There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

The Ultimate Guide to Maui Whale Watching

So you’re here because you want a guide to Maui whale watching. Welcome! My name is Amy, and I am a Hawaii Travel Agent. I book the island of Maui more than any other destination, and whale watching in Maui is one of the most popular excursions during the winter.

Maui is the perfect destination during the winter vacation because the weather is warm, and there’s so much to do, including whale watching!

Before we get started on this guide to whale watching in Maui, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent. I’m one of the top travel agents for Hawaii, and creating amazing custom trips in Hawaii is my passion! Contact me today if you’d like help planning and booking your Hawaii vacation!

Make sure to check out my 7-day Maui itinerary if you have a full week. I also have a 4-day itinerary if your time on Maui is shorter. You might also enjoy the 10 best places to snorkel in Maui.

Do I need a rental car in Maui?

No matter which island you’ll be visiting, I recommend having a rental car; I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental.

You’ll find the best prices, great service, and free cancellation at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You won’t pay until you arrive, so reserve early to get the best deal. Now, let’s get to the ultimate guide to whale watching in Maui!

Why Do Whales Go to Maui?

Whales travel to Maui during the winter months because the water averages a balmy 75 degrees. The warm ocean water is perfect.

The shallower waters around the island are also preferred by both mom and baby whales. And since orca whales prefer the colder water, the whales that arrive in Maui are generally safe from their number one predator.

It is common to see at least 15,000 whales in the water surrounding Maui during the winter months. All those whales travel 3,000+ miles from Alaska to give birth and raise their babies until it is time to head back north in the spring.

I should also tell you that you can see whales from any of the Hawaiian Islands. However, Maui has the best whale watching opportunities. If you visit in the winter, I strongly recommend staying on the west side of the island if possible. 

The Auau Channel goes between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Since the water is so shallow in the channel, many of the migrating whales spend their time in the water there. If you’re staying at one of the Maui resorts on the west side, you might see them from your own lanai!

If you want to learn more about whale watching on the other islands, check out The Best Time for Whale Watching in Hawaii.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Go Whale Watching in Maui?

Most of the whales begin to arrive in Maui between October and November. The official start date of the whale watching season is December 15th.

Whale watching season ends around the beginning of April when the whales begin to migrate north. I’ve spotted a whale off the coast of Hawaii in early April, but most of the whale-watching tours in Maui stop around April 1st.

January and February often have the most whales in the water, as the arrival and departure times vary by year.

Do not go to Maui (or anywhere in Hawaii) expecting to see whales during the summer! If you happen to take a vacation in Maui during the summer, I recommend sticking to dolphin watching.

Oh, and if you are wondering if there is a better time of day to go whale watching, there really isn’t! Whales are active at all times of the day. 

Early morning is better to avoid the hottest times of the day, or for better visibility for snorkeling. Either way, make sure to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen as the sun is intense in Hawaii, and you may burn even if you typically do not. 

Where are the Best Places to Go for Whale Watching in Maui?

You can easily stay on the shore of Maui and see the whales from dry land. This is especially true on the island’s western side, closest to the Auau Channel. Of course, you can also plan to take a whale watching tour.

Ka’anapali Beach Walking Path

This walking path goes from Black Rock to the Hyatt. It is common to see whales out in the water from this path, so be patient and watch for one to come to the water’s surface as you are walking.

Olowalu

Olowalu is five miles to the south of Lahaina. Travel along the Honoapiilani Highway until you reach the Olowalu General Store and Leoda’s Kitchen. Follow the dirt road behind the store until you reach the viewing area.

Pu’u Ola’i Beach

There are numerous beaches on the island of Maui. This one is near Makena Beach, just off Wailea Alanui Drive. Pu’u Ola’i Beach is the perfect solution if you want to combine whale watching and time at the beach in a single day.

Wailea Oceanside Path

The Wailea Oceanside Path goes from Ulua Beach to the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel. You can walk this path at any time of the day to see whales during the winter. However, it is an excellent place to take a sunset stroll.

McGregor Point Lookout

Between Ma’alea and Lahaina is the scenic McGregor Point Lookout. The cliff’s height makes it one of the most popular locations for whale watching in Maui.

Whale Watching on the Water

Going out on the water to see the whales up close can be more exciting than seeing them from the shoreline. There are many types of whale-watching tours in Maui. Each one is slightly different, including the type of watercraft you are on for the tour.

Catamaran

Catamarans are the most popular option for many whale watching tours in Maui. The catamarans hold larger groups of people, which can be good or bad, depending on your perspective.

If you are not visiting during the ‘peak’ of peak whale watching season, you won’t have an issue with not being able to see the whales. Although the tour operators rotate the boat and get people to spread out enough, viewing the whales isn’t usually an issue, even during the busiest times.

Sailboat

Smaller groups of people can venture out on the sailboat whale watching tours. Since fewer people are on board, you can usually get excellent pictures and videos of the whales. Many sailboat tours also offer better amenities, including a meal or your favorite beverages.

Raft

Rafts can create a bumpy whale watching experience out in the ocean, so it will definitely not be your best option if you have difficulty with motion sickness.

Being so close to the water in the raft is a plus when the whales glide up to the sides of the raft. This is definitely something I recommend doing if you can handle it. I recommend Hawaii Ocean Rafting.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another whale-watching option that allows you to get a little exercise at the same time. 

You won’t be able to get as far out in the water as you would in a catamaran or sailboat, but that usually isn’t an issue since the whales prefer shallow water anyway.

I recommend the Makena Turtle Town Eco-Adventure. If you’re visiting outside of whale season, it’s a great way to see turtles and other sea life. During whale season, of course, it’s a great place to see whales!

Outrigger Canoe

For centuries, locals have used outrigger canoes to paddle around the water. An outrigger canoe tour is perfect for your whale watching adventures if you are looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience.

Just like kayaks, you won’t be able to paddle too far out in the water, but you will still have plenty of opportunities to see whales up close.

The Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui

There are so many whale-watching tours in Maui that it can be challenging to choose among them. Planning is critical if you want a specific whale watching tour.

Failure to plan in advance is not a deal-breaker, though, when you are on vacation in Maui. There are always dozens of tour operators handing out pamphlets and directing you to their boats. Here are some of my favorites:

Maui Adventure Tours

The Maui Adventure Tour group leaves from Olowalu Beach for whale-watching adventures. Their most popular tours include kayaking out to the whales. You also get to jump in the water to do a little snorkeling with the sea turtles.

Redline Rafting

A small group of only twenty-four people will have you enjoying your time out on the water as you travel towards the whales. Check out Redline Rafting to book your Maui whale watching tour.

What to Take for Your Whale Watching Tour

When you head out with a tour group, there is very little you will need to take with you. A few items I recommend for your whale watching tour include:

• Camera (a GoPro is best!) 
• Sunglasses
• Hat (this is my favorite sun hat!) 
• Reef Safe Sunscreen
• Light Jacket – especially for those early mornings
• Towel
• Small Binoculars – for those whales that are a little further away

My Biggest Tip for Whale Watching in Maui

One of the biggest tips I can share with you for whale watching in Maui is to go at the very beginning of your vacation. You may think this is an excellent way to end your trip to Maui, but what happens if you don’t see any whales??

Most of the whale watching tour operators guarantee that you will see whales. If you don’t see any, they will reschedule you for another tour to try again. 

Whale watching in Maui is one of the best activities on the island. This ultimate guide to Maui whale watching should have answered some of your biggest questions, so you can easily plan one for your next vacation.

More things to do in Maui

Now that you have read the ultimate guide to whale watching in Maui, I’ve got plenty of other things to do on a Maui vacation. Check out the following blog posts to help you plan the most epic Maui vacation. 

• 50 things to do in Maui
• The 40 best places to eat in Maui
• The ultimate guide to the Road to Hana
• The best boutique hotels in Hawaii,
• Snorkeling Molokini Crater, is it worth it?
• The best 5-star resorts on Maui.
• How to find Little Beach in Maui.
• 4 day Maui Itinerary.
• The 10 best honeymoon hotels in Maui

The ultimate guide to whale watching in Maui

I hope that you enjoyed this guide to whale watching in Maui. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! 

If you need some help planning your Maui vacation, reach out! I am a Hawaii Travel Agent and that is what I do. I am selective about how many clients I work with, so reach out as soon as possible for the best availability. You can contact me to learn more.

Dreaming of Hawaii, but not ready to travel just yet? Sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a weekly email with travel tips, Hawaii deals, and more. Sign up below. If you love these posts and want to support my blog but aren’t prepared to travel yet, you can buy me a coffee to show your support. I ❤️ coffee!

Pin it for later: