Maui Sunset Sail: Humpback Whales & Inter-Island Views

Relax on a luxury catamaran with local appetizers and open bar as the sky changes colors

The Akialoa Sunset Sail is a two-hour catamaran tour departing from Mā'alaea Harbor on Maui, sailing through the inter-island channel between Maui, Lāna'i and Kaho'olawe. You'll relax on deck with local appetizers and an open bar while the sun drops toward the horizon. From December to March, humpback whales often appear during the crossing. The boat holds 48 passengers maximum. Arrive 30 minutes before departure at Slip #72. Boarding closes 10 minutes before the boat leaves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset sail and wildlife viewing

• Arrive 30 minutes before departure
• Check in at Slip #72, Maʻalaea Harbor
• Board the Akialoa catamaran
• Enjoy a 2-hour sunset sail
• Relax on trampolines or shaded seating
• Sample local appetizers and open bar
• Spot humpback whales (Dec-Mar)

The experience

You arrive at Mā'alaea Harbor with a free afternoon and want to spend it on the water without planning a route yourself. The Akialoa departs from Slip #72 at the end of the jetty, and the two-hour sail carries you through the channel between Maui and the smaller islands across it. The catamaran is 55 feet long with trampolines on the bow and shaded seating throughout, so you can position yourself for the light as it changes, or stay put and let the crew bring drinks and appetizers to you.

The open bar runs to cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options. The kitchen sends out hot and cold hors d'oeuvres as the boat moves. Complimentary reef-safe sunscreen is on board. From December through March, the channel fills with migrating humpback whales, and sightings are common enough that the operator names it as part of the sail. The group maxes out at 48 people, which keeps the deck from feeling crowded and means you're not jostling for rail space when something appears in the water.

Timing matters: arrive 30 minutes before departure so check-in and boarding can finish before the boat leaves on schedule. Boarding closes 10 minutes before departure, and the vessel cannot wait for late arrivals. Public transportation runs to the harbor if you don't have a rental car. Infants ride on an adult's lap. The sail suits any fitness level.

What’s included

• Two-hour catamaran sail.
• water, sodas, and Aloha Juice.
• beer, white wine, sparkling wine, and cocktails.
• hot and cold appetizers.
• complimentary reef-safe sunscreen.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 48

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sail Maui

Is this one for you?At 48 passengers maximum, the Akialoa keeps the boat intimate enough that you're not fighting for deck space or a view. The group size is what makes the sunset and the whales (December–March) feel like something you're sharing rather than watching from the back of a crowd.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When do humpback whales usually appear on the Maui sunset sail?

Humpback whales migrate through the inter-island channel from December to March, and sightings are frequent during that season. Outside those months, whale encounters are unlikely.

What's included in the open bar on the Akialoa?

The open bar covers beer, white wine, sparkling wine, cocktails, sodas, and water. Hot and cold appetizers come out during the sail, and complimentary reef-safe sunscreen is available on deck.

How early do I need to arrive at Mā'alaea Harbor?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Check-in begins at that time, and boarding closes 10 minutes before the boat leaves. The vessel departs on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Can I bring an infant on the sunset sail?

Yes, infants are welcome and must sit on an adult's lap during the sail. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels.

Where exactly do I meet the boat at Mā'alaea Harbor?

Meet the Akialoa at Slip #72, located at the end of the jetty in Mā'alaea Harbor. Check-in and boarding happen there before departure.

Is parking available at Mā'alaea Harbor?

Public transportation options are available near the harbor. Parking fees are not included with the sail ticket.