• Maui sunsets take on a new dimension when seen from the water.sunset in maui image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Maui sunsets are magnificent when seen from the shores of one of the island's palm fringed beaches or from the private balcony of an ocean front hotel room or condo. Taking a sunset cruise adds another dimension to the experience. Rather than watching the suns rays reflect on the shimmering ocean, visitors become part of that reflection. The addition of tropical cocktails, island-style appetizers and full course meals to the experience doesn't hurt.
  
  

The Pride of Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise

• 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
  
  

Kai Kanani Sailing

• 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
  
  

Maui Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise

• 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