Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on the Pride of Maui

If you’re planning a trip to Maui and want a relaxed way to enjoy the island’s stunning coastline, a sunset dinner cruise might be on your list. We’ve reviewed the Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise offered by Pride of Maui, which has earned solid reviews and is popular among visitors. While we haven’t taken this cruise ourselves, the detailed feedback and features give us a good sense of what to expect—and what might make it perfect or less ideal for your trip.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the beautiful sunset views near Molokini crater are a highlight — a real treat for anyone wanting to see Maui from the water. Second, the inclusive buffet with delicious food and open bar offers great value for the price. The live Hawaiian entertainment, including a hula show and slack key guitar, also adds a cultural touch that many guests find memorable.

On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned issues like limited indoor seating during windy weather and occasional dissatisfaction with food quality. It’s worth considering how important these details are for your experience, especially if you’re booking during windy seasons or with specific expectations about food.

This cruise seems best suited for visitors looking for a relaxed evening, beautiful scenery, and a taste of Hawaiian culture without breaking the bank. It’s a good fit if you enjoy social atmospheres, good food, and a bit of entertainment mixed with stunning sunset views.

Key Points

• Stunning Sunset: You’ll get to enjoy Maui’s coastline at dusk, often with opportunities to spot whales during mating season.
• Inclusive Value: The price covers a buffet dinner and open bar, making it a good deal for those wanting both food and drinks included.
• Live Entertainment: Expect a live hula show and Hawaiian music, which add authentic flavor.
• Sheltered Cruising: During rougher weather or high winds, the boat tucks inside a cove for dinner, which can mean missing the full sunset view.
• Group Size and Duration: It’s a fairly intimate experience with up to 74 travelers, lasting around 2 hours.
• Weather Considerations: Some reviews mention weather-related adjustments that can affect the sunset view and seating arrangements.

Detailed Review of the Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise

What To Expect From the Itinerary

The cruise begins at Maalaea Harbor at 5:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to settle in and start soaking up the scenic coastline. The Pride of Maui is a large, stable catamaran, known for its comfort and safety, even in choppier waters. Its size and stability are appreciated, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a steadier ride.

The main highlight is cruising near Molokini crater, where the views are spectacular. As the boat sails, you’ll be served a buffet dinner featuring island-style baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, roasted vegetables, and sweet potatoes. The food is prepared fresh in a nearby kitchen, with many reviews praising its quality and flavor, especially the fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed with guava.

Guests often mention the generous open bar including craft beers, blended drinks, and other alcoholic beverages—this adds a relaxed, social vibe to the cruise. The atmosphere is casual, friendly, and geared towards enjoying the evening at a leisurely pace.

Sunset and Scenic Views

Many reviews highlight the breathtaking sunsets. Some mention that the cruise tucks inside a sheltered cove during dinner to avoid wind or inclement weather, which means the sunset might not be directly viewed from the open deck in those moments. However, most guests agree that the views from the boat’s vantage points are beautiful, especially with the coastline and sky turning shades of orange and pink.

A handful of reviews noted that on certain evenings, the boat docked behind mountains or tucked inside coves, which temporarily obscured the sunset. But even then, guests found the overall experience to be enjoyable, appreciating the calm and comfort of being out on Maui waters.

Entertainment and Cultural Touches

The live Hawaiian entertainment truly enhances the cruise. Expect a live hula dance performed offshore and a talented musician playing slack key guitar. Many reviewers praise the performers for their grace and authenticity, describing the experience as a lovely, cultural addition to the evening.

Amy_A’s review captures this well: “The captain was wonderful and the guy singing and the hula girl did an amazing job. The views were beautiful! The food absolutely delicious!” It’s clear that the entertainment is both engaging and genuine.

Food and Drinks

The buffet offers island-style dishes like baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and sweet potatoes. Many guests find the food to be delicious and well-prepared, with some mentioning the ribs as a standout. The open bar adds to the fun, providing a variety of drinks, including microbrews and blended cocktails.

A few reviews, however, expressed disappointment with the food quality, calling it “average” or not matching their expectations. It’s worth noting that the majority seem pleased, especially considering the price point and the all-inclusive nature of the experience.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 74 guests, the cruise doesn’t feel overcrowded. Many reviewers mention how friendly and attentive the crew is, with Captain Jason and his team often earning praise for their professionalism and warmth. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to mingle or simply enjoy the scenery in peace.

Weather and Seating Considerations

Weather can be unpredictable, and some reviews reflect that. On windy nights, the boat may stay inside a sheltered cove during dinner, which limits the opportunity to see the sunset in full view. Several guests mention that in such conditions, most of the seating shifts downstairs or inside, with standing room only being the main option upstairs.

For example, Ashleytruong mentions, “It was very windy, so we all had to cram downstairs,” but also appreciated the good food. Captain Jason and the crew do their best to make adjustments—such as tucking into coves when needed—to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

When Things Don’t Go Perfectly

A small number of guests have expressed dissatisfaction. Complaints include poor customer service or feeling rushed out of the boat during bad weather. For example, Jamie_B recounted leaving early after feeling the setup was poor and the staff was rude—though responses from the provider clarify that the crew was following safety protocols during the light rain.

Another guest, Jennifer_B, thought the food was “terrible,” but that seems to be an outlier, as many reviews praise the menu.

Price and Overall Value

At $158 per person, the cruise offers a solid deal considering the inclusions—buffet dinner, open bar, live entertainment, and scenic views. The value is enhanced by the quality of the food, the friendly crew, and the cultural authenticity of the entertainment.

While it’s not a high-end, luxury dinner cruise, it hits the sweet spot for travelers wanting a relaxed, memorable evening without spending a fortune.

Who This Experience Is Best For

This cruise is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a casual, social environment with good food and scenic views. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an affordable way to experience Maui’s coastline at sunset, with the added bonus of Hawaiian music and dance.

It works well for couples, groups of friends, or even solo travelers wanting a laid-back evening with friendly company. If you’re traveling with children, the cruise is generally family-friendly, but keep in mind that seating is limited indoors during windy weather.

However, if you’re seeking a more private, upscale, or romantic dinner with uninterrupted sunset views, you might want to explore other options. Also, if weather is a concern, be prepared for the possibility of being inside rather than on the open deck.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is parking available at Maalaea Harbor?
Yes, parking is available just across from Carls Jr., with a fee of $2 per hour paid by credit card.

Does the cruise include transportation from hotels?
No, transportation to and from Maalaea Harbor isn’t provided, so plan accordingly.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at 5:30 pm and ending back at the harbor.

Are the food and drinks included in the price?
Yes, the buffet dinner and alcoholic beverages—including craft beer and blended drinks—are included.

Can I request menu substitutions?
No, the menu doesn’t accept substitutions or special requests, so check if the offerings suit your preferences beforehand.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise can be affected by weather. During high winds or rain, the boat may stay inside a sheltered cove during dinner, which could limit sunset views but ensures safety and comfort.

Is this cruise suitable for families?
While generally family-friendly, consider that indoor seating might be limited during windy weather, and children should be supervised on the boat.

How many guests can I expect?
The maximum group size is 74 travelers, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Final Thoughts

The Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on the Pride of Maui offers a relaxed evening of scenic views, good food, and Hawaiian entertainment. It’s best suited for travelers who want a casual experience that combines the beauty of Maui’s coastline with cultural touches, all at a reasonable price. While weather considerations and indoor seating limitations are worth noting, most guests find the experience enjoyable and memorable.

If you’re after an authentic, social evening with the chance to see whales (during mating season), this cruise delivers on those fronts. For a peaceful yet lively way to end a day on Maui, it’s a solid choice that’s worth considering.

Remember: Always check the weather forecast, arrive a bit early for parking, and come with a relaxed attitude—this cruise is about enjoying Maui’s incredible surroundings and good company.