks
Departure:	300 Maalaea Rd Building 2, Shop #2N, Wailuku	101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793	300 Maalaea Rd Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793
Start:	5:00 PM	5:00 PM	5:00 PM
Duration:	2 hours	2 hours	2.5 hours
Includes:	3-course meal, 2 alcoholic beverages ($5.00 each thereafter), Unlimited soda, juice, and water & Island-style music	2-hour cruise aboard an ultralight catamaran, dinner, beverages, Live music, 2 alcoholic beverages and light appetizers	2.5 hour catamaran cruise off the west coast of Maui, 4-course dinner, Unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water & 3 complimentary alcoholic beverages
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

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Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Maui Sunset & Dinner Cruises For 2024

1. Maui: Sunset Dinner Cruise In Ka’anapali
2. Maui: 2-Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise From Lahaina
3. Maui: Breathtaking Sunset Cruise In Ka’anapali
4. Maui: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Drinks
5. Maui: Sunset Sailing Cruise With Champagne From Lahaina
6. Kaanapali: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise With Drinks
7. Maui: Ka’anapali Luxury Sunset Dinner Sail

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Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise Reviews

1. From Ma’alaea: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

When you think about a vacation in Hawaii, you probably imagine some version of relaxing on a white sand beach with calm Island music surrounding you, and vivid blue waters as far as the eye can see.

What if I told you you could have even better views on the From Ma’alaea: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver tour? This 2-hour experience allows you to fully enjoy the orange Dreamsicle sunset while sipping on exotic cocktails, beer, and wine, along with a hearty, 3-course meal!

Forget going to dinner at a restaurant, when you have everything you need right here – no matter if you’re celebrating something special or just appreciating life!

It’s a great option for friend groups, families, couples, or going it alone. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be well taken care of.

The Quicksilver, double-deck catamaran is very spacious and sturdy, with comfort and convenience in mind. You have the option of enjoying the fresh breeze on the outside deck, or you can sit in the cabin below.

With Island-style music softly playing in the background, it really sets the tone for a 2-hour adventure that feels like something out of a dream. The 3-course dinner was served to us table-side rather than many cruises that only offer buffets.

This offers a more intimate environment perfect for chatting with your party while enjoying dishes like New York-style cheesecake, ribs, penne pasta, fresh Mahi-Mahi in a lemon buttery caper sauce, and much more.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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2. South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise

Set sail into a beautiful Hawaiian sunset with the South Maui: Sunset Prime Rib or Mahi Mahi Dinner Cruise. This 2-hour experience promises not only stunning views but also an unforgettable evening of relaxation and indulgence.

Departing from Ma’alaea Harbor, this cruise offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking panorama of the Pacific Ocean as the sun sets below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

What makes this tour truly memorable is the balance of natural beauty and gourmet dining, along with top-notch service. As you sail across the water, savor a tasty buffet dinner made from only the freshest local ingredients.

Expect succulent grilled meats, flavorful (and interesting) sides, along with delectable desserts—all while surrounded by the serene sounds of the waves and the occasional dolphin playing in the distance.

We were so lucky, we even got to see Humpback Whales! However, we were told they only show up between December through April before heading back down south. The friendly crew enhances the experience with warm hospitality, ensuring that every guest feels welcome.

Whether you’re sipping a tropical cocktail or a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, the atmosphere is both relaxed and celebratory. With a maximum capacity allowing for an intimate setting, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones without the distractions of bigger crowds.

Perfect for couples, families, or friends, this sunset cruise encapsulates the essence of Maui’s effortless charm. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories against the backdrop of one of nature’s most spectacular displays—an experience that you’ll cherish long after the evening ends.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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Other Maui Experiences You May Enjoy:

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3. South Maui: Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner and Drinks

Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the world, known for its golden sands, crystal-clear water, and all kinds of wildlife living below the surface!

The Maui: Breathtaking Sunset Cocktail Cruise in Ka’anapali is a fantastic way to experience all of the tropical natural beauty with delicious drinks and snacks! With an unparalleled vantage point, you’ll witness the gorgeous sunset paint the water and sky with golden lights to create a truly magical sight to behold.

As you board the sleek luxury catamaran, you’re greeted with a warm welcome and an atmosphere of refined relaxation. Enjoy a variety of premium cocktails, expertly-designed by skilled mixologists, alongside tasty appetizers that highlight local flavors.

The attentive crew will make sure your glass is never empty, making the experience feel both a bit “VIP” and indulgent.

What sets this cruise apart is its commitment to luxury and comfort. Spacious seating allows for leisurely conversation and unobstructed views of the coastline, while the gentle sound of waves enhances the serene ambiance.

With a limited number of guests, the cruise maintains an intimate feel, perfect for couples seeking romance or friends looking to unwind.

As the sun sets, enjoy live music that complements the stunning backdrop, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Even better, is if you go between December and April, you may spot the majestic Humpback whales in their natural habitat!

This alone was worth it for me, but I also loved every single aspect of this fun and entertaining cruise!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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5. Maui: 2 Hour Sunset Dinner Sail with Open Bar and Appetizers

This next tour is a wonderful activity to partake in right before you head to a dinner reservation or go out for a night on the town.

The Maui: 2 Hour Sunset Dinner Sail with Open Bar and Appetizers is absolutely worth the price, from great food and cocktails to incredible natural beauty. Checking in right at the center of Ka’anapali Beach, it’s very convenient for everyone in the area and easy to access!

If you’re looking to take postcard-perfect photos or grab some videos, you’ll love the amazing views of West Maui’s mountains, Molokai and Lanai. The Gemini catamaran is one of the favorites I’ve been on, offering a sense of luxury with indoor and outdoor seating, while still being small enough that you feel like you’re a part of your surroundings.

I do think it’s important to mention that we boarded right from the beach and my pants got a bit wet, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on wearing something longer!

The open bar is a highlight of the experience, and aside from their signature “Gemini” Mai Tai, they offer a handcrafted selection of tropical cocktails, wine, and local brews.

Sip on your choice of drink while enjoying delicious appetizers made from fresh, local ingredients and watch as the sky changes colors. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable and offered plenty of fun pieces of knowledge, making this breezy sunset sail an experience I’d recommend to anyone.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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6. Kaanapali: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise With Drinks

If you’d like to gain a whole new perspective on Ka’anapali beach and have a few hours to spare, this next tour is a fantastic choice. The Ka’anapali: Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Drinks tour offers a tasty dinner with some of the best views in the world!

Perfect for a date night, a family outing, or catching up with friends, get ready for fun and relaxation in paradise.

I actually had missed out on whale watching last time I was in Maui as I didn’t come during the right season, but this time I was lucky enough to catch some beautiful Humpback whales!

Of course, this tour isn’t a dedicated whale watching experience, but the fact that it’s a possibility is always exciting! The catamaran’s setup is also perfect for whale watching while still remaining comfortable – unlike many vessels I’ve been on for that dedicated purpose.

I loved being able to feel the warm Hawaiian breeze blow through my hair as we took in the breathtaking views of the water and mountains, sipping on tasty drinks as we cruised along.

The dinner by Chef Jai was also incredible, with plenty of dishes I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to try previous to this tour. Many of them I wouldn’t have ordered on my own accord but ended up loving!

As the sun sets, everyone starts to gather ‘round and admire the way the golden and red electric hues take over the entire scene! This is when we did a special champagne toast, where we gave thanks for life and this amazing experience.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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7. Maui: Sunset Dinner Sail in Ka’anapali

For a quintessential Hawaiian experience, look no further than the Maui: Sunset Dinner Sail in Ka’anapali tour! This cruise offered one of the best experiences I’ve had with any crew, with genuinely kind interactions and attention to detail.

The captain was even thoughtful enough to share the sun on both sides so everyone had a wonderful view of the sunset!

Maui is a ton of fun, but it can actually get a bit hectic – especially when it’s the peak tourist season! This dinner sail was so peaceful and relaxing, it was like hitting the “reset” button, living in the moment and enjoying the magic all around us.

If you’d like to try a wide array of delicious Hawaiian food whipped up by a professional chef with oceanfront views no matter where you are, look no further than this tour!

The state-of-the-art catamaran was super smooth, with enough space for all of us to stretch, walk around, etc. without feeling cramped. It was a bit warm at the beginning of the tour, but once the sun started to go down, it was absolutely perfect.

The breeze, the expansive ocean views, and the mountains in the background made it feel like we’d stepped into a postcard!

The premium drinks were delicious, though the dinner was something else! The buffet-style setup meant that we could enjoy everything at our leisure without feeling rushed or like we missed out.

Whether it’s for a romantic date night or just looking to get away and relax, this is the perfect choice!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

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Maui Travel Guide

• Airports & Entry
• Planning Tips
• Restaurants & Eating Out
• Nightlife & Entertainment
• Getting Around
• Accommodations
• Weather
• Attractions

When Polynesian adventurers found and settled the previously uninhabited island of Maui, they thought they had found Paradise.

You will too! There is so much to see and do on this compact island that you are spoiled for choice. You can go whale watching, climb a volcano, hike through tropical rain forest, and learn how to hula dance from professionals.

Before you go, it is in your interest to fully research the accommodations, transport arrangements, local foods, and attractions to ensure you get the most out of your visit. This guide is designed to help you on your way.

Airports & Entry

Most visitors to Maui arrive on an airplane or a cruise liner. Using either method, you’ll most likely arrive in Kahului.

Kahului is the main settlement on Maui, hosting its commercial shopping centers, light industrial areas, a deep-draft harbor for cruise liners, and Kahului Airport.

Although Maui only boasts a population of 155 thousand, over 5 million passengers pass through Kahului Airport every year. Many flights from the mainland involve a layover in Honolulu, but there are direct flights.

When booking, try to get a direct flight to save time. There is only one terminal building at Kahului, but you can find all the usual amenities on the second floor.

The Visitor Information Office in the central building is open from 7:45am to 9:45pm, and there are information desks throughout the airport. ATMs and internet stations are found throughout the second floor.

The airport shops—a DFS, gift store, jewelers, and newsstand—open at times varying from 6am for the newsstand to 8:45am.

All the shops close around 9pm. While the earliest of the 9 food outlets—Starbucks—opens at 5:30am, they are all closed by 10:30pm.

There are 8 car rental companies operating from the airport, but it’s a good idea to book in advance to save time at the airport and ensure that there’s a vehicle available.

A convenient and affordable shuttle service connects the airport to the main tourist accommodation locations on the island, including Wailea, Napili, Makena, Lahaina, Kihei, Kahana, Ka’anapali, Honokawai, and, of course, Kahului’s commercial center.

The Maui Airport Shuttle Service desk can be found in the Baggage Claim area, and no reservations are required. The desk opens at 5:30am and closes after the last flight arrival of the day.

If you are traveling light, the local public transportation system is an affordable option. Cash fares on the Maui Bus service are $2 per person for a single ride or $4 for a day pass.

Route 35 (Haiku) and Route 40 (Upcountry) operate every 90 minutes from 5:30am and 6:00am to 9:40pm and 10:11pm respectively.

However, the public bus has a strict luggage policy, so only one suitcase or carry-on bag is allowed and must fit on the passenger’s lap or under their seat. So, Maui Bus is only an option if you are a “hand luggage only” kind of flyer.

Taxis pick up from the front of the baggage claim area, but they are expensive. The metered rate is $3:00 per mile. That means it would cost you approximately $65 to Makena, $78 to Lahaina, and $105 to Kapalua.

Cruise ships moor at Pier 1 in Kahului Deep Draft Harbor. Maui Bus operates a service that stops at the harbor, and taxis are an option. It is a 25-minute walk from Pier 1 to the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, Kahului’s main commercial center and transport hub.

Planning Tips

It’s always best to be prepared. Here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your stay on Maui.

Tip #1: If you want to see whales, go in winter

During the summer, humpback whales feed and congregate around Alaska. In winter, they migrate south to mate and calve. From mid-December to mid-April, there are an abundance of whale sightings in Maui.

Between 10 and 12 thousand whales congregate in these tropical waters. Whales are often visible at a distance from the beaches and will circle any small boats that approach their pods. Winter is the best time to whale watch in Maui.

Tip #2: Take your time to appreciate all that Maui has to offer

Perhaps you only want to see the whales or surf in the sunshine, but there’s a lot more to see and do in Maui.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb a volcano, explore inside a lava tube, experience a traditional luau, and visit the historical royal town of Lahaina. See the information on Nightlife and Attractions below.

Tip #3: Book Maui tours in advance, especially during winter

Maui is a popular destination for tourists, so tours quickly sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. You wouldn’t be able to forgive yourself if you went all that way only to miss your opportunity to whale watch because the tours were full.

Since many tours offer free refunds up to 24 hours before the activity begins, you’re not taking a risk if you book before you go. Just check the refund policy of each tour before you book.

Tip #4: Take summer clothes and raincoats

Because Maui is tropical, you need to pack summer clothes. However, don’t forget it also rains a lot on the island. Light raincoats are an excellent idea.

If you intend to see the sunrise or sunset from the top of Haleakalā, you will definitely need a jacket. And if you plan to visit a plush Martini lounge or attend a luau, you should bring something a bit smarter for those special occasions.

Tip #5: Buy traditional local craft souvenirs

If you want to take home something unique, check out the Maui Crafts Guild in Paia, a small settlement a little east of Kahului just off the Hāna Highway.

This store is a member owned and operated cooperative where you will find the actual artists inside the store eager to speak to you about their arts and crafts.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Maui not only has a unique ecosystem with plants not found in the other 49 States, but it also boasts an uninterrupted cultural history.

That means during your stay you have the unique opportunity to taste genuine Polynesian food untainted by European colonial influences.

Because Maui is an island surrounded by abundant marine life, it’s no surprise many restaurants feature seafood on their menus.

A popular dish is Opakapaka, which is crimson snapper either steamed, baked or grilled. Monchong is a deep-water fish marinaded and grilled.

Raw tuna is a favorite with the locals and is found in traditional foods like Poke. Poke is like Japanese Sashimi but with the raw fish served in hearty chunks rather than thin slices.

Something unique to the Hawaiian Islands is luau food cooked in an earth oven called an imu. A tasty example of luau food is Laulau, made with pork, chicken, or fish.

The selected meat is wrapped in taro leaves and then cooked inside the imu for hours until it grows soft with a smoky taste. Delicious!

While many North Americans might consider either bread or potato to be their staple food during meals, on Maui taro is the staple root crop.

Taro is most often consumed as Poi, a thick paste that is either baked or steamed. Poi is slightly sour due to fermentation during its preparation.

And for dessert, why not try some Banana-Apple Fruit, Breadfruit, or Kulolo. Banana-Apple is a common fruit eaten cold or hot.

Breadfruit is melon-sized and is served boiled, deep-fried, baked, or steamed. Kulolo is steamed taro pudding. Yes! Taro is a versatile root.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Despite Maui’s small size, you will find a good selection of venues to let your hair down.

The island offers something for everybody’s taste, from a plush Martini lounge to a rowdy beach watering hole where locals play pool and watch the big game live. But something truly special only experienced in the Hawaiian Islands is a Maui luau.

If you want to dress up and drink in style, you could head to the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua and visit the Alaloa Lounge.

They offer outdoor or indoor seating and live entertainment Thursday through Monday. The Kapalua Martini is a local specialty you should try.

At the other end of the scale is Life’s A Beach in Kihei, a beach lounge frequented by locals.

As well as the football and pool tables you’d expect from a popular watering hole, they also have regular evening entertainment. They offer everything from open mic nights to live reggae bands.

But for a fun-packed evening of traditional songs, stories, food, and drink, you won’t do better than an organized traditional luau.

For around $130, you can experience Lei Greetings, observe the Imu Ceremony (cooking a pig in an earth oven), Hula Dance, and play Hawaiian games.

The highlight is a performance by locals telling the story of how their ancestors first discovered and populated Maui, aided by the gods.

Getting Around

If you want to explore the Hāna Highway with the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever you choose, your best option is to rent a car.

However, if you don’t want to do this, you can get around by public transportation, shuttle bus, on a tour, or by taxi. Maui Bus, the public bus service, is an extremely efficient and cheap way of getting around the island.

But Maui Bus’ focus is on getting the locals where they need to go, which might not be what you want to see.

A tour bus will take you exactly where you need to go, but on their schedule, not yours. Taxis are an option for nearby attractions, but at $3 per mile, they are expensive for long journeys.

Accommodations

Most visitors to Maui stay near one of the larger settlements along the coast, but not Kahului, which is relatively industrial and less touristy than other towns.

Popular locations include Kā’anapali, Kapalua, Kihei, Lahaina, Mākena, and Kapalua. There are also hotels and resorts in the Up Country area around Kula.

When deciding where you want to stay, think about what you most want to see and do while you’re on the island.

Bear in mind that towns like Kā’anapali, Kapalua, and Lahaina on the leeward, west coast will be a lot drier and a little warmer than towns like Hāna on the windward, east coast.

Also remember that although the island is small and settlements close to one another, the roads meander, and there are mountains in the way. If you decide to stay in Hāna but intend to visit Lahaina, allow 3 hours each way for the drive.

When you’ve chosen your target location, you will find lots of resorts, hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to choose from. Tourism is big business in Maui, so there are rooms available to suit any budget.

Weather

Although Maui is a small island, you will experience several distinctly different climates while traveling around. This is a product of the island’s unique geography.

There are two important variables: elevation above sea level and position in relation to the two mountainous regions.

If you are on one of the whale tours in Maui, your boat will be at an elevation of 0 feet, but if you are admiring the view from atop Haleakalā, your elevation is 10,000 feet.

The higher you climb, the cooler the air temperature will be. As a rough guide, every 1,000 feet you rise above sea level, the temperature will drop 3.2⁰F.

This means that when the beach is 70⁰F, the summit is 38⁰F! Although Maui’s climate is tropical, snow sometimes appears at the summit. If you decide to climb Haleakalā, make sure you take warm clothing in your backpack.

You may begin your ascent in the tropics, but you’ll arrive to weather more like the Arctic. Up Country Maui is wetter and cooler than neighboring South Maui because it sits at a higher elevation.

The low-lying central valley, where the airport is situated along with Kahului and Maalaea, is windy but dry and usually sunnier than other areas.

The trade winds hit the windward, eastern shores of the island, bringing moist air. As that air climbs the mountains, it releases the moisture as rain.

This leads to a lot of rain on the east side of the island, hence the rainforests.

The leeward, western shores, because they are sheltered from the wind by the mountains, only get a remnant of the rain. This makes the western shores relatively dry, especially where sheltered by Haleakalā.

The average temperatures on Maui don’t change too much from the winter to the summer. Because the island is in the tropics, it’s almost always warm.

In the coolest winter months, the average high is 80⁰F and the low 65⁰F, but around 1⁰F cooler along the Hāna Highway.

If you want to snorkel, the ocean temperature is a pleasant 75⁰F. Winter is the season that sees the most rainfall. In the warmest summer months, the average high is 84⁰F and the low 70⁰F but 83⁰F-69⁰F around Hāna. The ocean temperature rises to around 80⁰F in summer.

Attractions

Maui is an island steeped in natural beauty and cultural history. There are many interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy. You can hike through the rainforest, snorkel in the crystal-clear water offshore, watch whales in the Pacific, or attend an authentic luau.

Maui is volcanic in origin, created by lava flows from two volcanoes. Haleakalā is the larger of the two volcanoes, responsible for over 75% of Maui’s landmass. You can find Haleakalā at the heart of Haleakalā National Park, which is a popular destination for tourists. A great way to see this area is one an ATV tour, get to areas of the park that few visitors see!

If you enjoy photography, you’ll love the sunset over the Pacific Ocean viewed from the summit of Haleakalā. And once the sun has gone down, Haleakalā is also a fantastic place to stargaze, when it is not cloudy.

At 10,000 feet elevation and with no light pollution, you get an uninterrupted view of the cosmos. The main feature of the park is the volcano’s crater. It is 7 miles long, 2 wide, and approximately 2,600 feet deep.

Another popular attraction inside the park is Hosmer’s Grove. This is an unusual collection of invasive trees from all around the world, including eucalyptus from Australia and pine from North America.

Visitors love to explore the Hāna Highway—Hawaii Routes 36 and 360. The highway winds along the North Shore between Kahului in Central Maui and Hāna in East Maui. Built by King Pi’ilani in the 16^th century, this ancient road has a longer history than the Union.

It is only 64½ miles long but features 59 bridges, most only one lane wide, and many sharp bends. Driving along the highway, you will frequently stop to photograph the lush tropical rainforest.

You can also visit waterfalls, walk along stunning black-sand beaches, and view scenic mountains. However, if you decide to travel this route, expect delays. Even without stopping, the drive between the two towns takes 2½ hours.

Over in West Maui, the most popular destination for hikers is Iao Valley State Park. This is a stream-cut valley within the tropical rainforest, which features a distinctive natural landmark. Rising 1,200 feet from its base, the Iao Needle is a stunning basalt formation.

Not far away, on the north coast, you can find Nakalele Point. This scenic area of cliffs is famous for its blowhole, which spouts jets of seawater 100 feet into the air like a geyser.

Tourists fascinated by the cultural history of Maui flock to Lahaina, the largest settlement in West Maui. Once the residence of the royal family, Lahaina was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845.

Here is where you’ll find the oldest buildings and learn about local history. Lahaina still projects the ambiance of a 19^th-century whaler’s seaport. The settlement’s historic district boasts 9 important historical buildings built between 1823 and 1901.

The 1859 Court House was constructed over the site of the royal palace, and the United States Marine Hospital dates to 1842. Banyan Tree Park occupies the site of the 1831 Lahaina Fort and features the largest banyan tree in Hawaii planted in 1873.