Maui sunsets are nothing short of spectacular. Combine a blazing ball of fire dipping into the sea with a relaxing ride on a catamaran and you have the best of both worlds. That’s why, when Visit Maui invited me to experience a Maui sunset cruise on the Alii Nui, they didn’t have to twist my arm.
This romantic Maui experience, even if you aren’t with your honey—no Alan wasn’t with me—begins when I board the sailing catamaran at #56 slip, Maalea Harbor. Writer friend, Sally Clasen, and I drove to the harbor. But we could have taken advantage of the complimentary shuttle (space available) that Alii Nui offers to most south and west side Maui resorts. If you intend to enjoy the complimentary wine, beer and champagne on offer, I recommend you let the folks at Alii Nui do the the driving.
Many cruise ships that overnight in Maui list a Maui sunset sail on Alii Nui as a cruise excursion. Silver Spirit offered one when Alan and I cruised the South Pacific for 64 days with Silversea. It’s a fun Hawaii travel adventure.
After boarding, guests (maximum 40) gather in the covered lounge area surrounding the teak bar for a safety briefing. When the captain of Alii Nui raises the anchor, the fun begins.
The friendly staff takes drink orders and passes around starters of vegetable crudités, sliced apple with goat cheese fig in a honey drizzle, and assorted cheese and crackers.
As Alii Nui maneuvers in the channel between Molokai and the South Maui shoreline, guests walk the outer deck while mingling and enjoying the view.
Before the sunset show begins, the staff invites us into the lounge for an appetizer dinner served buffet style. Even the heartiest of eaters are satisfied with the selection of baby back ribs, teriyaki chicken skewers, giant tiger prawns, crab cakes, California rolls, spicy tuna rolls and more. Macadamia nut cookies accompanied by Kona coffee top off the meal. You can see the menu here.
After finishing the last morsel, guests head back on deck for the sunset show. The timing is perfect. A gentle breeze kisses the air as the sun illuminates the clouds in yellow, pink and red.
I can’t think of a more relaxing way to end a day than with a Maui sunset cruise.
Check out our ideas for what to see and do on your visit to Maui.
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Disclosure: Visit Maui provided this travel experience but the opinions are strictly my own.
