At sunset time the winds generally die-down and the sailing is gentle. The views of Maui from the ocean at this time of day are the most colorful.
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Maui Sunset Sails and Cruises
Maui's coastline is lovely at any time of day,
but even more beautiful during a Maui sunset cruise. Sail Maui at Sunset!
From the deck of a Maui sailboat in the light sundown breeze, you will understand why sunset sails are so popular here on Maui.
The strong afteroon winds die down at sunset and are reduced to a gentle breeze. The heat of the day has been replaced with a hint of coolness. The bright wash of midday has turned to vivid pastels. The sun glows orange and red and drops quickly into the ocean, disappearing in an instant display of Maui's famous "green flash." The water is calm, a gentle swell lulls the quiet scene.
Looking back toward Maui, you find the West Maui Mountains draped with rainbow colors and a halo of clouds turns from pink to purple to violet before your eyes. And then a twinkling, a glitter, as stars appear above and Lahaina lights reflect across the water. If you're lucky, as I was the first day I set foot on Maui many years ago, you may see the full moon rise out of an enchanted valley. It's a good omen: you'll be back again as Maui now has you under its spell.
Many vessels can take you on a sunset cruise, most leaving from Lahaina harbor. Catamarans, sloops, schooners, and even power vessels - no matter what boat you take, one thing is certain. It will be the beginning of an evening you will remember for a long time to come.
- A Maui sunset sail is the perfect beginning to a romantic evening for your last night on Maui.
- You won't get wet (probably) on sunset sails leaving from Lahaina or Maalaea harbors. If you go on a boat boarding from a beach you'll have to wade out a bit through the surf. Plan your attire accordingly.
- All Maui sunset cruises provide Hawaiian hors d'oeuvres or "pupus" and beverages such as mai tais, wine, beer, or a bit of the bubbly. Non-alcoholic drinks will be served as well.
Aikane X5 - AIKANE X5 is a 62 foot power catamaran available for a Morning Snorkel, Sunset Cruise, Whale Watching in season or Private Charters. She is certified for 49 but will take only 12 passengers for maximum comfort. | ![]() Aikane X5 Price Range: (From: $135.90 - To: $135.90) |
Gemini - The Gemini is certainly one of the most beautiful, sleek and desirable ocean going catamarans to be found off the coast of Maui. It has resided in its mooring off Kaanapali Beach for somewhere close to 30 years now and has provided top quality family fun adventures for all this time. As in any well run venture their employees (which are more like family) have for the most part been with the Gemini for years. They offer daily snorkel trips to the underwater marine preserve of Honolua (weather permitting) and spend much of their time in the winter frolicking with the Humpback Whales. Champagne sunset sails are always a big hit and they are always pleased to be able to accommodate you on your special private charter. | ![]() Gemini Price Range: (From: $57.99 - To: $57.99) |
Hula Girl - A brand new 65x35 foot, state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar, custom charter catamaran with seating for up to 49 guests for lunch or dinner service at comfortable tables with cushioned seating and roll down vinyl windows with panoramic views during times of inclement weather. The vessel is stunningly beautiful, with sleek lines and hand painted graphics, including a larger than life Hula Dancer on each bow. A Fly Bridge that houses the helm station has couch type seating for 12 guests with 2 cocktail tables. This area will more than likely become a VIP lounge. | ![]() Hula Girl Price Range: (From: $55.00 - To: $67.00) |
Kai Kanani - A brand new 65' Power Catamaran that can accommodate up to 55 passengers comfortably. The new Kai Kanani is a beautiful 65' power sailing catamaran that leaves from the Makena Beach and Golf Resort and is particularly convenient for guests staying in South Maui and the Wailea area. They offer an early morning Molokini Express Tour, a later departure Deluxe Molokini snorkel sail excursion, a sunset champagne cruise and whale watches in season. One great advantage this boat has over many others is that the ocean time to Molokini and Kanaio or La Perouse is much shorter than boats departing from Maalaea Harbor. That means your getting to the action faster and with greater comfort. | ![]() Kai Kanani Price Range: (From: $79.00 - To: $79.00) |
Kaulana - Kaulana is a 65' Power Catamaran with enclosed cabin area and spacious upper deck that can accommodate up to 100 passengers. The Kaulana offers an affordable monring snorkel cruise for fun, sun and snorkeling, a sunset cruise and whale watching in season. The Kaulana’s upper deck provides an excellent observation deck great for sun bathing. | ![]() Kaulana Price Range: (From: $46.90 - To: $46.90) |
Maui Princess - The Lahaina Cruise Company has always been a prominent player in providing ocean activates to guests visiting Maui. Their base of operations is from Lahaina Harbor and from this hub they provide a number of excellent choices of tours ranging from dinner cruises and cocktail cruises to Molokini snorkels, whale watches and their famous daily ferry service between Maui and Molokai. The company’s owner, David Jung, a well known and respected boatman in Maui waters realized the potential of such a ferry service between islands many years ago when he visited islands in the South Pacific and experienced their ferry transportation between islands. He came back to Maui with a commitment to provide this option in the form of a service between Maui and Molokai and now it has been operational for decades. David’s boats have a reputation of being large, stable and comfortable and the Lahaina Cruise Company is truly one of the cornerstones to be found in the boating industry on the island. | ![]() Maui Princess Price Range: (From: $80.90 - To: $80.90) |
Pacific Whale Foundation - Offers a Historical Afternoon Cruise, a Sunset Cocktail Cruise or a Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a relaxed and fun filled evening featuring "Ono-Licious" food and "Da Kine" music. | ![]() Pacific Whale Foundation Price Range: (From: $44.96 - To: $89.46) |
Paragon Sailing Charters - A 47' ocean-going catamaran, which carries 24 passengers, will be found at Lahaina Harbor at the Main Loading Dock. | ![]() Paragon Sailing Charters Price Range: (From: $46.59 - To: $46.59) |
Pride of Maui - A 65' Maxi Catamaran with glass bottom viewing, large observation deck and protected cabin area that can accommodate up to 149 Passengers. | ![]() Pride of Maui Price Range: (From: $59.90 - To: $59.90) |
Quicksilver - A 55' power catamaran offering covered seating on the upper and lower deck, smooth and stable high tech catamaran, excellent music by local musicians, floating dance floor and table seating for up to 80 guests. | ![]() Quicksilver Price Range: (From: $74.99 - To: $74.99) |
Scotch Mist - A 50' Santa Cruz Sailing Yacht is the fastest boat of her class in the state. In 1984 she won the Victoria to Maui yacht race. She can accommodate 25 passengers comfortably on a private or will go with a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 18. | ![]() Scotch Mist Price Range: (From: $56.90 - To: $56.90) |
Spirit of Lahaina - A 65' Power Catamaran that can accommodate up to 149 passengers comfortably. | ![]() Spirit of Lahaina Price Range: (From: $69.90 - To: $69.90) |
Teralani - A 64' Sailing Catamarans that can accommodate up to 49 passengers comfortably. | ![]() Teralani Price Range: (From: $55.90 - To: $74.90) |
Trilogy Excursions - Catamaran ride over to Lanai! Light deli lunch on board. BBQ chicken dinner served up in Pavilion on Lanai. Guided tour of Lanai, with narrated History of the Pineapple Plantation Days. Snorkel off shore. Champagne sunset sail back to Maui. | ![]() Trilogy Excursions Price Range: (From: $59.00 - To: $59.00) |
This page contains information about: maui sunset cruises, sail maui, maui hawaii sunset sails, sunset excursions.
Hearing Impaired - Read the full transcript for this page's audio narrative.
Sunset Sailing Cruises in Maui - Sunset sails are just like the dinner cruises without the dinner and for a lesser price. They are generally the same length of time and often serve Hawaiian hors d'oeuvres, referred to as “pupus”. These are a great prelude to a romantic dinner in a fine restaurant on shore.
























