Set out on a captivating sunset cruise off the shores of South Maui, where stunning vistas and delectable fare seamlessly merge. This 2-hour journey offers a chance to savor prime rib or mahi mahi while taking in the breathtaking views of the Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, and the iconic Molokini Crater. Live island-style music and complimentary drinks add to the enchanting ambiance, promising an unforgettable dining experience against a picturesque sunset backdrop. Opportunities for humpback whale sightings during the winter months further enhance this remarkable adventure.
This experience made our article of 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Maui.
Key Points
- The sunset dinner cruise departs from Maalaea Harbor in South Maui and offers a 2-hour scenic cruise with stunning views of the Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, and Molokini Crater.
- The cruise features a gourmet dinner menu with entree options including roasted prime rib, Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, and vegetarian pasta, complemented by two complimentary beverages.
- Live island-style music enhances the festive ambiance, and guests may have the opportunity to spot humpback whales during the winter months.
- The cruise is wheelchair accessible, with dietary restrictions accommodated, though it may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness.
- Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 21 years.
Cruise Overview
The sunset dinner cruise in South Maui offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands while indulging in a gourmet meal.
Enjoy the natural splendor of Hawaii while savoring a gourmet feast on a sunset dinner cruise in South Maui.
Departing from Maalaea Harbor, the 2-hour cruise takes passengers along the scenic coastline, providing stunning views of the Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, and Molokini Crater.
The cruise features live island-style music and a delectable dinner menu featuring prime rib, Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, and vegetarian options.
Guests can also enjoy two complimentary drinks and the chance to spot humpback whales during the winter season.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Maui
Highlights of the Experience
Scenic views of the Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, and Molokini Crater captivate passengers as the cruise departs Maalaea Harbor. Live island-style music creates a festive ambiance throughout the two-hour journey. Diners can savor a gourmet dinner of prime rib, Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, ribs, or vegetarian pasta, complemented by two complimentary drinks. With luck, passengers may spot humpback whales breaching the waters during the December-April season. The experience offers a memorable sunset dining experience in South Maui.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Scenery | Kahalawai Mountains, Lanai Island, Molokini Crater |
| Music | Live island-style entertainment |
| Dining | Prime rib, Mahi Mahi, chicken, ribs, vegetarian |
| Drinks | Two complimentary beverages |
| Wildlife | Potential humpback whale sightings |
Dining Options
While passengers can choose from a variety of protein-centric entrees, the menu also offers a vegetarian pasta option to accommodate diverse dietary needs.
The signature dish is the roasted prime rib, served alongside Mahi Mahi, teriyaki chicken, and baby back ribs. All main courses come with sides like mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Two complimentary drinks are included, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views and live island music as the sun sets over the Kahalawai Mountains.
The cruise provides a gourmet dining experience amidst the breathtaking Maui coastline.
Scenic Views
As the cruise departs from Maalaea Harbor, passengers are treated to stunning panoramic vistas. The towering Kahalawai Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, while the island of Lanai and the iconic Molokini Crater come into view. Guests can take in these breathtaking sights while enjoying live island-style music and a gourmet dinner.
| View | Description |
| — | — |
| Kahalawai Mountains | Majestic mountain range providing a stunning backdrop |
| Lanai Island | Neighboring island visible across the channel |
| Molokini Crater | Iconic crescent-shaped volcanic islet |
The picturesque setting and tranquil waters create an unforgettable sunset experience on the South Maui dinner cruise.
More Great Tours NearbyLive Music and Entertainment
The sunset dinner cruise features live island-style music performed throughout the voyage. Guests can relax and sway to the rhythmic sounds of Hawaiian melodies as they dine and take in the picturesque scenery.
The talented musicians create an authentic ambiance, transporting passengers to the heart of the islands. Their upbeat tunes and charming vocals add an extra layer of entertainment to the already remarkable dining experience.
Whether it’s the strumming of a ukulele or the beating of drums, the live music complements the stunning sunset views and creates an unforgettable evening on the water.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Maui
- Maalaea Premium Dinner Cruise: Four Course Dining Experience
- From Maalaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver
- Luxury Catamaran Royal Sunset Dinner Sail (Adults-Only)
- Luxury Catamaran Royal Sunset Dinner Sail (Adults-Only)
- Authentic Hawaiian Dinner Paina With Natives in Hana
- From Maalaea: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver
Accessibility and Restrictions
The sunset dinner cruise is wheelchair accessible, and the company can accommodate first-deck seating for those who require it.
Passengers must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol. Plus, dietary restrictions must be noted at the time of booking to ensure appropriate meal options.
While the cruise aims to be an enjoyable experience, it may not be suitable for individuals prone to seasickness, as the boat navigates open waters.
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult, as unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
-
Wheelchair accessible with first-deck seating
-
Minimum drinking age: 21 years
-
Dietary restrictions must be noted at booking
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Overall, customers have responded quite positively to the sunset dinner cruise, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 216 reviews.
Customers particularly praised the exceptional entertainment, attentive staff, and quality of the food. The tour guide received a rating of 4.7 out of 5, while the transportation aspect was also highly rated at 4.7.
Reviewers highlighted the cruise as a memorable experience in Maui, offering good value for money with a 4.5 out of 5 rating in that category.
The positive feedback suggests the cruise is a recommended activity for visitors to the South Maui region.
Booking and Planning Your Cruise
Although the sunset dinner cruise can be booked directly through the operator’s website, travelers may find it convenient to reserve their spot through an online booking platform.
This allows for easy comparison of cruise options, as well as the ability to read customer reviews and select add-ons like round-trip transportation.
When planning the cruise, keep these tips in mind:
-
Reserve early to secure the best availability and pricing.
-
Inform the operator of any dietary restrictions or special needs at the time of booking.
-
Arrive at the harbor with plenty of time to check in and board the vessel before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pre-Order a Specialty Cake for a Celebration?
The cruise does not offer the option to pre-order specialty cakes for celebrations. Guests are advised to make any special dietary requests at the time of booking, but custom desserts are not provided as part of the dinner cruise experience.
Do They Provide Parking at the Maalaea Harbor?
The cruise providers do not offer dedicated parking at Maalaea Harbor. However, there is public parking available at the harbor for guests to use during the cruise. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
Is There a Dress Code for the Dinner Cruise?
The dinner cruise does not have a strict dress code. Guests are advised to dress comfortably and wear casual attire suitable for the warm Hawaiian weather and dining on the water.
What Is the Crew’s Policy on Gratuity and Tipping?
The cruise crew doesn’t require a set tip, but guests may tip at their discretion based on the quality of service received. Many passengers choose to leave a 15-20% gratuity for the attentive staff.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?
No, passengers cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. The cruise provides two complimentary drinks, and additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the onboard bar. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable sunset dinner cruise in South Maui, where you’ll savor prime rib or mahi mahi while taking in stunning coastal views. With live music, two complimentary drinks, and the chance to spot humpback whales, this enchanting experience promises an unforgettable evening under the Hawaiian sky.
📍 This experience made our list of the 14 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Maui
More Scuba Diving Tours in Maui
- Maui: Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive Excursion from Lahaina
- Turtle & Shark Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Certified
- Beginner Scuba Dive in Lahaina: Swimming Required
- Discover Scuba Diving Class from Lahaina
- Maui Scuba Diving Introductory Lesson from Lahaina
- Maui: Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive Excursion From Lahaina
More Tours in Maui
- From Ka’anapali: West Maui Half-Day Snorkel Tour w/ Food
- Pearl Harbor and Oahu Circle Island Tour FROM MAUI
- Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran
- Maui: Semi-Private 3 Hour Eco-Raft Turtle Snorkel Tour
- Maui: Sunset & Dinner Tour to Haleakala National Park
- Maui: Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive Excursion from Lahaina
More Tour Reviews in Maui
- From Ka’anapali: West Maui Half-Day Snorkel Tour w/ Food
- Maalaea: West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with Lunch
- From Kaanapali: Afternoon West Maui Snorkeling w/ Drinks
- Pearl Harbor and Oahu Circle Island Tour FROM MAUI
- From Kihei: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling
- South Maui: Molokini Wild Eco Adventure from Maalaea Harbor
Still browsing? Here are more Maui experiences we've covered recently
- From Ka’anapali: West Maui Half-Day Snorkel Tour w/ Food
- Maalaea: West Maui Snorkeling & Sailing Day Trip with Lunch
- From Kaanapali: Afternoon West Maui Snorkeling w/ Drinks
- Pearl Harbor and Oahu Circle Island Tour FROM MAUI
- From Kihei: Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling
- South Maui: Molokini Wild Eco Adventure from Maalaea Harbor
- Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran
- Maui: Semi-Private 3 Hour Eco-Raft Turtle Snorkel Tour
- Maui: Ka’anapali Luxury Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open Bar
- Maui: Best of Maui/Haleakala – Sips, Sites & Bites
- Maui: Sunset & Dinner Tour to Haleakala National Park
- Maui: Beginner Discovery Scuba Dive Excursion from Lahaina