Whale watching in Maui offers a variety of affordable options. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, opt for the excitement of a raft ride, feeling the exhilaration as massive whales breach beside you, creating a thunderous spectacle.
Embarking on a Maui whale watching adventure is a must for every Maui bucket list! Picture this: a massive Pacific humpback whale, weighing a whopping 40,000 pounds, soaring out of the water in a jaw-dropping breach—a truly unforgettable moment!
Our own escapade involved a thrilling whale watching tour in Maui, cruising on a motorized inflatable raft at eye level with these majestic creatures. The sight of these giants leaping around us easily stole the spotlight, overshadowing every other vacation experience.
For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, indulge in a luxury catamaran whale watching tour. Picture yourself comfortably seated on the deck, sipping cocktails, and marveling at the majestic whales showcasing their acrobatics.
Worried about a queasy stomach? No problem! Consider a luxury catamaran tour if you’re up for it, or simply relax in a beach chair at one of Maui’s prime whale watching spots listed below.
No matter your preferences, we’ve got the ideal Maui whale watching experience for you. Read on to discover why this belongs on your Maui bucket list—it’s the key to turning your vacation into an everlasting treasure!
Whale Watching in Maui: The Basics
Looking for the ultimate Maui whale watching tour? This incredibly popular eye-level experience, featuring a high-speed eco-raft departing from Lahaina, has amassed over a thousand 5-star reviews on Viator!
This two-hour small-group tour offers narration from a marine naturalist and even provides hydrophones for you to tune in to enchanting whale songs. It’s the ideal choice for those with an adventurous spirit!
Read More: 7 Divinely Delicious Waikiki Breakfast Spots You Can’t Miss In 2024
For a more relaxed journey with a complimentary, limitless open bar, check out this well-loved whale watching cruise departing from Ka’anapali Beach on a spacious catamaran.
Board directly from the beach, and rest assured, a knowledgeable naturalist guide will be on hand throughout the tour!
Kinds of Whales in Hawaii
During the winter in Maui, the most prevalent whales you’ll encounter are the North Pacific humpback whales. Easily distinguishable by their lengthy pectoral fins, also known as flippers, and their massive tails called flukes.
In addition to humpback whales, you might catch a glimpse of other whale species, such as pygmy whales and pilot whales, which are smaller with a round head. Keep an eye out for false killer whales and spinner dolphins—fun fact: all dolphins are technically classified as whales. Spinner dolphins are especially known for their playful spins in the air.
North Pacific Humpback Whales in Maui: Migratory Patterns
North Pacific humpback whales follow a seasonal migration, covering thousands of miles from Alaska, their summer haven and feeding areas, to Hawaii, their winter retreat.
Ever wondered why these majestic creatures choose Maui for their winter getaway? It’s all about the warm waters of Hawaii, which serve as the perfect breeding grounds for humpback whales. They make their way here to mate and give birth to their adorable young ones.
During our recent visit to Maui, we were fortunate to witness a special moment – a newborn calf breaching in perfect harmony with its mother whale in the waters of the Maui Nui Basin!
Best Maui Whale Watching Locations
With a staggering population of up to 12,000 whales in Hawaiian waters during the peak season (January to March), whale sightings are a delight across all the Hawaiian islands.
The prime spots for humpback whale concentrations are the Maui Nui Basin and the Au’au Channel. The Maui Nui Basin, encompassing the ocean waters between Maui, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe, stands as a protected sanctuary, attracting over 6,000 whales annually to its warm and shallow waters for breeding.
In the shallow Au’au Channel, situated between the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, you’ll find one of the world’s finest whale watching locations! This channel acts as a whale highway, offering warm waters, robust currents, and abundant, nutrient-rich food sources. The shallow and protected waters create a secure playground for the whales to frolic and engage in playful activities.
It’s no surprise that Maui takes the lead as the ultimate Hawaiian island for whale watching! For your best chance of an up-close encounter with these incredible creatures, head to the west and south coasts of Maui along the Auau Channel and the Maui Nui Basin, including Lahaina, Ka’anapali, and Maalaea.
Maui Whale Watching Season
Best Time of Year for Whale Watching in Maui, HI
The best time of year for whale watching in Maui is winter, with the Maui whale watch season running from December to April!
While the first whale may be seen as early as late November, the best month for Maui whale watching is definitely January, with the most recorded whale sightings!
Best Time of Day for Maui Whale Watching
Unlike spinner dolphins, whales are active throughout the day. The best time of day for whale watching in Maui is the early morning, mainly because the weather is nicer, the ocean waters are calmer, and the crowds are much less!
Best Maui Whale Watching Tours
While you can catch a glimpse of whales from the shore, to truly appreciate the amazing acrobatics of giant humpback whales, we strongly recommend getting a closer look through a whale watching boat tour!
Whale watching tours in Maui, Hawaii Most Maui whale watching tours feature expert guides and/or marine biologists who can share fascinating information about the humpback whales. They are equipped to answer your questions and provide insights into other marine life you might encounter, such as spinner dolphins, Hawaiian green sea turtles, and tropical fish.
They also possess insider knowledge about the best spots to find the humpback whales in Maui!
During whale season, many tour operators offer whale-sighting guarantees, so it’s advisable to book your tour early in your trip to take advantage of this offer if needed.
Kinds of Maui Whale Watching Tours
Want to ensure an unforgettable Maui whale watching experience? Familiarize yourself with all your options to make the right choice!
Consider what kind of vessel and group size suits your preferences. You have a range of choices, including catamarans, sailboats, inflatable motorized rafts, kayaks, and outrigger canoes.
Catamarans and Bigger Boats
Catamarans, boats with two hulls and a wide deck, as well as larger boats designed for sizable groups (80+), cater to those seeking a smoother ride—crucial for those prone to motion sickness. Many of these boats are equipped with facilities such as restrooms and offer onboard amenities like food and drinks.
Some catamarans may even feature glass bottoms, a fantastic option for observing Hawaiian tropical fish without the need for snorkeling or getting wet!
These tours often come at a more affordable price compared to other options. While they can be crowded, boat captains make sure everyone gets a chance to witness the whales by skillfully manoeuvring the boat.
Sailboats
Sailboats are smaller vessels, yet they provide a comfortable ride, catering to smaller groups (less than 60) for a more intimate whale watching experience.
Many of these sailboats offer amenities such as food, an open bar, glass bottoms, and restroom facilities.
Rafts
Inflatable motorized rafts are both speedy and low. They can swiftly take you to nearby whale sightings, providing an excellent viewing perspective—almost at eye level with the water.
However, it’s worth noting that while the rides are thrilling, they can be quite bumpy.
Kayaking and Outrigger Canoes
Kayaking and outrigger canoes, traditional Hawaiian modes of transportation, are options for savvy, adventure-seeking visitors.
Although your coverage of the ocean is limited to where you paddle and row, experienced guides will escort you to the best locations with the most recent whale sightings and ensure you maintain a safe distance.
Our Favorites Among the Best Maui Whale Watching Tours
We, along with our friends, have tried out various Maui whale watching tours. Our favorite by far was the inflatable rafts, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular acrobatics of humpback whales!
I highly recommend the Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui, or a similar tour.
Our friends opted for the Ultimate 2 Hour Small Group Whale Watch Tour from Lahaina Harbor, and they absolutely loved it.
How Much does Whale Watching in Maui Cost?
Whale watching in Maui can range in cost, starting at approximately $50 for larger tours with discounts and/or deals, and going up to $100 or more for smaller groups.
In our opinion, Maui whale watching tours are unquestionably worth the price!
9 Best Whale Watching in Maui (From the Shore)
If you prefer not to take a boat tour, no worries! There are so many humpback whales in Maui during winter that you can easily spot some from the shore!
Let’s delve into the best Maui whale watching spots (big hint: they all overlook the Maui Nui Basin and the Au’au Channel).
The map below highlights the locations of the 9 best places for whale watching in Maui from the shore.
1. Lahaina Harbor
Lahaina Harbor, situated on the west side of Maui, holds the title of our favorite spot for whale watching. Why? Because it offers a direct overlook of the Maui Nui Basin, the whale sanctuary, and the Au’au Channel.
2. Ka’anapali Beach
The beautiful beach located north of Lahaina Harbor takes the next spot as an excellent whale watching location. Once again, its prime position right next to the Maui Nui Basin and the Au’au Channel makes it an ideal spot.
Grab a beach chair, settle in, and soak in the stunning views of the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for blows and breaches—you might catch some incredible whale action!
3. Kapalua Bay
Situated north of Ka’anapali, Kapalua Bay is another fantastic spot for spotting whales. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy observing these majestic giants frolicking in the water.
4. McGregor Point Lookout
McGregor Point Lookout, perched high on a cliff off the Honoapiilani Highway, provides panoramic views of the ocean and serves as an excellent vantage point for spotting breaching whales.
5. Honolua Bay
On the northwest coast of Maui, Honolua Bay is a beautiful bay with open ocean areas.
6. Olowalu
On the west coast, a few miles south of Lahaina, lies Olowalu, a secluded beach that provides a peaceful setting for whale watching.
Read More: 21 Best Things To Do On The Windward Side Of Oahu 2024
7. Maalaea Harbor
An excellent vantage point overlooking the Au’au Channel on the south-central coast of Maui.
8. Wailea Coastal Beach Path
On the south coast of Maui, the Wailea Beach Path, a beautiful 3-mile, easy walk from Andaz Maui to the Polo Beach Club/Fairmont Kea Lani, offers a picturesque setting for whale watching.
9. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei on the south shore of Maui to learn all about the whales and watch them from the observation deck.
Whale Behavior Patterns
Whales exhibit fascinating behavioral patterns that serve as their means of communication – let’s delve into what to watch for!
Spy hopping occurs when a whale pokes its head out of the water, similar to how you might peek at something above the surface.
Breaching is a spectacle where a whale propels its massive body out of the water and comes crashing back down with a resounding splash, akin to a magnificent belly flop. It’s truly spectacular!
A blow is the spout of water and mist that shoots up into the air when a whale exhales through its blowhole. Think of it as a whale’s way of blowing its nose.
Whales exhibit a range of fascinating behaviors to communicate, and here’s what to keep an eye out for!
Using their pectoral fins, or flippers, to create a splash on the water’s surface is known as pec slapping.
Tail slapping
Tail slapping involves whales lifting their massive tails out of the water and slapping them on the surface, creating a loud noise and a significant splash. Scientists believe these actions may serve to communicate with other whales or deter potential predators.
When a whale is preparing for a deep dive, it reveals its magnificent fluke, or tail. Lifting the tail out of the water and gracefully disappearing beneath the surface is like waving goodbye, indicating they likely won’t reappear for some time.
One of the most mesmerizing aspects of whales is their ability to sing! Male humpback whales, in particular, are renowned for their beautiful songs, consisting of moans, cries, and squeaks that can last for minutes or even hours. Scientists believe these songs serve to attract a mate or communicate with other whales.
During your whale watching in Maui, be on the lookout for spy hopping, breaching, blows, pec slapping, tail slapping, fluke dives, and listen carefully for the magical whale songs.
Tips for Maui Whale Watching Tour
If you’re gearing up for a Maui whale watching tour, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Hydrophones: Take advantage of the complimentary hydrophones provided by many tours to listen to the male whales singing their beautiful songs—it’s an unforgettable experience.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Shield yourself from Maui’s strong sun by using reef-safe sunscreen and wearing a hat.
- Sea sickness medication: Consider taking or packing sea sickness medication. If you start feeling nauseous, stay above deck and focus your gaze straight ahead at the horizon.
- Binoculars: Keep binoculars and zoom lenses handy for a closer and more detailed view.
Whale Watching in Maui FAQ
Is whale watching in Maui worth it?
Absolutely! Thanks to the migration pattern of humpback whales, Maui stands out as one of the best spots in the world to witness these gentle giants frolicking with their calves!
Which is the best Hawaiian island for whale watching?
Maui takes the lead as the best Hawaiian island for whale watching, thanks to its close proximity to the Maui Nui Basin and the Au’au Channel. These two locations boast the highest density of whales in the Hawaiian waters.
When is the whale season in Maui?
Whale season in Maui occurs during the winter months, reaching its peak in January and February.
Which is the best month for whale watching in Hawaii?
The best month for whale watching in Maui and Hawaii is January, boasting the highest recorded whale sightings.
What is the best time of day for whale watching in Maui?
Early morning offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The light in the early afternoon is optimal for observing below the water’s surface for underwater whale sightings.
The golden hours, typically around sunrise and sunset, provide ideal conditions for photography.
What part of Maui is best for whale watching?
The prime location for the best whale watching in Maui is on the west side, encompassing the Maui Nui Basin and the Au’au Channel. Most boat tours converge to these two key areas in the Hawaiian waters.
From the shore, beaches, and vantage points along the west coast, stretching from Kanalua Bay to Puu Olai beach, offer optimal viewing opportunities. Lahaina Harbor stands out as the sweet spot for an exceptional whale watching experience.
Whale Watching in Maui: Memories for a Lifetime
While Maui is undeniably a beautiful tropical island, it also claims the title of the best destination in the world for whale watching.
We’ve strategically planned many of our Maui trips around this singular activity, and to this day, we’ve never regretted it!
Experiencing eye-level whale watching from a thrilling inflatable raft is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we cherished every bit of it!
The Best Maui Tours
Have you booked these top-rated Maui guided adventures yet?
- Small-group Road to Hana tour so everyone in your group can sit back and enjoy the views without worrying about negotiating hairpin bends or finding parking at popular stops!
- A Haleakala sunrise tour so you can experience the bucket-list sunrise atop the volcano without the need to reserve a parking spot or drive up in the dark!
- A Maui whale watching raft tour, which will let you see the massive humpback whales at eye level! (You can also opt for a more sedate boat whale watching tour.) A MUST winter Maui activity!
- A Maui snorkeling excursion that combines the Molokini Crater with Turtle Town, the two most epic snorkeling destinations on the island!
- A 7-line Maui zipline experience where you can glide over the forests on the north shore of Maui. Enjoy ocean views and navigate obstacle course challenges!
- An oceanfront luau in Wailea where you can enjoy a sunset buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. You can also opt for a Kaanapali oceanfront luau.
Renting a Car in Maui
The best things to do in Maui are scattered all over the island.
Given minimal to non-existent public transport options on Maui, if you wish to explore beyond your base, it’s recommended to book a rental car for your Maui trip.
We consistently rely on Discover Cars to book Maui car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to provide you with the best deals. Additionally, they offer free cancellations, and there are no hidden fees.
Where to Stay in Maui
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Maui you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
By far, the majority of visitors to Maui choose to base on the west side, where there is a large selection of accommodations available, from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals.
We suggest starting your search for Maui accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO. You can filter to choose a specific area, such as Kihei, Kapalua, or Wailea.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in Kihei and Kapalua and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
More Maui Travel Inspiration
If you are considering a trip to Maui, read some of our other comprehensive guides to craft the ultimate Maui itinerary!
If you are a first-time visitor to Maui, start by reading our article on the best things to do in Maui. From beautiful beaches and lush rainforest to Maui’s volcanic crater, our round-up captures the most iconic Maui experiences and activities.
Driving the Road to Hana
Driving the Road to Hana is one of Maui’s bucket-list experiences. We have a comprehensive guide to the best stops on the Road to Hana, including waterfalls and short hikes on the way.
One of the top stops on the route is Wai’anapanapa State Park, which requires reservations. Read our full guide to Maui’s black sand beach in this popular state park!
Maui boasts one of only two national parks in Hawaii. Read our round-up of the best things to do in Haleakala National Park. We also have the ultimate guide to sunrise at Haleakala.
We also have a guide to the best hikes in Haleakala National Park, and in-depth hiking guides to the two most epic hikes in the park: the Sliding Sands Trail and the Pipiwai Trail.
Speaking of hiking, also be sure to check out our round-up of the best Maui hikes, from easy to challenging. Plus, peruse our complete guides to hiking the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail in northwest Maui, and the Waihee Ridge Trail for astounding views!
Waterfalls in Maui
We also have a round-up of the best waterfalls in Maui, from the 400-foot Waimoku Falls to Upper Waikani Falls near Hana. Some Maui waterfalls can be seen from viewpoints whereas others require hiking.
Water activities are plentiful in Maui! Check out our epic guide to whale watching in Maui, and our guide to the best Molokini snorkeling tours and the best Turtle Town snorkeling.
If you’d rather snorkel from shore, read our round-up of the best snorkel spots in West Maui.
Every Maui itinerary should have plenty of beach time: there are so many beautiful beaches in Maui that you are spoiled for choice. Check out our guide to Wailea Beach in southwest Maui, and Maluaka Beach along the Turtle Town stretch of coast.
If you are looking to experience a different side of Maui, plan a visit to the Iao Valley State Monument. The lush landscapes and serene ambiance will wow you!
Or spend a day exploring Upcountry Maui. Some of the best things to do in Upcountry Maui include touring farms and gardens. Help milk goats, tour a tea farm, go wine tasting, and much more.
Conclusion
Embark on an unforgettable Maui adventure with the 9 best whale-watching experiences, including the top tours in 2024. From the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales breaching in the Maui Nui Basin to the adrenaline-pumping raft rides providing an up-close view, these tours cater to various preferences.
Whether you opt for the lively west side or serene locations like Lahaina Harbor, each spot offers a chance to witness the majestic migration of North Pacific humpback whales during the peak season from December to April. Plan your Maui itinerary with these whale-watching highlights, ensuring an enriching and memorable island experience.
For an even more immersive Maui journey, complement your whale-watching adventure with other iconic activities. Explore the diverse landscapes, from the lush rainforests to the volcanic crater, with comprehensive guides that cover everything from road trips along the famed Road to Hana to mesmerizing hikes in Haleakala National Park.
Dive into the vibrant underwater world with snorkeling tours, or bask in the beauty of Maui’s beaches and waterfalls. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, these guides provide a roadmap to craft the ultimate Maui itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your tropical island escape.
I’m Matthew Porter, the creative mind behind “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been having a blast discovering all the cool things the Hawaiian islands have to offer. At Go Hawaii US, we’re all about turning your trip into a vibrant, eye-catching adventure. Let’s make your time in Hawaii unforgettable—join me in the excitement at Go Hawaii US!
