Maui is a fantastic place for drinking tours—not just because of its sunny beaches and tropical vibes, but because many tours combine stunning scenery with the chance to enjoy a drink or two. There’s something special about sipping a cocktail while watching whales breach or sailing into the sunset. Our picks include everything from lively whale-watching cruises with open bars to luxurious sunset sails, snorkeling adventures with BBQ lunches, and even a vintage VW beach cruise. We’ve highlighted the best options so you can find a tour that fits your style, budget, and sense of adventure.
One tour that really stands out is the Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach. This 2-hour trip is perfect during whale season (December to April). Imagine cruising alongside humpback whales, learning about their migratory patterns from a naturalist, all while enjoying unlimited drinks from the onboard open bar. It’s a lively, memorable experience that combines nature with relaxation. Another favorite is the Maui: Kaanapali Beach 5-hr Snorkel w/ BBQ Lunch & Open Bar, which offers a longer day on the water with opportunities to snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, topped off with a BBQ lunch and drinks. Whether you prefer whale watching, sunset sailing, or snorkeling, Maui offers a variety of tours that blend adventure with refreshment.
Below, we’ll go through each of the top drinking tours in Maui, detailing what makes them special and helping you decide which one suits your trip best.
1. Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach
Set sail during Maui’s famous whale season on this 2-hour whale-watching cruise departing from Ka’anapali Beach. This tour is a crowd favorite, with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 720 reviews. You’ll head into the open ocean with a naturalist guide pointing out humpback whales making their winter home in Maui’s warm waters. The highlight? Unlimited drinks from an open bar—think mimosas, island cocktails, and non-alcoholic options—while you relax on a spacious catamaran with plenty of seating and even bean bags on open nets for getting close to the action.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of education and fun. The naturalist shares insights into whale behavior and migration, making it a rich experience for those curious about marine life. The reviews highlight the friendly crew, the opportunity to see breaching whales just 20 feet from the boat, and the generous drinks service. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a memorable, lively experience without spending a fortune.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value, combining a short but exhilarating whale encounter with unlimited drinks and friendly guides. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone eager to see Maui’s winter whales with a drink in hand.
2. Maui: Ka’anapali Luxury Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open Bar
For those seeking a more upscale experience, the Luxury Sunset Cocktail Sail offers 2 hours of sailing aboard a sleek catamaran from Ka’anapali Beach. For $129 per person, you’ll enjoy chef-inspired pupus (appetizers), an open bar, and breathtaking sunset views. This tour is ideal for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in Maui’s beauty and luxury.
During the cruise, you’ll witness the changing colors of the sky over Maui as the sun dips behind the islands, with the West Maui Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The open bar includes a variety of drinks, from tropical cocktails to wine and beer, making it perfect for a relaxed evening. While whale sightings depend on the season, this cruise’s focus on comfort and scenery makes it a top pick for sunset lovers. The reviews mention its “luxury feel,” attentive crew, and the chance to unwind in style.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a more elegant, peaceful way to enjoy Maui’s evening scenery with drinks and small bites, this sunset sail hits the mark.
3. Maui: Kaanapali Beach 5-hr Snorkel w/ BBQ Lunch & Open Bar
This 5-hour snorkeling tour from Kaanapali Beach combines adventure, relaxation, and plenty of refreshment for $183 per person. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want to see Maui’s vibrant marine life while enjoying a laid-back day on the water. The tour visits two snorkeling spots, based on seasonal conditions, where you can swim alongside turtles and colorful tropical fish.
The boat is a luxury catamaran equipped for comfort and fun. Along With snorkeling, you’ll have chances to spot dolphins and sea turtles during the cruise. The tour includes a tropical breakfast at the start and chef-inspired lunch with a barbecue on board—freshly grilled and served with plenty of drinks from the open bar. The reviews praise the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the snorkeling sites, making this a top choice for active travelers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for snorkeling enthusiasts who want an all-day experience with food, drinks, and marine life, all in one relaxing trip.
4. Kaanapali: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar
This 2-hour whale watching tour from Kaanapali offers an intimate experience of Maui’s whale season, with a 4.8 rating from 66 reviews. It’s similar to the first tour but departs from a different location, focusing on whale encounters with the same naturalist-guided narration and open bar. The tour emphasizes the chance to get close and personal with humpback whales, often breaching and playing just meters away from the boat.
The relaxed pace and friendly crew help create a welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers mention the thrill of seeing whales breaching and the enjoyment of sipping a mimosa or island cocktail while watching the whales in their natural habitat. It’s a straightforward, quality experience emphasizing marine wildlife.
Bottom Line: Ideal for whale enthusiasts wanting a shorter, no-nonsense cruise with plenty of opportunities for whale sightings and drinks.
5. Maui: Kaanapali Beach 4-hour Snorkel w/ BBQ Lunch & Open Bar
Similar to the 5-hour version but slightly shorter, this 4-hour snorkel tour offers a quick yet comprehensive marine adventure. With a 5-star rating from 34 reviews, it’s praised for its friendly crew, well-chosen snorkeling spots, and delicious BBQ lunch. The tour is a good choice for travelers who want to maximize their Maui water time without sacrificing comfort or amenities.
The boat cruise provides stunning views of Maui’s west coast, with chances to see dolphins and sea turtles. The itinerary is packed with snorkeling, relaxing, and drinking from the open bar. The reviews highlight the attentive crew and the quality of the food, making it a value-packed option.
Bottom Line: Perfect for snorkelers who want a shorter but still immersive day with food, drinks, and marine encounters.
6. Maui: 2 Hour Sunset Dinner Sail with Open Bar and Appetizers
This 2-hour sunset dinner sail offers a romantic twist on Maui’s waters, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of drinks. It features an open bar with vodka, rum, beer, wine, and champagne, plus a menu of delicious appetizers. Watching the sun set over the West Maui Mountains from the deck of this luxurious catamaran is a highlight.
The crew provides attentive service, and the scenic views of nearby islands add to the experience. While it may not include a full dinner, the appetizers and drinks make for a satisfying evening. Reviewers love the “beautiful sunset” and the “friendly, professional crew.” It’s an excellent choice for couples celebrating something special or anyone looking for a mellow, scenic evening.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, scenic evening with drinks and light bites.
7. Original Sunset Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach
The Original Sunset Cruise is Maui’s most-reviewed sunset sail, with over 1,193 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating. It offers a classic, straightforward 2-hour cruise from Ka’anapali Beach, featuring unlimited drinks, snacks, and expansive views of Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. The atmosphere is lively with a friendly crew, and even during the winter whale season, you might catch a breaching whale.
The reviews repeatedly mention the “amazing sunset,” the “great drinks,” and the “fun, relaxed vibe.” It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a reliable, high-rated sunset experience with plenty of beverages and a good chance of seeing marine life.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a popular, reliable sunset cruise with great reviews and a lively atmosphere.
$114.84 per person
8. Brewery and Beach Cruise in a Vintage VW Bus
A different kind of tour, this Vintage VW Bus Brewery and Beach Cruise takes you on a scenic 3-hour ride through South Maui. Starting at the Shops at Wailea, you’ll visit Maui Brewing Co. for a beer flight and lunch, then head to the secluded Secret Beach. The tour costs $179 and offers a fun, laid-back vibe with a touch of nostalgia.
While the reviews are limited, the experience promises a unique blend of brewery sampling and beach relaxation. It’s best suited for travelers looking for a non-traditional, fun day with some local brews and a beautiful secret beach. Note the lower rating, likely due to a small sample size.
Bottom Line: Good for beer lovers wanting a relaxed, offbeat day exploring Maui’s scenic spots in style.
$179
9. 2 Hours Holo Holo Sunset Cocktail Sail with Open Bar
Lastly, this 2-hour sunset cocktail sail offers a more intimate experience along West Maui’s coast. While it has a lower rating (2.0 from 1 review), it still provides a scenic sail with a premium open bar and chef-inspired appetizers. It’s a quiet choice for couples looking for a romantic evening but may lack some of the consistently high reviews of other cruises.
If you’re after a peaceful, scenic sail with drinks and good food, this might be a less crowded, more private option. However, given the limited reviews, it’s worth comparing it with the more highly rated sunset options.
Bottom Line: Suitable for couples seeking a quiet, romantic sail; perhaps better to opt for one with more reviews for peace of mind.
$136.42 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Maui
When selecting a Maui drinking tour, consider your main interest—are you after wildlife encounters like whales, or do you prefer a scenic sunset with drinks? The whale-watching cruises (like the Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar) are perfect for winter travelers eager for animal sightings with a drink in hand. For a more luxurious, romantic evening, the Sunset Cocktail Sail offers refined scenery and gourmet bites.
If you want active fun, the snorkeling tours (like this 5-hour snorkel trip) combine water adventures with good food and drinks. For something different, the vintage VW cruise (Brewery and Beach Cruise) provides a laid-back, offbeat day exploring Maui’s local brews and secret beaches.
Always check the season—whale-watching is best December through April—and consider your comfort level with water activities or sailing. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to ensure you get your top choice.
Final Thoughts
Maui’s drinking tours cover everything from wildlife encounters to luxurious sunset sails, snorkel adventures, and even a vintage VW brewery cruise. If you’re after whale watching, the open bar cruises offer a thrilling blend of nature and relaxation. For romantics or sunset lovers, the elegant sunset sails won’t disappoint. Meanwhile, snorkelers can enjoy full-day adventures with food, drinks, and marine life, making the most of Maui’s warm waters.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your special someone, these tours make the most of Maui’s stunning scenery and warm hospitality. To avoid missing out, especially during peak whale season or holiday periods, booking ahead is always a good idea. Whatever your style, Maui’s drinking tours promise memorable moments—and a good reason to raise a glass to paradise.