Lahaina's Amazing Sunsets

West Maui offers the best perspective for having a cocktail and pupu while watching the sunset. With Molokai and Lanai forming the picture-perfect backdrop, the sight of the sun sinking slowly into the sea never fails to draw stellar reviews. Even those who were born on Maui take time for the big daily moment. The ritual is even more impressive when enjoyed with libation in hand.  Here are What’s Cooking Maui’s picks for the best place to enjoy the sundown show on West Maui.

Cliff Dive Bar at the Sheraton

All across the island, come sundown, you can hear conch shells blowing as tiki torches are lighted, signaling the day’s imminent fall into darkness. At Black Rock you’ll also see a nimble young warrior lope up the lava rock, lighting torches as he goes, before ceremoniously exiting the scene by diving magnificently into the churning waters below. It’s a WOW moment that competes with the sunset itself.

At the Cliff Dive Bar (which is not a dive bar at all)  you’ll have a perfect view of the proceedings with the ocean on one side and the pool, which meanders like a river through the resort, on the other. There is a grill menu offering delightful beach park favorites such as fresh veggies on skewers, grilled flatbread pizza, burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches and a mixed plate of mahi, chicken, and beef kabobs that are the bomb.

Mala’s Ocean Tavern

Sitting on the water’s edge, with the waves lapping the shore and sea turtles bobbing about, if you close your eyes a moment you can imagine having been magically transported to Bali, Bora Bora or Langkawi Island. Something about Mala’s always takes me back to another time and place. Popular for weekend brunch, Mala is equally as popular just before the sun goes down, due to the Happy Hour specials ($1 off wine and beer, $2 off cocktails) and $2 off Mala’s most popular dishes including the Kobe burger, quartet of mezza, and spicy lamb pita.   Enjoy the deal between 3 pm and 4:30 pm but it’s worth it to hang around until sunset (even at full price) since you’ll entertain a ringside seat for the magic moment.

Barefoot Bar and Ocean Terrace at Royal Lahaina Resort

Take your Shoozawf

The newly renovated Barefoot Bar is a total throwback to the little grass shack of Don the Beachcomber days. Of course you’ll order a delightfully delicious Serrano Chili infused Mango Margarita or hand crafted Sangria whenever the shutters are open. Sit on a bar stool barefoot, in your bikini, sandy from the beach;  there is no dress code at the Barefoot Bar. Well, as long as it’s not illegal.

At the Ocean Terrace’s indoor/outdoor bar two of the best servers on the island attend to drink and food orders at the double sided drink station. Lanai tables under the canopy afford the best views of sunset and the nightly entertainment and hula. Food is priced to please with most entrees between $10-$20. Favorites such as crispy flatbread pizza, seared ahi salad, family sized pasta bowls and salads, and gourmet quality gazpacho and roasted red pepper soup perk up the menu which also includes burgers, nachos and sandwiches.

Merriman’s Kapalua

Private little dining hale

The best fine dining option for watching the sundown on West Maui has to be Merriman’s. Take a stroll out to the point and whale watch from a comfy lounge chair. Situated in harmony with the sea and sky, this slice of real estate commands picture perfect vistas. Even from a barstool inside the gorgeous dining room you’ll benefit from food and drink specials without missing a thing. Merriman’s hosts very popular wine tasting events held on the north lanai, another stellar lookout spot.  For special event, or just because, organize a tented dinner table on Merriman’s gorgeous grounds. The VIP service will make you forget that your personal butler’s away on vacation.

Wherever you enjoy the last rays of the day, give a little cheer to what brought you here.