Hawaii Nautical – Maalaea Whale Watch
Feel the ocean spray and the thrill of discovery aboard the luxury powerboat Amore, where just six guests share a front-row seat...
Maui Humpbacks and Auau Channel Water
Maui Whale Watching
Maui whale watching follows humpback whales through winter waters, with cruises from Maalaea, Lahaina and Kaanapali during the December through May season. The Auau Channel gives the search a strong Maui focus, with blows, tail flukes, breaches and whale songs shaping the time on board.
Your Maui Whale Watching Cruise
Maui whale watching is one of the island's best winter ocean adventures. Humpback whales return from Alaska to Hawaii's warm waters to mate, give birth and care for their calves, and Maui's channel waters are one of the main places boats look for them.
Current Maui whale watch options include Pacific Whale Foundation cruises, Quicksilver, Hawaii Nautical, Malolo Charters and Sea Maui. Departures may leave from Maalaea Harbor, Lahaina or Kaanapali Beach, with some cruises led by marine naturalists and some using hydrophones when conditions allow.
Choose by departure area, boat size, cruise length, food or drink inclusions and the kind of ride your party wants. Whale sightings depend on the animals and ocean conditions, but winter cruises are built around watching carefully, listening when possible and giving the whales room.
Maui Whale Watching
Malolo Charters – Maui Whale Watching Tour
Cast off from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard the high-speed catamaran Malolo and head for the open Pacific, where Maui’s winter waters come alive...
Pacific Whale Foundation – Classic Whale Watch Cruise
You step aboard a comfortable power catamaran and head into the warm blue waters off Maui, home to the largest concentration of...
Pacific Whale Foundation – Deluxe Whale Watch Sail
Watch Maui’s winter waters come alive while Marine Naturalists share the stories behind each breach, tail slap and powerful surfacing. Their lively...
Pacific Whale Foundation – Whale Watch Sail
Listen for the haunting songs of humpback whales and watch Maui’s winter waters for breaches, tail slaps and other unforgettable moments aboard...
Pacific Whale Foundation – Whale Watch Sail Lahaina
Winter brings humpback whales to the waters off West Maui, and Ocean Spirit offers a comfortable way to watch for them along...
Quicksilver – Maui Whale Watching Tour
Board the Quicksilver at Ma’alaea Harbor and spend two action-packed hours scanning South Maui’s whale-rich waters for the towering spouts and tail...
Sea Maui – Whale Watch Tour
Step off the sand at Ka’anapali Beach and onto the Sea Maui catamaran for a two-hour whale-watch adventure along West Maui’s sun-lit...
Maui Whale Watching FAQ
When is whale watching season on Maui?
Maui whale watching season usually runs from December through May, when Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate, give birth and care for their calves.
Where do Maui whale watching cruises depart from?
Current Maui whale watching cruises may depart from Maalaea Harbor, Lahaina or Kaanapali Beach. Maalaea is common for South Maui routes, while Kaanapali and Lahaina departures keep the West Maui shoreline nearby.
How long are Maui whale watching cruises?
Current Maui whale watching cruises run about 2 to 2.5 hours. Many options are listed at 2 hours, while select Pacific Whale Foundation cruises list about 2.5 hours.
Can I hear whale songs on Maui whale watch cruises?
Some Maui whale watch vessels use hydrophones when conditions allow, giving guests a chance to listen for humpback whale songs under the water. Hydrophone use can vary by boat, route and ocean conditions.
What should I bring on a Maui whale watching cruise?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer, water and a camera or phone with a secure grip. If anyone in your party gets motion sick, plan ahead before boarding.