Maui Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Cocktails & Hula Show on Catamaran

Summary

Sunset colors, island flavors & hula rhythms on Maui’s coast

You’ll watch Maui’s sunset from a spacious catamaran with cocktails in hand and fresh island dishes on your plate. Live hula unfolds right on deck as you relax into ocean breezes and local music—with plenty to eat, an open bar, and friendly crew making you feel part of it all.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like when the sun actually melts into the Pacific? That’s how it looked from the deck of the Pride of Maui—just this slow golden spill across the water while we drifted off the coast. The catamaran was bigger than I expected (I didn’t even feel it rocking much), and everyone sort of loosened up as soon as we left Ma‘alaea Harbor. There was this salty breeze that made my hair stick to my face, but honestly, I didn’t care—felt right somehow.

I kept hearing laughter from the open bar area (the bartender remembered my name after one drink, which cracked me up). We tried all sorts of stuff: baby back ribs with a sticky glaze, shoyu chicken that tasted way better than anything I’ve tried on land, and these coconut sweet potatoes that were almost too sweet but not quite. The food kept coming—no one went hungry. At some point a couple started dancing hula right in front of us. Our guide—her name was Leilani—explained what each movement meant. I tried to copy her hand motions under my breath; probably looked ridiculous but she just smiled at me.

Somewhere between a second mai tai and watching the sky turn this wild purple-orange, I realized how quiet everyone got during the dance. Even the kids stopped moving for a minute. You could hear just the music and waves against the hull. Not sure why that stuck with me. Maybe because it felt like we weren’t just watching something “for tourists”—it felt like being invited in for real, even if just for an hour or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Maui sunset cruise and hula show

• Board Pride of Maui catamaran
• Enjoy coastal sunset cruise
• Dine on freshly prepared food
• Watch authentic Hawaiian hula performance
• Experience Polynesian dance and song

Top questions

Is dinner included on the Maui sunset cruise?

Yes, freshly prepared dinner is included with dishes like baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, roasted veggies, and coconut sweet potatoes.

Are drinks included on this Maui sunset dinner cruise?

Yes, there is an open bar with micro-brewed beer, blended drinks, and cocktails included.

Does this sunset cruise include live entertainment?

Yes, there is an authentic hula performance by Hawaiian dancers during the cruise.

Is pickup available for this Maui sunset cruise?

The tour includes pickup options; check when booking for details.

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Can special dietary requests be accommodated?

No menu substitutions or requests are available for this cruise.

Where does the Maui sunset cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Ma‘alaea Harbor in Maui.

How stable is the boat during the cruise?

The Pride of Maui catamaran is known for being spacious and stable on the water.

What’s included

Your evening includes freshly prepared island-style dinner with dishes like shoyu chicken and coconut sweet potatoes, an open bar serving cocktails and micro-brewed beer throughout the cruise, live hula performances by local dancers onboard your spacious catamaran—all while you relax along Maui’s coast before returning to harbor after sunset.