Built in a shipyard in Louisiana, the Pride of Maui offers the chance to cruise the coast of Maui and enjoy the sunset and an on-board barbecue dinner at the same time. Baby back ribs with guava barbecue sauce, grilled on board, chicken breasts marinated in wine and garlic roasted vegetables served over fresh fettuccini are just some of the treats in store. Strawberry shortcake and island fruits make up the dessert. Beer, wine and cocktails are available at an open bar.
The Pride of Maui has been specially designed so that there is plenty of deck space. The boarding ramp and the on-board aisles are extra wide and able to accommodate wheelchair passengers on the main deck. The boat has showers, two rest rooms, a glass bottom viewing area, water slide and stairs that lead to the water line. Other cruise options are morning and afternoon snorkel cruises and whale watching tours, which take place from November to April.
The Pride of Maui operates out of Maalaea Harbor, halfway between Lahaina and Wailea on the western side of Maui.
Pride of Maui
Maalaea Harbor
101 Maalae Road
Wailuku, HI 96793
808-242-0955
prideofmaui.com
The Kai Nanani is a 65 foot catamaran that departs from the beach in front of the Maui Prince Hotel in Makena, South Maui. This does mean that you will get your feet wet, usually up to the knees when boarding, but that's part of the fun. The two-hour Sunset Champagne Cruise operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and offers an open bar and "pupus" (Hawaiian for appetizers). Examples of these treats are jumbo cocktail shrimp, island style meatballs, fruit platters and veggies with dips. Champagne, beer, wine and cocktails are served. This cruise is convenient for guests staying in the Wailea, Makena and Kihei resort areas.
Kai Kanani Sailing
Maui Prince
4990 Makena Alanui
Kihei, Maui, HI 96753
808-879-7218
kaikanani.com
Guests enjoy table service, live music and a magical Maui sunset aboard the 120 foot Maui Princess. Entrees include prime rib, roasted chicken or mahi mahi (dolphin fish) with a macadamia nut crust. A vegetarian option is the Mediterranean couscous with savory tomato and mushroom sauce. Salad, new potatoes, breads, assorted vegetables and a desert selection are also included. Guests 21 and older are offered beer, wine or tropical cocktail. Dinner is served on the open air upper deck.
The Maui Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise operates nightly and departs from slip number three at Lahaina Harbor. The Maui Princess also offers snorkeling cruises to Molokini Island and whale watching tours in season, from November to April. Lahaina is five miles south of Ka'anapali Beach and 26 miles north of the Wailea/Makena resorts.
Lahaina Cruise Company, Maui Princess Cruises
1036 Limahana Place, 3E
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
877-500-6284
mauiprincess.com
