It’s rare to sit on our butts all day during trips and even though we would call our recent trip to Maui “relaxing” overall, Mary and I still ended up out and about looking for something to do or places to take photos. Despite driving around the old whaling town of Lahaina, driving to Jaws, and taking photos on the cliff of Honolua Bay, we ended our stay with a romantic sunset dinner cruise.
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This activity was sponsored by Travel Shack. Travel Shack is a website that offers an array of activities across the Big Island (Hawaii Island), Oahu and Maui. From scuba diving to hikes, down to romantic sunset dinner cruises can all be booked on their website, specifically for Maui, visit here.
Be sure to book ahead of time (at least a few days before) to deter any last minute changes. The dinner cruise we did is a 4-course meal that allows a diet flexible for the Vegetarian or Carnivore. In a slow but steady switch to eating healthier, we went with a preferred vegetarian route. Before we get started on our own experience here is what is on Travel Shack. In summary, taken from the website:
- 4-course meal served by the crew
- Guaranteed outdoor seating
- Variety of cocktails and alcoholic drinks (up to 3 alcoholic drinks and unlimited soda, juice and water)
- Beautiful sunset with scenic views of the Maui coastline and the nearby islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Kaho’olawe
- View whales (Nov-May) and dolphins
- Days: Daily for 2 hours
- Food: Four-course Dinner (bread, salad, main dish, dessert)
- Island-style background music (not live)
- Double-decker catamaran: 42-48 Sailing catamaran
- Price:
Age 13+: $83.66 – $101.66
Age 3-12: $51.26 – $69.26
Age 2 & under: Free
Before boarding, we waited around historic Lahaina and watched the sky dazzle with pinks and purples. We knew were in for a romantic sunset. As we checked in, a crew photographer took a picture of us. All parties boarding is able to purchase the photo at the end of the dinner cruise. Immediately after the photos, we boarded the boat, were seated and headed off promptly after everyone else finished posing.
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We started with an appetizer of fresh baked Focaccia Bread and spinach-artichoke dip which was delicious. Be ready to eat it asap and once you commit to sampling it, be dedicated to finishing because the winds of the high seas cool the warm bread slices quickly.
During this time, the warm ocean breeze paired with a surreal sunset engaged all our senses. It was a bombardment of bliss. In all honesty, I was born and raised in Hawaii and have been to Maui multiple times but this journey presented the most remarkable sunset I’ve seen on a neighbor island up to this point in my life.
The drinks added to the enjoyment of the experience as we conversed with guests besides us – Mai Tais, chardonnay and cabernet, Maui Brewing Co. beer, frozen & blended cocktails (complimentary for Premium guests only), soda, juices, and water. After downing the first drink and cleaning out the appetizer, a salad blend of local greens and vegetables doused in mango-passion fruit vinaigrette was brought forth.
The main dish came out after the salad marking our third part of the 4-course dinner: (one per person)
1) Lemon-Grass and Curry Marinated Fresh Kauai Shrimp with Lilikoi Butter Sauce
2) Teriyaki Boneless Chicken Breast with Big Island Papaya Salsa
3) Chimichurri Flat Iron Steak with Wild Mushroom Demi Glaze
4) Honey-Miso Tofu with Big Island Papaya Salsa (vegetarian) – This was our main course meal!
Entrees served with Coconut-Whipped Molokai Purple Sweet Potatoes (Our favorite highlight of the meal & Macadamia Nut Pesto Grilled Vegetables.
After barely being able to finish our vegetarian dish (#4), we were greeted with a heavy chocolate dessert. Even the 15 minutes of break time digesting couldn’t open my stomach enough for the entire dish but I did have a sample. (Maybe I should have slowed down drinking! haha). The Triple Chocolate Chip Brownies with Fresh Kula Strawberries best served with Maui Coffee & Tea.
CHECK OUT MORE POSTS ABOUT MAUI, HERE!
Full stomachs and wholehearted laughs created quite a remarkable time. The boat tours from Lahaina offer the best sunset vies on Maui. By far our most favorite part was this statement: “All profits from your tickets go directly towards the Pacific Whale Foundation’s important work of protecting the oceans through science and advocacy.” As a local waterman, it hits close to home when we can contribute to keeping the waters clear and safe for these amazing animals as our donation enhances research effort and awareness of man-made dangers.
Overall, the sunset cruise was educational, entertaining (due to our newly found friends from LA), and fulfilling. That night was magical in every sense of the word. Nature put on a show while our cooks/waitresses cooked up a delicious meal. If you’re considering something as romantic as a dinner sunset cruise, commit. You are making a great choice! Highly recommend doing a sunset dinner boat cruise in Lahaina, Maui.
For more information, visit Travel Shack.
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Disclaimer: Wanderlustyle was sponsored for this dinner cruise by Travel Shack. All of our opinions are honest. Mahalo!
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