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Sip tropical cocktails from a floating tiki bar as the "Winona" catamaran sails from Maalaea Harbor into a Maui sunset. Small-group vibe, island pupus, and possible dolphin or whale sightings make this two-hour cruise an unforgettable evening.
Sip tropical cocktails from a floating tiki bar as the "Winona" catamaran sails from Maalaea Harbor into a Maui sunset. Small-group vibe, island pupus, and possible dolphin or whale sightings make this two-hour cruise an unforgettable evening.
Book with Unicorn Tours of Hawaii Inc
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Operated by Unicorn Tours of Hawaii Inc · Wailuku, Hawaii
At Maalaea Harbor, 233 Maalaea Rd in Wailuku, Hawai‘i, the "Winona" Sail Catamaran slips quietly from the dock as the sun slides toward the West Maui Mountains. On this two-hour Sunset Sailing cruise you’ll trade traffic for trade winds, swapping shoreline drive for a front-row seat to the Pacific. The vessel is a hand-built Hawaiian catamaran operated by Makena Coast Charters, and its floating tiki bar, island music, and open drinks service give the outing a relaxed party feel without losing the intimacy of a small group.
The route follows the southwestern shore, skimming coral outcrops and the reef line where spinner dolphins often play. Between December and April humpback whales migrate through these waters, so the crew keeps a practiced watch for blows, breaches, and tail slaps. The sharp silhouette of the West Maui Mountains and the lava-sculpted coastline form a dramatic backdrop as the sky ripens from gold to magenta.
What makes this cruise special is the combination of handcrafted vessel character and local hospitality. “Winona” is the only Hawaiian-built boat in its class—guests notice details in the woodwork and layout that speak to island craft traditions. The crew provides island-style pupus, two onboard restrooms, and an open bar offering locally brewed beer, seltzers, and Hawaiian cocktails. It’s small-group sailing you can enjoy with friends or family, tuned to the pace of the ocean.
Practicalities matter. Check-in is at Maalaea Harbor; parking uses a QR payment system so arrive early to register your plate and pay. The boat is barefoot-friendly and not wheelchair accessible; there’s a short stair to board. The trip runs two hours, and seasonal check-in times shift between spring/summer and fall/winter—plan accordingly. For infants under six months bring a Coast Guard-approved life vest; legal IDs are required for alcohol. Gratuities are customary.
This outing excels for sunset watchers, casual photographers, and anyone who wants approachable marine wildlife viewing without long offshore passages. Look for close dolphin funnels, distant whale spouts, reef shadows, and the last light over the West Maui ridgeline. The vibe is aloha-forward but practical: experienced captain, crew safety briefings, and a rhythm that favors relaxation and small discoveries. If your Maui itinerary needs one evening that’s equal parts celebration and nature watching, this floating tiki bar at Maalaea Harbor delivers.
Bring a light jacket or shawl for the evening breeze, reef-safe sunscreen, and a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife shots; shoes that slip off easily are ideal since the vessel is barefoot-friendly. No hotel pickup is provided, so factor transport time to Maalaea Harbor and the QR parking system into your schedule. Expect a mix of locals and visitors and a relaxed pace that turns strangers into shipmates by sunset.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal fitness required; guests should be able to stand and move on a moving deck and use short stairs to board.
The cruise typically lasts about two hours—check seasonal check-in times for exact departure and return times.
Yes. There are two restrooms on board: one for Kane (Men) and one for Wahine (Women).
No. The vessel is not wheelchair accessible and requires climbing a short stair to board.
Parents must bring a Coast Guard–approved life vest for infants 0–6 months; safety briefings cover life jacket use.
No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included—plan transport to Maalaea Harbor and the QR parking system accordingly.
Yes. The open bar serves locally brewed beer, seltzers, and Hawaiian cocktails; bring ID if you plan to drink.
The vessel "Winona" is a Hawaiian-built catamaran operated by Makena Coast Charters, reflecting local boatbuilding traditions and island hospitality.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, keep noise low during wildlife encounters, and respect crew guidance to minimize disturbance to marine mammals and coral.
Unicorn Tours of Hawaii Inc, based in Kihei, Hawaii, operates guided catamaran experiences on Maui. The company offers a mix of public sails and private charters aboard the Winona, Maui’s only Hawaiian-built catamaran. Trips include a Sunset Sailing on a Floating Tiki Bar, a three-hour Discover the Magic of Coral Garden’s Turtle Town snorkel trip, a 2.5-hour Whale Watching Cruise from Maalaea Harbor, and customizable private charters for events and celebrations. Each experience emphasizes safety, local knowledge, and Hawaiian hospitality. Crews are trained to provide marine wildlife viewing, snorkeling guidance, and onboard service such as tropical beverages and light meals where listed. The coral garden snorkel trip highlights green sea turtle encounters and reef observation in clear waters, while seasonal whale watches focus on humpback whale behavior visible from Maalaea Harbor and offshore. Unicorn Tours of Hawaii Inc maintains a fleet and vessel consistent with marine regulations and operates from established Maui departure points. Booking options include scheduled public departures and private charters suitable for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The Winona catamaran’s decks and layout are designed for social groups, photography, and unobstructed ocean views. Reviews and third-party listings reference consistent departures, local crew expertise, and unique experiences such as the floating tiki bar concept. Travelers seeking marine wildlife encounters, sunset sails, or private celebrations on a Hawaiian-built catamaran will find relevant options among the company’s offerings. Reservations are available online or through authorized partners, with clear pricing, departure details, and accessibility information provided at booking upon request today.
Book with Unicorn Tours of Hawaii Inc