Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise: Ka’anapali Beach, Buffet & Open Bar

Summary

Board a Maui catamaran right from Ka’anapali Beach for sunset dining, chef’s buffet, open bar and live music

You’ll board a Maui catamaran right from Ka’anapali Beach for this sunset dinner cruise, with Chef Jai’s buffet dinner and an open bar as you sail past glowing island views. Live music on select nights adds to the laid-back vibe. Expect laughter, ocean breezes, maybe even whales—and that feeling of not wanting it to end.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off the evening with our toes in the sand at Ka’anapali Beach — literally, because you board the catamaran straight from the shoreline. I was half-expecting to fall in, but the crew made it feel easy. There’s something about stepping off land and feeling the boat shift under you that makes everything else fade away for a bit. The salty breeze hit different out there, mixed with a faint smell of grilled fish coming from the galley. Our local guide, Kaleo, grinned as he handed us our first drink (I went for a Mai Tai — when in Hawaii, right?).

The sunset started slow but then just exploded behind Lanai. Chef Jai’s buffet was set up inside — I still think about that poke salad — and we wandered between bites and sips out onto the deck. It wasn’t fancy tablecloths or anything; more like people laughing together at small tables or leaning on railings watching the sky go orange and pink. On Wednesday nights there’s live music (we lucked out), and someone started singing along to “Island Style.” I tried to join in but mangled half the words; nobody cared.

There were whales breaching off in the distance — December through April is prime time, apparently — and everyone rushed to one side of the boat to catch it. The crew just smiled and kept pouring drinks. Parking was easy enough with validation (which honestly saved us some stress). By the time we drifted back toward shore, it felt like we’d been gone way longer than two and a half hours. The sand felt cool again under my feet when we stepped off. I didn’t expect to feel so mellow afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset dinner cruise from Ka'anapali Beach

• Check in at Ka'anapali Beach
• Board 65ft luxury catamaran
• Sail along Maui shoreline
• Enjoy panoramic sunset views
• Dine on custom buffet menu
• Drink handcrafted cocktails and beers
• Listen to live music (Wed & Sat)
• Return to Ka'anapali Beach after sunset

Top questions

Do you board the Maui sunset dinner cruise directly from Ka’anapali Beach?

Yes, boarding is directly from the sand at Ka’anapali Beach.

Is food included on this Maui sunset cruise?

Yes, there’s a buffet-style dinner prepared by Chef Jai included.

Are drinks included on the dinner cruise?

Yes, an open bar with cocktails and premium beers is included.

How long does the Maui sunset dinner cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is there live music during the cruise?

Live music is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What months can you see whales during this cruise?

Whale watching is possible from December 15th to April 15th.

Is parking provided or validated?

The tour includes four hours of parking validation.

Can infants join this sunset dinner cruise?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No, boarding is from sand so it’s not recommended for those with mobility challenges.

What’s included

Your evening includes direct beach boarding at Ka’anapali Beach onto a 65-foot luxury catamaran, Chef Jai’s buffet-style dinner served onboard, full open bar with cocktails and premium beers throughout your cruise, live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays if you’re lucky with timing, four hours of parking validation nearby—and if it’s whale season between December and April, keep your eyes peeled offshore before returning just after sunset.