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Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch!
Maʻalaea Harbor • Central Maui • Certified Marine Naturalists Onboard • Gourmet Dinner at Sunset
Questions about this or any other Maui Activity? Text or call us at (808) 298-3021 7am – 7pm daily. We are fun specialists and island experts, and we can help you pick the perfect Maui whale watch for your crew. We are Maui family-owned and operated, and we’re Maui’s highest-rated activity and rental shop!
It’s easy to book your Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch right here online.
Auntie Snorkel offers the lowest prices guaranteed!
We will email you an E-Ticket once we complete your reservation.
Why You’ll Love Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch
⭐ Dinner + Whale Watch in One Magical Evening
Enjoy a tropical sunset sail and a narrated whale watch during Maui’s peak humpback season, followed by a chef-prepared dinner as the sun dips below the horizon.
⭐ Award-Winning Sunset Cruise Experience
This tour pairs Pacific Whale Foundation’s long history of ocean education and whale watching with a romantic, gourmet dinner on the water.
⭐ Chef-Prepared Four-Course Dinner
Dinner is served table-side with fresh island flavors and locally sourced ingredients. No buffet lines, no reheated plates, just great food paired with ocean views.
⭐ Guaranteed Outdoor Seating
Every party gets an outdoor table for great views of the sunset, whales, and Maui coastline.
⭐ Certified Marine Naturalist Commentary
Learn about humpback behavior from trained naturalists who help you understand what you are seeing on the water.
⭐ Perfect for Couples, Families, and Special Occasions
This cruise creates unforgettable memories whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or a special evening with loved ones.
What’s Included in the Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch?
✔Sunset whale watching with narrated interpretation
✔Gourmet four-course dinner served table-side
✔Refreshing beverages and tropical cocktails
✔Certified Marine Naturalist onboard
✔Outdoor private seating guaranteed
✔Stunning Maui sunset views
✔Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior
✔Convenient e-ticket from Auntie Snorkel
What Does the Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch Look Like?
See for yourself in this preview of the sunset dinner and whale watch experience.
What’s on the Menu?
Dinner on the Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise is a chef-prepared, four-course meal served table-side, with guaranteed outdoor private seating and no buffet lines. Every entrée is grilled on board for peak freshness using locally sourced ingredients.
Appetizer
Warm King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Kula honey butter and black lava salt. It’s a classic Maui-style starter that sets the tone for island flavors.
Salad
Watermelon and Tomato Salad: thick-cut watermelon paired with tomato and basil bruschetta, local herb pesto, feta cheese and a reduced balsamic drizzle.
Entrée
(choice of one, served with grilled vegetables and coconut-whipped Molokai purple sweet potatoes)
Yellow curry marinated sustainably farmed shrimp with fresh mango sauce
Teriyaki boneless chicken breast with Big Island papaya salsa
Truffle-scented braised beef short rib with mushroom demi-glaze
Grilled portobello mushroom (vegetarian) marinated in chimichurri and served with Molokai purple sweet potato mash, macadamia nut-crusted goat cheese medallion and smoked tomato coulis
Dessert
Triple chocolate chip brownies with fresh Kula strawberries. It’s a sweet finish that feels indulgent but not heavy.
Beverages
Unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water included
Two complimentary alcoholic beverages for adults (vodka, gin, rum, beer from local Maui Brewing Company, wine and tequila are also available)
Additional alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Please bring a card for payment as this is a cashless vessel.
The overall menu emphasizes local Maui ingredients, island-style flavor combinations, and quality prepared fresh aboard the catamaran, all adding to a memorable sunset dining experience on the water.
What are the Check-In Details, Departure Times, & Duration of The Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch?
This sunset dinner cruise is offered during whale season and is designed to pair prime evening light with extra time for whale watching.
Departs: Daily at 4:00pm Duration: 3 hours (approx.) Check-in time: 45 minutes prior to departure Check-in location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, Maalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center
What is the Location & Directions for The Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch?
Meeting Location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at Maalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center
Maalaea Harbor is a convenient starting point for guests staying in Kihei, Wailea, Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, and Upcountry. Approximate driving times:
20 minutes from Kahului Airport (OGG)
30 minutes from Kihei/Wailea area resorts
30 minutes from Kaanapali area resorts
45 minutes from Napili/Kapalua area
The parking fee at the Maalaea Harbor Shops is $2/hour
Who Is This Sunset Dinner Cruise + Whale Watch For?
Book this tour if you want:
• A scenic sunset experience with whale watching and dinner
• A romantic evening on the water
• Certified naturalist commentary and educational insights
• Gourmet table-served dinner with tropical beverage options
Dress in layers, because evenings on the water can be breezy.
Bring a camera because Maui sunsets are world-class.
If you want to sip local wines or cocktails, bring your valid photo ID.
Tipping the boat crew is customary. Bring some cash to drop in their jar on the way out.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch
Is this more of a whale watch, or more of a dinner cruise?
It is truly both. The cruise includes dedicated whale-focused time with onboard wildlife interpretation, plus a paced, table-side four-course dinner and sunset sailing atmosphere.
Do you actually listen to whale songs on this cruise?
Yes. During whale season, the crew can deploy an underwater microphone so guests can hear live whale songs when conditions allow.
Will we be inside or outside for dinner?
Outdoor private seating is guaranteed, and dinner is served table-side. There is no buffet line.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or vegetarian preferences?
There is a vegetarian entree option listed on the tour menu. If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, it is best to note them at booking and plan ahead so the crew has the best chance to accommodate.
Are drinks included, and how does that work?
Unlimited soda, juice, and filtered water are included. For guests 21+ with valid ID, two premium alcoholic beverages are included. Additional beverages may be available for purchase onboard.
Do I need to bring cash for anything?
For onboard purchases, no. The vessels are cashless for purchases and accept credit, debit, or digital payments with a QR code. Cash is accepted for gratuities only.
What should I wear for comfort?
Evenings on the water can be cooler than on land. Bring a light layer, and choose flat or low-soled shoes for safe, easy movement on deck.
Is this a good choice for families with young kids?
Yes, it can be family-friendly, especially for kids who enjoy boats and wildlife. Keep in mind it is a three-hour evening cruise with a sit-down dinner, so it is best for families comfortable with that pace.
What if the ocean is choppy?
Safety always comes first. Conditions vary day to day, and the captain and crew may adjust routing and timing for comfort and safety. If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, take your usual precautions before boarding.
Why Book The Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch With Auntie Snorkel?
Best-value tickets for Maui whale watching
Safe checkout guaranteed – easy cancellation
Real local support from our family-owned and operated Lahaina & Kihei shops
Trusted by thousands of happy guests
More About the Pacific Whale Foundation Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch Experience
A Relaxed Sunset Cruise With a Purpose
This cruise feels like the best kind of Maui evening: unhurried, beautiful, and thoughtfully guided. As you settle in on deck, the crew will help you get comfortable, point out the best viewing areas, and share what to look for as you head into whale habitat during season.
Whale Watching With Naturalist Commentary
One of the most special parts of this experience is that it is not just a scenic dinner cruise. It is also a guided whale watch led by Certified Marine Naturalists. As you cruise, you will learn what humpbacks are doing and why, from spouts and flukes to surface behaviors like tail slaps, spy hops, and breaches, making the whole evening feel more meaningful and memorable.
Dinner Service With Ocean Views
As the sun drops closer to the horizon, dinner service begins. You can expect a paced, sit-back-and-enjoy meal, served table-side while Maui does its sunset thing in the background. The combination of fresh air, calm sailing, and a chef-prepared meal makes this a favorite for couples, families, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
The Atmosphere
The vibe is polished but approachable, like a friendly tour guide meets a nice night out. It is a great cruise for guests who want a more elevated experience than a standard whale watch, without losing the fun, educational, and ocean-first feel Pacific Whale Foundation is known for.
What You Will Remember Most
Most guests leave talking about two things: the whales and the sunset. Sometimes it is a breach at the perfect moment. Sometimes it is simply the feeling of being on the water at dusk with Maui in the distance. Either way, this cruise tends to become one of those core Maui memories people keep bringing up long after the trip is over.
Location: Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store at Maalaea Harbor Shops, next to Maui Ocean Center
Learn More About Maui Whale Watching from Auntie Snorkel’s Fun Specialists
Auntie Snorkel’s Maui Guidebook offers all our Island Expert knowledge at your fingertips to help you find the perfect Maui activities for you. Learn more about other favorite whale watches in the articles below.
Great place to grab rentals for the beach. Jake and Art provided what we needed based off what we said we were hoping to do at the beach. They also gave us a map and showed us the best places to ride waves, see turtles and see the best sunset.
Mist M.
Such a great place to rent from. Great customer service. Flexible with the weather. We absolutely loved the gear. We will rent from them again. Thanks Dalton for all the good tips!
Ilya W.
Great place to get your beach gear. Staff is cheerful and friendly. It's very easy to reserve your stuff online and quickly pick it up at the store. Dave helped us to find the best floaties for the kids and as a freebie we got a boogie board, which was fun to try.
Jeff T.
Nice staff, rented a beach umbrella. Intended to rent snorkeling gear but the weather didn't cooperate. Prices were competitive and a great location if your...
Kristin T.
Art was really helpful with lending me a boogie board for the week and everything went smoothly! I would go back to rent gear.
