Part of the Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific, the beautiful island of Maui has jaw-dropping views every which way you turn. The turquoise waters that surround the island are a particular highlight, with pleasure boats occupied by relaxed-looking passengers soaking up their surroundings a regular presence.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the idyllic waters around Maui is on an organised cruise, most of which start either at Lahaina Harbor or Maalaea Harbor. You can also head to Kaanapali Beach where boats pull up right onto the sand before you walk barefoot into the surf to climb aboard. Or for a truly unique experience, there’s also the chance to enjoy dinner and sunset cruises off the coast of Maui – and here are three of the best.
From £29.29 per person
Maui sunsets are renowned for being some of the most beautiful in the region and this 2-hour cruise combines witnessing the magical disappearance of the sun below the horizon with the chance to observe whales in their natural habitat. Your three-deck catamaran will embark from Ma’alaea Harbor, with the chance to spot whales beginning almost straight away. The boat will make the occasional stop so you can venture down to the underwater viewing room and get up close and personal with any whales in the vicinity. Then as sunset begins, you can head back to the first or second decks where there are spacious cabins with tinted windows from which to enjoy the views of the vanishing sun. This tour runs from December through to April.
Adults $75 Children $37.50
Raise a glass of bubbly as you enjoy the enchanting sight of a Maui sunset on this indulgent 2-hour Hawaiian cruise. After departing from Lahaina Harbor aboard a charming yacht called ‘Paragon’, you’ll sail along the West Maui coast and as the sun begins to dip below the horizon you can soak in the experience by sipping on your champers. If champagne isn’t your tipple, you can choose from a host of other beverages including locally brewed beer and mai tais, wine, while a range of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres will also be served. The tour runs from December to May, the perfect months for spotting mesmerising humpback whales s they make their way to Hawaii each year.
From $80 per person
This sunset dinner cruise allows you to sample some mouth-watering food, watch a stunning Maui sunset and generally let your hair down aboard this fun-packed catamaran. You’ll cruise by the Na Pali coast, and take in views of the golden, pink skies during sunset as you feast on a delectable dinner, featuring a wide range of dishes and desserts, including lobster and roasted prime rib, plus vegetarian options too. After dinner, the live music will kick in and you’ll also be entitled to two complimentary drinks from the fully stocked bar.
From £65.21 per person
Sink back and observe a famous Hawaii sunset while sailing along the Hawaiian archipelago. The 2-hour tour starts at Kaanapali beach, behind the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center, and as you cruise across the water and enjoy the views as a troupe of local performers known as “Sunset Live”, play traditional, contemporary, and reggae cover versions of popular songs. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the views out of the boat’s large windows. The tour also features an all-inclusive premium bar and appetisers.
From £51.27 per person
This 2-hour cruise features live music, a delicious Hawaiian meal and jaw-dropping sunset views, all enjoyed aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran. Embarking from Lahaina Harbor, you can toast the start of your trip with some sumptuous appetisers and an exotic drink (of which two are included in the price of the tour) before sitting down to your main meal, featuring a range of classic Hawaiian classics such as Mahi Mahi, a pan-seared white fish with fresh mango salsa, or delicious, slow roasted Kalua Pork. After dinner, you can relax as the sun sets behind the distant Maui mountains, and be sure to keep an eye out for humpback whales too.