Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on the Pride of Maui

Planning a night out in Maui that combines fantastic scenery, delicious food, and a touch of Polynesian culture? The Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise aboard the Pride of Maui offers just that. While we haven’t personally cruised this tour, plenty of travelers rave about its relaxed atmosphere, stunning views, and hearty buffet. It’s an experience that balances entertainment, scenic beauty, and good value—all wrapped up in a comfortable boat ride.

Two things we particularly like about this cruise are its inclusive nature—especially the open bar and buffet—and the opportunity to watch a live hula show while soaking in a beautiful sunset. A potential snag? The boat can only host a maximum of 74 guests, so it maintains an intimate feel, but if you’re looking for a big-party vibe, you might find it more subdued than some larger tours.

This cruise suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed, scenic evening with a touch of cultural entertainment, particularly those who appreciate good food and drinks without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for first-timers eager for a classic Maui experience or anyone wanting to unwind while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Key Points

• Combines scenic sunset views with Polynesian entertainment
• All-you-can-drink open bar and buffet included in the price
• Intimate group size for a more personalized experience
• Consistently high reviews for food, drinks, and crew friendliness
• Be aware of weather considerations and indoor seating limitations
• Great value for the money compared to similar tours

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Boarding the Pride of Maui

You’ll start your evening at Maalaea Harbor, where the Pride of Maui awaits. The boat is described as spacious and well-maintained, offering plenty of room to find a comfortable spot. The departure is timed around sunset, so you’ll get an early start to catch the fading light over the water. Keep in mind, transportation isn’t included, and parking is available nearby for $2 an hour—payable by credit card.

The Cruise Itself

Once aboard, the cruise begins with an opportunity to settle in, enjoy a drink from the open bar (craft beer, blended drinks, or soft drinks), and soak in the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. The boat glides smoothly near Molokini crater, giving you a chance to see Maui’s volcanic landscape from the water.

What’s notable is the boat’s approach to weather. There’s mention in reviews that, if conditions are windy or rainy, the cruise may briefly take shelter in a cove, especially during dinner. For most guests, this means a little less sunset view but ensures safety and comfort.

Sunset and Live Entertainment

As the sun begins to dip, the sky often lights up with vibrant colors—ideal for photos or just marveling at nature’s display. During this time, a live hula performance takes center stage, showcasing traditional dance and music. The performances are described as graceful and authentic, adding a cultural touch that enhances the evening.

The Buffet Dinner

The highlight for many is the hearty buffet. You’ll find island-style dishes like baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, roasted vegetables, coconut sweet potatoes, and stir-fried veggies—all freshly prepared. Reviewers frequently mention that the food is delicious and well-served, with some noting it’s a good value for the price. It’s not a fancy sit-down dinner but offers generous portions and satisfying flavors.

Post-Sunset Activities

After the meal, the boat often remains near the coast, allowing for more viewing and relaxation. The live music, including slack key guitar, continues to set a mellow yet festive mood. Guests can mingle, enjoy their drinks, and take in the stunning scenery.

What Reviewers Say: The Real Deal

Positive reviews highlight the great value of this cruise. Kevin_W called it a “lovely sunset dinner cruise from beginning to end,” praising the “awesome staff” and “delicious and plentiful” drinks. Jason_P echoes this sentiment, noting it’s their second cruise on the Pride of Maui and that it “did not disappoint.” Many describe the atmosphere as inviting and relaxed, perfect for a leisurely evening.

Food consistently receives praise: “food was yummy and served expertly,” according to reviews. Guests appreciate the buffet’s variety and flavor, making it more than just a quick snack. The open bar also scores high marks, with many guests enjoying the craft beer and blended drinks freely.

The cultural aspect—the live hula show—adds a memorable touch. Kaili’s graceful dance and Keoki’s acoustic guitar set a mellow, authentic tone. Several reviewers mention how this cultural element enhances the experience without feeling overly touristy.

Handling Weather and Cancellations

Weather can influence the cruise. Some reviews mention that, if the weather isn’t cooperative, the boat may take refuge in a sheltered cove during dinner. While this means less sunset visibility, most guests seem to appreciate the care taken to ensure safety and comfort.

There was one instance where guests didn’t see the sunset because the boat docked behind a mountain—an occasional occurrence depending on wind and sea conditions. The company offers full refunds or rescheduling if weather cancels the cruise, which adds peace of mind.

The Downsides

A few reviews mention smaller issues. For instance, indoor seating during rain is limited to about a third of the boat. If the weather is bad, this can lead to crowded indoor spaces, which some found uncomfortable. A rude phone representative was also noted in one review, but most guests report friendly, helpful staff.

A surprising negative review pointed out that the food wasn’t what they expected. However, the company responded assuring that their menu matches what is advertised, indicating that sometimes perception may differ from reality.

The Practicalities: Pricing, Duration, and Group Size

This tour is priced at $148 per person, which many consider good value given the included buffet and open bar. Its approximately two-hour duration makes it a manageable evening activity—long enough to enjoy the scenery, entertainment, and meal without feeling rushed.

Group size is capped at 74 travelers, creating a cozy, friendly environment. This smaller group size often results in better service and more personalized interaction compared to larger, more commercial cruises.

While transportation isn’t included, parking is straightforward and inexpensive, and the tour’s timing aligns well with sunset hours—ideal for photography and enjoying Maui’s evening ambiance.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic evening that mixes Hawaiian culture with a hearty meal and drinks. If you enjoy authentic entertainment, friendly staff, and beautiful views, you’ll likely find it rewarding. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a smaller group and value good food at a fair price.

However, if you’re highly sensitive to weather or prefer a larger, more lively party scene, you might want to explore other options. It’s best for those who appreciate a balanced, laid-back experience with some cultural flavor.

The Sum Up

The Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on the Pride of Maui offers an approachable way to enjoy Maui’s natural beauty alongside a taste of local culture. The combination of stunning sunset views, hearty island-style food, and live entertainment makes for a memorable evening that feels both special and relaxed.

With excellent reviews highlighting the quality of the food, drinks, and crew, this cruise provides notable value—especially considering the all-inclusive nature of the ticket price. The intimate group size fosters a friendly atmosphere where you can truly unwind and soak in the scenery.

It’s a well-suited experience for travelers who want a laid-back, scenic night out with authentic touches, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors or those seeking a gentle, culturally enriching evening.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes dinner, alcoholic beverages, an island-style buffet with dishes like baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, roasted veggies, and coconut sweet potatoes, along with micro-brewed beer and blended drinks.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the scenery, dinner, and entertainment without feeling rushed.

Is parking available?
Yes, parking is located across from Carl’s Jr. before the Ocean Center, costing $2 per hour and payable by credit card.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
Yes, most cruises go ahead, but in case of poor weather, the boat may seek shelter in a cove during dinner. The company offers full refunds or rescheduling if conditions cancel the cruise.

What’s the group size?
The maximum capacity is 74 travelers, creating a more intimate and friendly environment.

Can I see whales from this cruise?
During mating season, you might see humpback whales, but sightings are not guaranteed and depend on sea conditions and whale activity.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Maalaea Harbor.

What is the dress code?
Casual island attire is perfect—think shorts, summer dresses, or aloha shirts.

Are there menu substitutions?
No, the menu does not accommodate substitutions or special requests.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, and perhaps a light jacket for cooler evening breezes.

Is this experience suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should check for specific access details. The tour is generally suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

In short, this cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and culturally engaging evening that balances comfort, entertainment, and good eating — perfect for those wanting a taste of Maui’s sunset magic without fuss.