Maui Whale Watching
Witness one of nature's greatest spectacles with a Maui whale watching tour! Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Maui, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. From December through April, you can spot these gentle giants breaching, tail-slapping, and singing in the clear Pacific waters. Departing from Ma'alaea Harbor, whale watching tours offer comfortable boats, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views of Maui's stunning coastline, all while bringing you up close to these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Maui is considered one of the best places in the world for whale watching thanks to its protected waters and ideal viewing conditions. Many tours feature hydrophones so you can even listen to the mesmerizing songs of the whales. Whether you choose a family-friendly catamaran cruise or a smaller, intimate boat experience, whale watching in Maui offers an awe-inspiring connection to Hawaii's marine life and natural beauty. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure during your island getaway!
Featured Maui Whale Watching Tours
From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver
Enjoy this 2-hour guided adventure on a double-deck power catamaran to watch the whales in their natural habitat. Depending on the whales’ behavior during your whale watching trip, you may see the whales slapping the surface with pectoral fins (their very long side...
Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei
Enjoy a prime opportunity to see humpback whales as they migrate through Hawaiian waters from Alaska between December and May. Setting out from Kihei, cruise to an area off the southern end of Maui with one of Hawaii's highest whale populations. You’ll travel in a...
Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach
The BEST possible way to experience the majestic Pacific Humpback Whales up close and personal. The waters off shore of Ka'anapali Maui are host to the largest population of Humpback Whales on the planet. Our trained naturalists will educate and answer questions as we...
Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor
Experience Maui's top-rated whale watch with the experts departing from Ma'alaea Harbor. These informative and fun two-hour whale watches are led by a team of certified Marine Naturalists who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Listen to whale...
More Maui Whale Watching Tours to Inspire Your Trip
Small-Group Whale Watching Adventure
Our small group experience takes place in a big boat atmosphere! This allows our captain and crew the chance to focus on providing each guest with the very best experience. Our boat is really what sets us apart from other companies- we have a fast, fun and comfortable...
Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina
Our most popular Ultimate Whale Watch experience! small groups make every seat a front row seat as you enjoy whale watching and educational talks from our marine naturalist onboard. Our inflatable rafting vessels are modeled after Coast Guard rescue rafts and are...
Premiere Whale Watch Kaanapali Beach Departure
Guaranteed to spot the majestic whales and hear them sing or your money back! Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of West Maui’s coastal waters on your exhilarating 2-hour whale watching tour. Departing directly from Kaanapali Beach, our expert guides will lead you on...
Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina
Our small group, 2-hour whale watching tours offer an intimate experience that larger boats can’t match. Departing from Mala Ramp in Lahaina, we visit the Maui Nui Whale Sanctuary, where humpbacks gather every winter to mate and give birth. With guaranteed whale...
VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch
Our Exclusive VIP whale watching tours are 2 hours long with a maximum of 12 guests. Our small groups make every seat a front row seat as you enjoy whale watching and educational talks from our marine naturalist onboard. Our inflatable rafting vessels are safe, travel...
Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea
Come aboard the charming Hawaiian sail catamaran, "Winona," and experience a breathtaking Whale Watching Tour. With a small group of 30-40 people, you'll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of space to move around. Winona is not just any sail catamaran; she's Maui's...
2 Hour Afternoon Lahaina Whale Watch
Guaranteed whale sightings. Our boat is newly remodeled for passenger comfort. This boat is a photographers dream, and boasts 360-degree views with plenty of elbow room. Passengers aren’t the only ones who love our vessel, whales love a pink boat! Our captains and...
2 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale Watch
Guaranteed whale sightings. Our boat is newly remodeled for passenger comfort. This boat is a photographers dream, and boasts 360-degree views with plenty of elbow room. Passengers aren’t the only ones who love our vessel, whales love a pink boat! Our captains and...
2 Hour Prime Time Maui Whale Watching
Guaranteed whale sightings. Our boat is newly remodeled for passenger comfort. This boat is a photographers dream, and boasts 360-degree views with plenty of elbow room. Passengers aren’t the only ones who love our vessel, whales love a pink boat! Our captains and...
2-Hour Ma'alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 Guests
Learn the true scale of humpback whales through an intimate encounter on a small-group whale watch. Get off the beaten path on our fast vessel, 'Amore,' a 42' Boston Whaler with unmatched state-of-the-art features. The vessel with enough speed to reach the whales and...
Frequently Asked Questions
When is whale watching season on Maui?
Whale season typically runs from mid-December through April, with peak sightings in January and February.
What types of whales can be seen around Maui?
Humpback whales are the primary species seen, as they migrate to Hawaii each winter to breed, calve and nurse their young.
Where do whale watching tours depart from?
Tours commonly depart from Ma'alaea Harbor.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
While sightings are very common during the season, many tour operators offer a free return trip if no whales are seen.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
Bring sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket and a camera or binoculars for a better viewing experience.