Top Maui Dinner Cruises

You have several options for Maui dinner cruises, some of which even include music and a hula show. Some of the highest-rated cruises according to previous travelers are:

• Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Kaʻanapali Beach
• Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise - A Hawaiian Hula Experience
• Maui: Coast of Ka’anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail
• Maui Maʻalaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise
• From Maʻalaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver

Expect to pay between US$140–US$180 for most Maui dinner cruises. Dinners on the higher end of the price range typically serve more food courses or a buffet and include an open bar, but be sure to check the inclusions before booking. Many cruises offer discounted rates for kids.

Most Maui dinner cruises run for just 2–2.5 hours, making them easy to fit into a day of beach-hopping, snorkeling, or sightseeing. Allow time to get to the meeting point for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure, which is usually timed so you can watch the sunset while you sail.

Yes, many Maui dinner cruises feature live music and dancing that you can enjoy watching during your meal. If music is a priority, read the tour schedule to see what’s on the lineup—some cruises only have live entertainment on certain days, while others have nightly hula shows or island-style music.

That depends on your itinerary and departure point, but you’re likely to see the Molokini Crater and islands of Molokai and Lanai as you reach open water. Besides the food and entertainment, the highlight of Maui dinner cruises are the views of the coastline and Pacific at sunset. If you cruise between December–April, you may even see humpback whales.

Maui dinner cruises typically include a generous meal of Hawaiian-style chicken, fish, and other sweet and savory specialties—either served in multiple plated courses or on a buffet. Most include at least some alcoholic beverages in addition to water and soft drinks, but check the details since extra drinks may come at an additional charge. Some cruises also feature live performances during your scenic sail.

This From Maʻalaea Harbor: Sunset Dinner Cruise Aboard the Quicksilver is both well-reviewed and relatively affordable. Starting at US$140 per person, the cruise includes a 3-course plated dinner with your choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian main. There’s also live music, table service, and unlimited water and soft drinks. The base fee includes two alcoholic drinks, while others come at a small extra charge.

Yes, most Maui dinner cruises include alcoholic beverages with your meal, but check the fine print since all tours are different. For example, some cruises include two alcoholic drinks with additional beverages for purchase, while others include an open bar with wine, beer, and a variety of cocktails. Don’t forget your ID if you’re drinking, as bars are only accessible for guests ages 21 and older.

Arrive early for your dinner cruise so you don’t miss the departure—most tours won’t wait for stragglers. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself on the water before the sun goes down. If you get seasick, consider taking medication before your tour, and if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to share those with the staff.

Dinner cruises in Maui are pretty casual, but people often get a bit dressed up for the occasion. Swimsuits are not appropriate, however, so be sure you’re covered up, and bring a light jacket since temperatures can dip after sunset. Many boats require you to remove your shoes before you embark, so keep that in mind when deciding what to wear. If shoes are allowed, flat, non-slip options are best.

Dinner cruises typically depart from West Maui, either at Maalaea Harbor or along Kaʻanapali Beach. While some cruises offer parking validation, most do not include hotel pickup, so consider your transportation options when booking your tour. You’ll check in about half an hour before departure, then return to the same meeting point after your cruise.

The sunset and ocean views make just about every Maui dinner cruise romantic. If you’re looking for an extra special experience as a couple, however, choose a cruise with more formal table service instead of the casual buffet. For example, the highly rated Maui Maʻalaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise includes a multi-course meal with premium mains, an on-board bar, and music for US$150. Per one reviewer: “My husband and I chose this cruise for our romantic Valentine’s Day activity and had a great time! The food was amazing, service was great, the sunset was lovely, and we saw some surprise whales!”

While both types of cruises are scenic and sail at golden hour, dinner cruises include a full multi-course meal, while sunset cruises are more about the views, with some drinks and light bites served on board. Prices and durations for Maui sunset cruises are similar to dinner cruises; for example, this Maui: Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Kaʻanapali Beach starts at US$140 and runs for two hours. The fee includes snacks and an open bar with unlimited alcoholic drinks.