The 8 Best Sunset Cruises in Maui

Aloha, fellow Maui adventurers!

My boyfriend and I recently embarked on the journey of a lifetime to Maui, where we discovered that nothing compares to winding down our action-packed days with spectacular sunset cruises along the island’s captivating shoreline. If you’re anything like us, you crave those picture-perfect moments and unforgettable experiences that make your trip truly special. And guess what? I’ve spent countless hours researching and experiencing these breathtaking cruises firsthand so that I can share my top picks with you!

Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time spent exploring Maui, it’s that vacationers like you and me are always eager for exciting adventures while also being a little anxious about making the right choices. Trust me; I feel your pain! But fear not – as someone who has seen it all (from dazzling sunsets to impromptu hula dancing), I am here to guide you to the best sunset cruise options available.

You might be wondering why an average traveler like myself would go out of their way to indulge in so many sunset cruises or put in hours upon hours of research into this topic… Well, let’s just say that when it comes to creating magical memories with my loved ones (hi boyfriend!), no stone goes unturned!

So sit back, relax (maybe even grab yourself a Mai Tai), and get ready for an enchanting virtual tour through Maui’s finest at-sea experiences – because after reading this article, choosing the ideal sunset cruise will be as easy as dipping your toes in warm Hawaiian sand.

Warning: Proceed at your own risk! Side effects may include laughter-induced cheek cramps from cheesy jokes told by fun-loving crews or persistent feelings of awe struck by breathtaking ocean views. You’ve been warned! Now let’s dive into some serious sunset paradise… no conclusion needed – just pure enjoyment ahead!

Romantic Sunset Dinner & Dance Cruise from Lahaina

The Lahaina Harbor in West Maui is a favorite spot for cruises, and that’s where you’ll find this terrific sunset and dinner cruise. The relaxed trip lasts 2.5 hours and includes a three-course gourmet meal, drinks, live music, and dancing on the cruise’s open deck. 

Passengers will board a luxury cruise ship from Lahaina Harbor and receive a welcome drink from the great crew. From there, guests can enjoy the live music played on the ship’s lower level by notable musicians and enjoy a delicious three-course meal. In addition, guests can choose their entrees for the meal from prime rib, fresh Mahi Mahi, and vegetarian meatballs.

As sunset approaches, climb the upper deck to witness the blazing sun setting from West Maui’s coast and enjoy the views of Molokini and Lanai islands visible from the cruise. Finally, dance to delightful music on the deck as the night sky twinkles with stars.

My boyfriend and I loved this incredible cruise in Lahaina, and its ambiance makes it the best sunset cruise in Maui. Here’s why you have to try it:

• Guests are served three premium beverages as part of their meals.
• The spacious upper deck ensures each guest can view the sunset comfortably.
• Their crew is terrific and makes sure the guests are entertained.

Sunset Sail with Live Music from Ka’anapali Beach 

The stunning Ka’anapali Beach is a local favorite spot for taking cruise tours in Maui, as its beautiful shores promise marine life sightings and great sunset views. You’ll find this fantastic sunset cruise by Sea Maui on Ka’anapali beach, which includes live music and unlimited drinks for passengers.

The cruise is aboard a sleek catamaran, stretching over two relaxing hours on the West Maui shoreline. You’ll be welcomed by the friendly staff on arrival and settle on the spacious decks as popular local musicians play some fine tunes. 

Enjoy delicious drinks from the cruise’s open bar and tasty appetizers served by the crew as you listen to popular remixes of your favorite songs. This makes the best setting for appreciating the Maui sunset, which changes colors from reds to ranges, reflected on the calm waters.

We really enjoyed this laid-back cruise from Ka’anapali Beach and consider it one of the best sunset cruises in Maui. Here’s why you’ll agree:

• The tour includes humpback whale sightings from mid-December through April.
• The bar has great nonalcoholic beverages and the special Maui Brewing Co. beer.
• The crew and captain are terrific and take great care of the guests.

Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard Quicksilver From Lahaina Harbor

Enjoy a splendid sunset from the West Maui shoreline with dinner, drinks, and live music aboard a terrific catamaran on this cruise. You’ll spend two hours on the coast for the sunset, followed by stargazing and marine life sightings if you’re lucky.

The cruise is aboard a spacious ship on which guests are served a delicious three-course meal of rich meats, seafood, and vegetarian entrees for dinner. In addition, guests can enjoy a round of drinks and live music performed by a local artist. 

You’ll see a different sunset view than most cruises as the ship closes in on Lanai and gives views of the sun fading behind the beautiful island. So take your drinks on the deck and watch this breathtaking view as you sway your hips to the light music coming from the deck.

If you’re looking for a terrific sunset cruise in Maui with great food, music, and views, let it be this one, as it’s one of our favorites. 

• The dinner is followed by an amazing dessert of banana cake with lilikoi frosting and a cobbler topping.
• Guests get served two alcoholic drinks and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages.
• The captain and crew have years of experience and ensure a smooth trip.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Ma’alaea

The Ma’alaea Harbor in South Maui is a great spot to take a sunset cruise from, as you can sail to calm waters with marine life hotspots from it. So you’ll love taking this unique sunset cocktail cruise from here, with a wide selection of drinks and local specialties for appetizers that the crew helps you pair. 

You can sit back and relax on the ship as the crew serves an assortment of cocktails, appetizers, and other refreshments. Choose from premium beverage options, and ask the crew for a local appetizer to match your beverage, like furikake-crusted Ahi tuna crostini, tiger prawn cocktails, and Kalua pork sides. 

As the sunset approaches, watch the sun change hues from gold to pink on the incredible South shore waters, which is the perfect climax to the tour.

My boyfriend and I loved the food-with-a-view this trip provided, and it’s one of the best sunset cruises on Maui. Here’s why you’ll agree:

• There are fresh Kula strawberries and cookies served for dessert.
• You’ll sail just outside the Ma’alaea Harbor, which guarantees the best sunset views.
• There are marine naturalists on board who give insightful commentary on Maui’s marine life.

Premium Sunset Four Course Dinner Cruise from Lahaina

Combine fine dining with sunset views for an incredible food-with-a-view experience from Lahaina on this cruise. The tour includes a delicious dinner prepared by island chefs from fresh local ingredients as you sail to the West Maui shoreline for the sunset.

The four-course meal includes appetizers and salads, followed by seafood specials like char-grilled Kauai shrimp, Flat Iron Steak, Teriyaki Chicken, and vegetarian honey-glazed miso tofu. Pair your meal with up to three Mai Tais and end it with the chef’s special dessert for an unforgettable meal. 

After dinner, come to the open deck as the ship sails to a scenic point with perfect views of Lanai and Molokai islands for the sunset and enjoy your drinks with live music in the background.

My boyfriend and I loved this intimate experience and considered it one of the best sunset cruises in Maui. Here’s why you will too:

• You can upgrade to premium for a private table and blended tropical drinks.
• The crew is friendly and efficient, ensuring each guest is well looked after.
• The cruise provides unlimited nonalcoholic beverages.

Alii Nui Royal Sunset Sail 

The Alii Nui is a famous vessel on Maui waters for its incredible size at 65 feet and the most premium luxury facilities available on board. The sunset sail from this massive catamaran boards less than half of the passengers from its capacity, ensuring a private experience for each guest. 

Their sunset cruise includes a Royal Feast, offering a range of gourmet-style menu items like local Kiawe-smoked baby back ribs, pan-Asian favorites like sushi and noodle dishes, fresh seafood specials, and much more. There’s also an open bar on deck throughout the cruise, serving whichever drink guests request.

The crew sails to chase the sunset till the last rays fade, as you take in breathtaking views of the West Maui mountains and the Haleakala from a distance. Guests will gather in the spacious open-air viewing area with flutes of champagne and watch the sunset unfold before them.

My boyfriend and I fell in love with this cruise, and its impeccable service and views make them the best sunset cruise in Maui. Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:

• Adults will love this cruise’s 21+ age limit, as they can spend a few hours away from the kids. 
• Their Royal Feast has the largest menu variety of any Maui cruise.
• You can take your meal from the comfort of your cabin or on the elegant dining deck.

Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor 

This next cruise takes you back to the beautiful Ma’alaea Harbor for a one-of-a-kind sunset cruise with a buffet dinner and a traditional Hawaiian luau performance on deck. You’ll spend two hours of fun-filled activities on this cruise and be introduced to new aspects of Hawaii’s culture.

The tour is aboard the Pride of Maui vessel, a spacious catamaran cruise that ensures guests onboard don’t get too crowded. The ship sets sail towards the Molokini Crater, which is a terrific spot to view the sunset and spot native marine animals as they swim past your cruise.

For dinner, they serve a delicious buffet featuring island-style baby back ribs, honey-glazed Shoyu chicken, and local vegetable dishes, among many options. You can also get a craft beer and blended drinks from the open bar and enjoy the amazing luau performance by local Hawaiian dancers to some terrific music. 

My boyfriend and I were in awe of this well-planned tour, and we highly recommend it as one of the best sunset cruises in Maui. 

• The crew is friendly and treats each guest with the aloha spirit.
• All the food is prepared fresh and from local ingredients. 
• The tour is family-friendly and stroller accessible.

Champagne Sunset Sail from Lahaina Harbor

Take in all the fun of a sunset cruise aboard an ex-racing yacht, with a trained marine crew and unlimited champagne, on this terrific tour from the Lahaina Harbor. You’ll sail on the Scotch Mist yacht, a spacious vessel that only travels with twenty-two passengers at a time to ensure a secluded, smooth experience for everyone. 

Sailing on this yacht is an exciting experience, as its full mainsail and billowing jib sail in the wind’s direction, with an experienced crew handling it. In addition, the guests can enjoy a range of complimentary drinks on the tour, starting with bubbly champagne served in flutes with chocolates, and working their way down to white wines, local beers, sodas, and juices. 

For the sunset, you’ll enjoy unmatched views of the West Maui mountains as they spread from Lahaina to the shore and watch the sun fade behind them. 

We loved this laid-back cruise as it was a welcome break from the usual catamaran tours. Definitely try it out, as it’s one of the best sunset cruises in Maui.

• The yacht makes for a great photo op, so bring your cameras.
• You can spot humpback whales up close during winter sails.
• The crew is terrific and makes you appreciate their professional sailing.

Winding Up The Best Sunset Cruise in Maui

A sunset cruise in Maui is the best way to see the gorgeous shores and experience a unique golden hour, and the sun sets on Maui’s waters. You can enjoy a range of facilities aboard Maui’s best sunset cruises, like unlimited drinks, gourmet-style meals, live entertainment, and music. 

We’ve taken some incredible sunset cruises in Maui over the years, and it’s one of those fantastic experiences you can only believe when you see!

Want a five-star meal to accompany your sunset cruise? Then, take the Alii Nui Royal Sunset Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor. 

Looking for drinks to enjoy as you sail in Maui? Take the Champagne Sunset Sail from Lahaina and the Sunset Cocktail Cruise from Maalaea.

Want to enjoy a hula show with your cruise? Try the Maui Sunset Luau Cruise. 

The best sunset cruises in Maui have something fun for everyone!

Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Brigitte