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Dining aboard a boat as the sun goes down is a unique experience. There is something about Maui that makes it even more special, so if you find yourself on the island, you should undoubtedly book one. But which Maui sunset dinner cruise is the best?
The best Maui sunset dinner cruise is by Trilogy Excursions. Their sunset dinner package includes a decadent meal aboard a luxury catamaran. You can choose from a list of delicious cocktails on this romantic voyage— as you listen to the captain explain the history of Maui.
In the rest of this article, I will discuss Trilogy Excursions’ unique dinner cruises and what you should expect. Also, I will go over a few other notable dinner cruises you may explore. So if you want to learn more about the best sunset dinner cruise, read on!
Captains Sunset Dinner Cruise
Though Trilogy offers a few sunset cruises, the Captain’s Sunset Dinner Cruise is the best. This tour is fantastic because it comes with a four-course meal overlooking the ocean as the sun goes down. If you have never seen a tropical sunset in Hawaii, it’s certainly a sight to behold!
Tables for two are strategically placed across the catamaran’s deck to create the most romantic experience possible. Once seated, you can choose from an assortment of cocktails and other tasty drinks. This fantastic tour typically lasts about 2 ½ hours and is well worth the time and money.
A professional onboard chef will prepare all your delicious meals, and the attentive crew will be around to meet all your needs. Finally, you will enjoy a view of the stars and dreamy cocktails once the sun goes down.
You will find the following included in the dinner cruise:
- A professionally prepared four-course dinner
- Premium bar for those over 21 and older
- Non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails
- Sailing
- Stargazing
- Whale watching in Maui from December- April (the winter months).
- Vegan and vegetarian food options
Sunset Dinner Cruise Menu
The four-course meal is impressive and offers an extensive 1st class dining experience. This meal is great because you get private tables lit by candlelight where you can converse over a deliciously prepared meal as the sun sets.
As for the main course, you can choose from:
- Steak with a rosemary and garlic crust.
- Chicken with citrus and thyme.
- Fish with a panko crust and lemon caper butter.
- Pasta topped with Portobello mushroom in a marinara sauce with fresh basil and mixed sauteed vegetables.
As you can see, the cruise offers a wide variety of food options. These are just the main courses and don’t include the other delicious offerings they serve.
Other food available on the cruise includes:
- Sea salt breadsticks with lilikoi butter (passionfruit butter).
- Smoked salmon on crispy pita with fresh dill.
- Cucumber cup with onion cream cheese.
- Tataki-style beef tenderloin crostini.
- Caesar salad with blue cheese vinaigrette.
- Lilikoi cheesecake.
- Fresh island fruit.
- Dark chocolate truffle.
Trilogy Sunset Dinner Cruise offers an extensive drink menu with several delicious cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. However, it’s important to note that this cruise is for patrons over 18.
What You Should Bring on the Cruise
When preparing for your sunset dinner cruise, you must pack a few things to ensure your comfort. Evenings on the Pacific Ocean can be a little chilly at certain times. So it’s always a good idea to prepare for cool weather once the sun goes down.
Items to bring for your sunset dinner cruise include:
- A light jacket/sweatshirt
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Cash to tip the captain and crew
It’s essential to book this dinner cruise well in advance as these tours book out fast.
If you want a more visual look at what this cruise offers, you should check out the Trilogy Excursions video on their sunset Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise. The video does a great job showcasing what you can expect from this beautiful excursion.
Deluxe Kaanapali 2-Hour Sunset Cruise
Another fantastic sunset cruise that Trilogy Excursions puts on is The Deluxe Kaanapali Sunset Sail Cruise. This cruise differs because it runs for two hours and offers appetizer-style food for guests who have a big night planned for their Maui vacay.
What you can expect on this sunset cruise is:
- An on-deck table for two.
- Comfortable seating.
- Hot and cold appetizers and desserts.
- Open bar for patrons 21 years or older.
- Non-alcoholic beverages like juice, water, and soda.
- Whale watching during the months of December-April.
It’s important to note that I don’t recommend this cruise for those with mobility problems as the boats are loaded directly from the beach. Thus, there is a good chance you will get a little wet when boarding.
As for the amazing appetizers and desserts offered, you can expect lovely dishes like:
- Kula cherry tomato and mozzarella skewers with an aged balsamic glaze.
- Hummus with cucumbers and carrots.
- BBQ Chicken Skewers.
- Kalua pulled pork sliders with coleslaw on a sweet Hawaiian roll.
The dessert varies based on what’s in season. However, it will always be sweet and delicious.
Other Maui Sunset Cruises by Trilogy
Trilogy also offers other great sunset cruises like the Lahaina Sunset Sail and the Maalaea Sunset Sail Dinner Cruise. These cruises are fantastic because they provide a great view of the sunset over the ocean as you enjoy freshly prepared appetizers and cocktails.
These cruises are similar to the Deluxe cruise and offer the same appetizer menu and a similar experience. The main difference is availability and the location of departure. Since these are sunset sailboat experiences, it’s essential to bring sunglasses and a jacket when things get chilly.
Other Trilogy Excursions Tours
First, it’s essential to know a little about the company that offers such a fantastic dining experience. Trilogy provides a wide array of tours, not just dinner cruises. They leave their patrons happy and excited to return for another water adventure.
The other tours include:
- Discover Lanai. A special tour of Hulopo’e Marine Preserve where you will get a chance to snorkel and hike. Afterward, you will enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ lunch—followed by delicious cold beverages on your return voyage.
- Discover Molokini. This tour takes you to Molokini, once an island used by the US military to drop bombs, and offers viewers a distinct crater—now a snorkeling hotspot. After snorkeling, the boat will also take you to go swimming with sea turtles. For your effort, the team will provide tasty snacks and drinks to keep you going.
- Discover Kaanapali. An early morning sailing adventure complete with breakfast and snorkeling in Honolua Bay. This tour is family-friendly and runs for about 5 hours.
- Lana’i Coastal Snorkel Sail. This excursion consists of snorkeling off the coast of Lanai in a pristine area that you can only access by boat. The cruise team will provide you with a selection of snacks and drinks.
Trilogy offers just a few other popular tours besides their unique sunset cruises. Additionally, Trilogy has fantastic reviews for its excursions, and I highly recommend them for exceptional boating experiences—especially their sunset cruises.
Other Maui Dinner Cruises You Can Enjoy
Though Trilogy offers some of the best sunset dinner cruises, there are a few other ones you should check out if Trilogy is all booked up. Sunset dinner cruises are a fantastic experience, and it would be a shame to miss your opportunity while in Maui.
Kai Kanani Sailing
Kai Kanani Sailing offers two fantastic sunset cruises on Maui. One typically runs Monday-Friday year-round, and the other is a memorable Valentines day excursion.
The typical sunset sailing adventure includes three-course appetizers on a beautiful boat’s deck. They also provide an array of tasty beverages at their open bar. The cruise lasts about two hours, starting at the beach where you can board before being carted to sea.
Additionally, this sunset cruise is family-friendly, so you can bring your little ones along if you like.
The other dinner cruise they offer is the Valentine cruise. This unique cruise, of course, happens on Valentine’s Day but is worth booking if you get the chance as it provides a romantic 4-hour sunset experience. Plus, there is live music and chocolate-covered strawberries for your enjoyment.
Royal Sunset Sail
Royal Sunset puts on another fantastic sunset dinner cruise. This dinner cruise is one of my top picks because it offers a buffet dinner and lasts about 2 ½ hours. Additionally, the crew will serve the buffet inside the large cabin, where you can take your meal to the perfect viewpoint to enjoy the sunset.
Also, Royal Sunset prides itself on providing transportation for its patrons. They do a great job picking up all customers and returning them to their resort/hotel after the cruise.
This cruise is for adults only and will not permit anyone under 18 to board. Additionally, an open bar is only available for those over 21.
Teralani Sunset Dinner Sail
Lastly, there is the Teralani Sunset Dinner Cruise. This wonderful evening experience runs year-round on the island of Maui. Plus, it offers a fantastic buffet-style dinner for you to enjoy as the sun sets over the ocean.
They also offer whale watching during the winter and even put up their sails to provide a better view of the whales below. The cruise lasts approximately 2 ½ hours and is a genuinely fantastic experience. This sunset dinner is also kid-friendly and is great fun for the whole family.
Sea Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise
The fun cruise takes place on a newly refurbished catamaran and lasts around 2 ½ hours. You and your loved one can enjoy high-quality culinary fares such as braised short ribs and freshly grilled fish.
You will also have access to an extensive drink menu at the open bar. Plus, you will have access to complimentary beverages like juices and sodas. Additionally, private dinner cruises are also available for booking.
The Benefits of Experiencing a Sunset Dinner Cruise in Maui
Sailing in the evening on the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Maui is one of the most peaceful experiences. There is something so relaxing about rocking gently in the waves as the bright orange sky fades to stars. Plus, who doesn’t love enjoying some good food while watching a beautiful sunset?
There are so many benefits to going on a sunset dinner cruise, and you can:
- Cross a sunset dinner cruise from your travel bucket list.
- Enjoy fantastic cuisine prepared by a real chef on the water.
- Get to watch the sunset from a beautiful catamaran.
- Learn more about the island of Maui from the locals.
A sunset dinner on a sailboat is genuinely a one-of-a-kind experience, and Trilogy does a fantastic job of facilitating a dream-like adventure. Also, it’s important to note that if you book one of the sunset tours during the winter months, you might get the chance to see whales during your sailing experience.
What To Wear for Your Maui Dinner Cruise
Another essential thing to consider before heading out for your dinner cruise is what to wear. Most of the time, you will be out on the deck with very little protection from the elements. Luckily, the weather in Maui tends to be mild all year round. However, some outfits will work better than others for a sunset dinner cruise.
Typically you will want to wear something “island casual” or at least loose-fitting and comfortable. Just remember that there is a high likelihood you will get wet during your cruise. So be sure to bring clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. However, you can undoubtedly wear whatever you like.
Maui dinner cruise outfit ideas:
- A flowing dress
- Shorts and a loose-fitting top
- A button-down shirt
- Good shoes you can walk in if the boat starts rocking
- A light sweater or jacket
Packing a small towel can also be a good idea if you get wet. Also, sunglasses are great to wear before the sun sets to protect your eyes.
Final Thoughts
There are so many different sunset dinner cruises to choose from in Maui. However, Trilogies Captain’s Sunset Dinner Cruise is one of the best experiences, especially if you’re looking for a fancy dining option. Plus, during whale season, you can get an excellent view of the underwater mammals and see the stars over the Pacific Ocean.
