The island of Maui has long been regarded as one of the best islands in the world. Not only does Maui greet over 3 million annual tourists, but also receives a flock of humpback whales in its waters each year! Over 4000 endangered Pacific Humpback Whales travel from the cool Alaskan waters to the warm Pacific Ocean for their annual winter breeding. As they frolic, mate, and give birth in this area, Maui has been designated a National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary.
Although these whales can be spotted from the coasts of Lahaina and Kaanapali, viewing them up close in their natural habitat is an experience like no other. A big flock of whales arrives in Hawaii right in time for the holiday season, which makes whale watching tours one of the top things to do on Maui.
Partnering with some of the top cruise companies on Maui, Hawaii Activities brings to you a comprehensive guide on the best whale watching tours on this gorgeous island. The peak season for whale watching is generally during the months of January to March- so what are you waiting for? Choose one of these tours, book your flight and get ready to sail over the cerulean Pacific Waters and learn about these magnificent creatures on an epic whale watching tour on Maui!
If you decide to book a trip from our website, you may enjoy a discounted package while we receive a small affiliate fee for helping you. You can also book your tour directly from Hawaii Activities.
- Pacific Whale Foundation Lahaina Whale Watch Tour
This two-hour-long Standard Whale Watching Cruise is every ocean lover’s dream. Brought to you by The Pacific Whale Foundation, one of Maui’s top-rated Eco-Tour Companies, this cruise from Lahaina Harbor comes with guaranteed whale spotting!
This great value package allows you to zoom over the gorgeous Pacific on a high-power catamaran, watching majestic humpback whales breach the water with some remarkable acrobatic skills! Expert Marine Naturalists will be onboard with you, filling you in on all the incredible facts about these gentle giants that make them a unique and important part of the ecosystem. Onboard hydrophones will allow you to listen in on the conversation of these incredibly intelligent mammals. Sure, you might not understand what they’re saying, but there’s no reason why you can’t listen in or even sing along to their whale song!
- Pacific Whale Foundation – Maui Whale Watching Cruise from Maalaea
Take off from Maalaea Harbor for an incredible sail-along whale watching tour! This two-hour boat cruise allows you to ride along the warm Hawaiian waters, learning about these exceptional animals with professional marine naturalists onboard. You can catch the whales tail-slapping, surfacing, or even occasionally breaching out of the water to say hello and show off their gorgeous flippers! Underwater hydrophones also allow you the unearthly, electrifying experience of listening along to their slow, rumbling songs under the ocean. One of Maui’s top-rated ecotourism experiences, this thrilling and educational marine adventure is a must-add to your vacation to-do list!
- Sea Maui Kaanapali Whale Watch Cruise with Open Bar
Maui is an island beloved by all- especially for its humpback whales! This cruise from Kaanapali beach takes you along a ride on the Pacific waters to catch sight of Hawaii’s most famous winter visitors. Professional naturalists onboard will search for active pods, while also giving you free and interesting information on these magical creatures.
Whether you’re a regular whale-fanatic, or just a curious tourist, every whale watching trip is different, exciting, and fun. Not only do you get to witness these sociable animals in their natural habitat, but this package comes with a premium open bar included! Just hop onboard and sip on a delicious beer or Mimosa with wondrous scenery all around in a relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be careful to keep an eye out for whale flippers, though- you never know when you can catch that incredible tail-flipping moment!
- Pride of Maui Afternoon Snorkel Cruise with BBQ Lunch from Maalaea
This Pride of Maui whale watching tour is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of Maui’s underwater paradise while remaining onboard! After checking in at Ma’alaea Harbor, professionals will guide you along the stunning Hawaiian waters for a two-hour-long, thrilling whale watching experience. Relax on a spacious catamaran but keep your eyes peeled for slapping fins, breaching whales, and large white underbellies! With a BBQ lunch buffet and a fully stocked open bar as part of the package, there’s no reason why you should overlook this fantastic tour deal!
- Hawaiian Ocean Project Lahaina Whale Watching Cruise from Lahaina
Interested in whales and calm blue waters first thing in the morning? This early-morning, whale watching tour and cruise adventure is the best way to start off your day on the right note!
Not only does Lahaina Coast offer great views of spectacular humpback whale migration, but the tranquil, serene scenery as early as 7:30 in the morning takes this tour to another level. With the sun filtering through the still, sapphire blue waters of the Pacific, the whales begin their frolicking at this time, offering a majestic one-of-a-kind viewing experience. Trained wildlife naturalists will be onboard with you, explaining the behavior of the whale acts you witness as you glide over the ocean.
With a large, spacious tour boat as part of the deal, you can catch the whales in action from the open deck, or watch from an enclosed main cabin. Luxurious, fun, and unique, this early morning whale watching tour will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical scene straight from your dreams.
- Private Speed Boat Whale Watching Cruise from Kaanapali
This exclusive and private Whale Watching Cruise from Kaanapali Beach is perfect for an intimate group of friends, or a fun family outing. This one-and-a-half-hour-long cruise speeds you along Hawaiian waters, straight to the points where humpback whales can be easily spotted. The private speed boat allows you to get closer to the ocean’s surface than most tours offer, giving you incredible views of these beautiful creatures, and perfect opportunities to snap gorgeous photos for family trip picture albums! This unique and enthralling winter adventure opportunity is only available for a limited time, so be quick and book your trip while you can!
- Calypso Maui Whale Watch Tour – 2 Hour Afternoon Cruise
Hop on an ultra-smooth sailing catamaran for a two-hour comfortable whale watching tour by Calypso Maui, one of the most thrilling family-friendly Maui activities! The only Maui catamaran with three decks, this boat offers a fantastic vantage point to see both the water’s surface and these gorgeous, gentle creatures. With spacious cabins, tinted windows, breathtaking 360-degree views, and comfortable seating, this boat oozes luxury and adventure. Did we mention there’s also a private bar and snack area? In case you need a break from the glaring sun, you can head back down where the crew will be happy to mix up refreshing drinks for you!
The onboard naturalists will guide you throughout the tour, throwing in interesting facts about humpback whales to keep you entertained. You can also get serenaded by a wonderful, underwater whale opera, listening in through the hydrophones as you watch these majestic animals splash in and out of the bright blue waves.
- Maui Kayaks West Maui Whale Watching Tour & Reef Snorkel
This two-in-one fantastic tour package combines two of the top activities on Maui, offering you a full day on the water while kayaking and whale watching. You’ll begin your day by checking in at the Maui Ocean Sports Store, where a team of experts will guide you through a thorough briefing about your tour. You will then embark on an exciting glide along the sparkling Hawaiian waters, kick-starting a two-hour-long whale watching, and the kayak tour, with professional guides helping you along the way. With the ocean stretching out for miles around you, you can watch the playful and sociable humpback whales dart in and out amongst foamy waves to your heart’s desire, but the trip doesn’t end here!
This exciting nature adventure is then followed up by a 40-minute long snorkel along the beautiful reefs that Maui is renowned for. With colorful tropical fish, large green sea turtles, and exotic plants, the sheer unearthly beauty of Maui’s underwater scene is open for you to explore. Combining two of the most sought out activities on this picture-perfect island, this package packs adrenaline, nature, and entertainment, all in one exhilarating and unforgettable Hawaiian morning.
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About Us
Aloha! We are Adam and Jessica, real estate agents on Maui! We are a part of the Nine Times Network team and licensed with Keller Williams Realty Maui. We often get bombarded with questions about moving to Maui, what it is like, and how life is on this gorgeous island. To help provide answers to those questions and give insight on life on Maui, we created a YouTube Channel!
We have a great range of videos, giving you small virtual tours around this beautiful island, and highlighting the incredible culture and local business that are worth supporting. Be sure to check it out and Subscribe!
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Adam Miller R(S) 81648
Keller Williams Realty Maui
808-866-6606
Jessica Miller R(S) 81811
808-866-8539
JMiller@NineTimesNetwork.com
