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

More Maui Whale Watching Tours to Inspire Your Trip

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
5.0 (58)
Free Cancellation

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
1h–2h
4.9 (1074)
Free Cancellation

WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h 15m
4.9 (1044)
Free Cancellation

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
4.9 (624)
Free Cancellation

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
4.9 (193)
Free Cancellation

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h 30m
4.9 (178)

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
5.0 (38)
Free Cancellation

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...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
5.0 (94)
Free Cancellation

2-Hour Ma'alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 Guests

Experience Maui’s humpback whales up close aboard Amore, a 42-foot Boston Whaler 420 Outrage designed for comfort, stability, and style. Departing from Ma‘alaea, this two-hour adventure offers an unforgettable look at these gentle giants in their winter breeding...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
4.9 (18)

2-Hour Maui Whale Watch from Lahaina Harbor, Maui

*Hawaii Ocean Project has been one of Lahaina's favorite whale watches for over a million visitors for over 30 years!* - Stay dry and move about on our spacious, safe vessel led by our expert captains & experienced crew who love sharing their knowledge of these...

🌴 Maui
🍍 Whale Watching
2h
4.8 (27)

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.