Maui Sunset Cruise

Cocktail sail or dinner cruise?

Most visitors go with a cocktail sail, since they are more casual and less expensive. Dinner cruises are a good choice for special occasions, group events or if you love dining on the open water.

Should I depart from Kāʻanapali, Māʻalaea, Wailea or Lahaina?

This depends on where you're staying. If you are staying at a resort in West Maui, Kāʻanapali Beach or Lāhainā Harbor will be closest. Operators on this side include Sea Maui, Trilogy and Teralani. Māʻalaea Harbor is on the south shore, centrally located between Kihei and Wailea. This is a big harbor where you’ll find the widest range of operators, including Trilogy, Alii Nui, Calypso, PacWhale and Pride of Maui. Maluaka Beach near Wailea also has Kai Kanani, which offers cruises right off the beach that may work better for Wailea resort guests.

What size catamaran is best?

Small boats like Kai Kanani and Sail Maui small charters offer a more intimate experience. Mid-size catamarans like Trilogy, Alii Nui, Sea Maui, Pride of Maui, Teralani and Calypso are usually more stable, which means a smoother ride.

Are there adults-only cruises?

Some dinner cruises, such as Alii Nui's Royal Sunset Dinner are adults-only. Most cocktail sails are all-ages. If this is important to you, verify with the cruise operator before booking.

Will I see whales during Maui’s whale-season?

Humpback whales pass through the ʻAuʻau Channel from December to April and visitors on a sunset cruise may spot one. Think of this as a bonus though, sightings are not guaranteed. If your goal is to see whales, I recommend booking a dedicated whale-watching tour, not a sunset cruise.

Trilogy Excursions

Trilogy has operated multi-hull sailing catamarans on Maui since 1973. It offers cocktail sails from Kāʻanapali Beach, Lāhainā Harbor and Māʻalaea Harbor year-round.

Deluxe Kāʻanapali sunset sail: Appetizers and open bar. Parking at Whaler’s Village (not validated). 2 hours. Children $82, adults (age 13+) $122.

Māʻalea Sunset Sail: Appetizers and open bar. Departs from Māʻalaea Harbor with views of Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi. Children $82, adults (age 13+) $122.

Lahaina Golden Hour Sail: Appetizers and open bar. Departs from Lāhainā Harbor with views of Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi. Photographer onboard (for an additional fee). Children $82, adults (age 13+) $122.

Best for: First-time visitors looking for a longstanding company with a good track record.

Skip if: You’d prefer a small, intimate experience.

Alii Nui

Premium catamaran tours from Māʻalaea Harbor year-round. Offers an adults-only dinner cruise for a quieter, more tranquil experience.

Runs Day's End Sunset Cruise: Open bar with craft cocktails. Photographer onboard (extra fee applies). Children (ages 4-17) $119, adults $159. 2 hours. Runs year-round. Reserve now.

Luxury Catamaran Royal Sunset Dinner Sail (Adults-Only): 5-course dinner with open bar. 2.5 hours. $289 per person. Reserve now.

Best for: Couples who want an adults-only preference.

Skip if: You’re traveling on a budget or with children.

Sea Maui

Kāʻanapali Beach-based catamaran operator. These tours launch straight off the sand. Meet at the Sea Maui kiosk located between Leilani's and Hula Grill at Whaler's Village, just off the Kāʻanapali Beach walk.

Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach: Open bar and snacks. 2 hours. Children (age 2-12) $104, youth (age 13-20) $125, adults $137. Reserve now.

Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: 65-foot Luxury Catamaran. Buffet dinner, open bar and validated parking. 2.5 hours. Children (age 2-12) $142, youth (age 13-20) $155, adults $180. Reserve now.

Paragon Lahaina Sunset Sail: 47-foot catamaran, departs from Lāhainā Harbor. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Children (age 3-12) $71, adults $102. Reserve now.

Best for: Kāʻanapali resort guests wanting a beach-departure dinner cruise.

Skip if: You’re staying on the south shore. Wailea also has boats that depart right off the beach.

Kai Kanani

Small boats that depart from Maluaka Beach in Makena (near Wailea) year-round. Offers free shuttle service from Wailea Resorts and Wailea Village.

Adventure Sunset Sail: Three-course appetizers from Spoon & Key Market, plated and served, open bar featuring local spirits and sparkling Maui wine toast at sunset. 2 hours. Children (age 2-12) $144, adults (age 13+) $199.

Best for: Wailea resort guests.

Skip if: Staying in West Maui.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures

Tours meet at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store in the Maʻalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center (parking fee not included in ticket price).

Sunset Dinner Cruise: 4-course dinner. Vegan or gluten-free meal options available if you call ahead. 2.5 hours. Departs at 5 p.m. Children $130, adults $160. Reserve now.

Best for: 4-course dinner cruise on a mid-sized vessel.

Skip if: you want a small boat experience.

Pride of Maui

Family-owned since 1983, Pride of Maui operates power catamarans out of Māʻalaea Harbor.

Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - a Hawaiian Hula Experience: Open bar, Hawaiʻi-inspired lūʻau with dinner and Polynesian dancers. 2 hours. Children $128, adults (age 13+) $148 Reserve now.

Best for: Sunset with Polynesian entertainment.

Skip if: You want a quiet sunset cruise without entertainment.