When you’re in Maui, eating dinner by the ocean is a no-brainer. Yet, why not elevate that to the next level and experience ocean-top dining? There’s something incredibly magical about a sunset viewed from the water. It’s as if the colors wrap themselves around you for an indisputably romantic ambiance. Look into Hawaii Ocean Project’s Sunset Dinner for the best viewing around.
The Maui Princess or Lahaina Princess is a 120-foot yacht leaving from Lahaina Harbor. As soon as you get aboard, you’re guided up to your own table on the open-air deck. The tables and chairs are bolted down, which, it turns out, is really useful once you get up to walk around and take photographs of those stunning views.
It gets underway with a mai-tai in hand as you cruise towards the southwest along the shoreline. On one side, you’ll be able to see the outline of the West Maui Mountains, and on the other, the silhouetted shape of Lanai.
During this time, the wait staff starts serving dinner. Unlike many dinner cruises, the Princess Maui has table seating, which makes a perfect touch for a Lahaina sunset cruise. No balancing of your plate on your lap as you try to juggle your drink, fork, and napkin. Your salad, pre-selected entrée of Prime Rib, Roasted Chicken, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Buerre Blanc sauce, or vegetarian Cous Cous Pocket and dessert are all served to your table on real dinnerware. The full bar at the back of the top deck is open during the entire cruise, and three alcoholic drinks are part of your ticket price.
Sit back and relax to the sounds of your onboard DJ because the real show is about to start. Get that camera ready just as the sun is setting. The sky goes orange, it goes red, it turns pink, purple—every shade you can imagine. Maui sunsets, my friend, are just ridiculously beautiful.
Your captain will take you back up the coast after the spectacular show the setting sun just put on. This time, you’ll be taking in the sparkling lights of Lahaina town and the stars. It’s an added plus, of course, if you have a smartphone with a constellation app.
You will be docking back at Lahaina Harbor, but the memories will be with you forever. The Hawaii Ocean Project makes the cruise worthwhile.
Why Hawaii Ocean Project?
For decades, Hawaii Ocean Project has proudly served the community and visitors of Maui with unforgettable excursion experiences. As a locally owned and operated company, we are dedicated to providing exceptional ocean adventures that showcase the natural beauty and marine life of the area. They operate the largest and most comfortable boats heading to the unparalleled scenic vistas off Maui’s coast located at the historic Lahaina harbor, traveling Maui’s west shore, which is widely recognized as having the best and calmest water around Maui. Each boat offers its own unique experience, which makes Hawaii Ocean Project different from any other boating venture.
The Maui Princess
The Maui Princess is a high-speed 118-foot luxury touring yacht purposely built with maximum passenger comfort. It features an air-conditioned main cabin with a generous open-air observation deck, a cocktail lounge, and a snack bar. U.S. Coast Guard certified with safe, licensed passengers for 149 guests.
What to Expect on your Maalaea Sunset Cocktail Cruise
- Boarding: Guests are escorted upstairs to their reserved table on the open-air deck.
- Departure: The cruise begins with a mai-tai in hand, heading southwest along the shore.
- Views: Enjoy sweeping views of the West Maui Mountains and the silhouette of Lanai.
- Dinner Service: Your wait staff will serve your salad, pre-selected entrée, and dessert at your table.
- Entertainment: Relax to the sounds of your onboard DJ.
- Sunset: Capture the breathtaking colors of the Maui sunset.
- Return: Marvel at the flickering lights of Lahaina town and the stars as you cruise back to the harbor.
The Magic of Maui Sunsets
Maui is famous for its sunsets, and there is no way to experience it better than being on the deck of Maui Princess. This side of the island is home to some of the world’s best sunset views. As the sun drops behind the horizon in the distant ocean, the sky glows with this dazzling play of colors. Versatile in nature, whether you are an expert photographer or just a purveyor of moments of beauty, Maui sunsets will not leave you feeling disappointed.
Some of the best sunsets occur at Makena Cove, Kamaole Beach Parks, and Honolua Bay. However, from nowhere can a sunset be mind-blowing when viewed from the water. The unique perspective and the slight rocking of the boat do make memories.
Dining on the Water
Dining aboard the Maui Princess is unique. You will satisfy your hunger while in water with the help of yacht dining. The menu provides a variety of appealing and well-prepared entrées, including Prime Rib or Roasted Chicken, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi with Buerre Blanc, and a vegetarian Cous Cous Pocket. Everything is made fresh from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, and of course, there are real dinnerware and flatware.
The full bar on the back of the upper deck remains open throughout the entire cruise. Alcoholic beverages are available with a full-stocked bar. Your ticket comes with three drinks; so have a couple of cocktails or your beverage of choice and enjoy the views.
Entertainment and Ambiance
What one is to expect at the Maui Princess goes beyond just dinner. A mix of mellow and upbeat music from a DJ weaves together with that mood created during sunset, as the sky changes drastically, to set the tone of your evening.
The open sun deck is spacious, airy, and fresh, enabling you to mill around and take photos. Tables and chairs are double-bolted to the floor so that seating on the cruise is secure and comfortable.
A Night to Remember
As your cruise ends, you’ll dock back in Lahaina Harbor. But how you spent your evening aboard the Maui Princess will stay with you forever. That breathtaking sunset, great meal, and soothing ambiance make for a truly unforgettable evening experience.
Reserve Your Sunset Cruise
Want to witness the magic of a Maui sunset from the water? Book your Princess Sunset Cruise in Maui today, and create memories you won’t forget.
This really is an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. Book your Maui Princess Dinner Cruise now and get the best sunset cruise Maui.
More About Hawaii Ocean Project
The Hawaii Ocean Project prides itself on offering the perfect excursions that will remain with their guests for a long period of time, since they have over 35 years in the industry. Their fleet is well known to have the biggest and most comfortable boats on Maui to make sure you have comfortable ride and without any jerking.
The company is committed to the preservation of Maui’s natural beauty and the surrounding ocean. It adheres to strict environmental guidelines to minimize the impacts of its operations on the ecosystem. This commitment makes them different from other excursion companies.
Lahaina Harbor Experience
Your Maui Princess adventure begins at Lahaina Harbor. The harbor is right in the middle of Lahaina town and always seems to have something going on. You can find lots to do right within walking distance before your cruise. Lahaina town has tons of character with a host of shopping, dining, and historical excursions to chose from.
For those who prefer dining before or after embarking on a cruise, or just imbibing, there are plenty of local dining establishments to choose between. Kimo’s touts waterfront dining with fresh Hawaiian fish, prime rib, and the famous Hula Pie constantly on the menu. Another local establishment that offers fresh seafood along with an unbeatable location right on the water is Lahaina Fish Company. For those adventurous souls seeking out something a bit different, head to Down the Hatch Maui, which is a fun take on gastronomy.
Other Maui Dinner Cruises
Although it is the perennial favorite, the Maui Princess is not the only dinner cruise in Maui’s waters. The Pride of Maui offers a premier sunset dinner cruise with a very fine buffet meal and live entertainment. The Calypso Dinner Cruise is a nice, more laid-back two-hour excursion with a really good meal and some island-style music. For something a bit more intimate, Alii Nui Sailing Charters provides the luxury-level sailing catamaran called by many to be the best provider of smooth-sailing service and amenities.
Each one has its unique experience, but the top cruise in this case works out to be a combination of comfort, service, and great views— the Maui Princess.
Cruise on a Maui Princess sunset dinner, and enjoy more than just your food. Every detail, from boarding until the final moment docking again at Lahaina Harbor, has been put in place to ensure that it will be an evening you will never forget. Strained views, sumptuous food, and the relaxed atmosphere proffer a flawless night on the water.
Turn Your Maui Sunset Cruise into a Full Island Experience!
Why settle for just one magical evening on the water? Elevate your adventure by booking a vacation package that combines your Maui Princess Dinner Cruise with luxury accommodations, island tours, and more unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking sunsets to exploring Maui’s rich culture, we have the perfect vacation package to complete your Hawaii getaway.
Plan the Ultimate Hawaii Getaway—Vacation Packages Available!