As we boarded Alii Nui for its sunset sail, the first thing we did was kick off our shoes.
A friendly crew member welcomed us with fresh-cut pineapple chunks and genuine smiles. A whale spouted in the distance. Clearly, this was going to be a memorable evening.
While the 65-foot-long luxury catamaran offers daytime snorkeling tours for all ages, Alii Nui’s sunset cruise gives grown-ups their own year-round time at sea.
“Since our sunset sail is adults-only, many guests return time and again,” said Carol Contreras, director of sales and marketing for Alii Nui Sailing Charters. “We are particularly popular with clients celebrating special occasions, honeymoons and anniversaries.”
Alii Nui’s appeal amplifies during whale-watching season. From late December through mid-April, clients get the added bonus of spotting humpbacks that swim and leap in the waters surrounding Maui each winter.
/An-ever-changing-sunset-sky-creates-a-dreamy-mood-.jpg?tr=w-768%2Ch-432%2Cfo-auto "An ever-changing sunset sky creates a dreamy mood for clients on Alii Nui’s sunset sail.")
An ever-changing sunset sky creates a dreamy mood for clients on Alii Nui’s sunset sail.
Credit: 2018 Marty WentzelImpressive Ship, Sups and Sips
Settling in for the two-hour ride, our fellow passengers quickly discovered their favorite areas of the sleek vessel. Some gravitated to the trampoline in the bow so they could feel the ocean spray. Others relaxed on the padded benches in the stern, while many mingled below deck, nibbling on appetizers of cheese, crackers, crudities and fruit.
As soon as the boat left Maalaea Harbor, a full bar opened, continuing the congenial tone. Alii Nui’s upscale spirits selection included 16-year-old Lagavulin scotch, Bombay Sapphire gin, Maker’s Mark bourbon and Maui’s own Ocean Vodka. And local beers such as Coconut Porter and Bikini Blonde reminded everyone that they were in Hawaii.
Savoring the sea breezes and tropical warmth, we enjoyed breathtaking perspectives of the island and its beauty. Dramatic panoramas of beaches, towns, mountains and valleys changed constantly as daylight gave way to twilight’s rosy skies.
Since Alii Nui launched its sunset excursion 15 years ago, it has attracted quite a following, according to Contreras.
“Our sunset sails are known for superb service and attention to detail,” Contreraos said. “Our staffing levels exceed most of our competitors.”
The boat can carry 100 passengers, but the company limits the sunset sail to 50 guests to ensure plenty of room and a high level of service, she added.
Indeed, every time I turned around, I saw crew members who were eager to please, whether they were wandering the deck taking orders and delivering drinks or taking photos as passengers posed. They even provided blankets to guests who felt an evening chill.
The quality of the dinner food was another big selling point. The spread ranged from prime rib roast, baby-back ribs and grilled chicken with lemon-caper-butter sauce to giant tiger prawns, crab cakes and Cajun-seared ahi sashimi. Desserts of tiramisu tuxedo cake and chocolate-covered strawberries paired well with after-dinner sips of raspberry Framboise from Maui’s Tedeschi Winery.
/Alii-Nui%e2%80%99s-sunset-sail-comes-with-a-lavish-all-you.jpg?tr=w-768%2Ch-432%2Cfo-auto "Alii Nui’s sunset sail comes with a lavish, all-you-can-eat dinner buffet.")
Alii Nui’s sunset sail comes with a lavish, all-you-can-eat dinner buffet.
Credit: 2018 Alii NuiA Whale of a View
During our experience in mid-February, we saw more whales than we could count. Some were frolicking and splashing farther away. Others swam beside their babies, teaching them the rules of the seas. Each sighting elicited oohs and aahs from the folks onboard.
“During peak whale season, our guests see whales 99.9 percent of the time,” Contreras said.
While Hawaii vessels are required by law to keep their distance from humpbacks, a few of the gentle giants surprised us by swimming right up to the boat.
As the spectacular sunset faded and the stars began to twinkle, crew members circulated to announce last call. We agreed to order one more drink because, unlike other boat tour companies, Alii Nui offers free round-trip transportation from most resorts on Maui’s south and west sides.
Priced at $159 per person, Alii Nui’s sunset sail is best suited for clients who don’t mind spending a bit more money for high-quality food, beverages and comfort.
“Our goal is to provide outstanding customer service and lifelong memories,” Contreras said. “In addition, we hope to welcome guests back to Alii Nui on their next trip to Maui so they can share the experience with friends and family.”
The Details
Alii Nui Sunset Sail
www.aliinuimaui.com
