Whale Watching in Maui: Our Tour Experience and Tips
Whale watching in Maui was one of the highlights of our trip. Seeing humpback whales breach and tail-slap, and hearing their songs through underwater hydrophones, was an experience I’ll never forget.
We booked a two-hour whale-watching tour with Pacific Whale Foundation, which turned out to be the perfect mix of fun, education, and adventure. The marine naturalists on board shared fascinating details about whale behavior, and the ocean views with Maui and Lanai in the distance made the day even better.
Our tour originally departed from Lahaina Harbor before the 2023 fires, but for the 2025–2026 season, most whale-watching tours now leave from Maalaea Harbor, with a few from Kaanapali Beach and Kihei. The experience remains just as incredible, with plenty of whale sightings and beautiful coastal scenery.
In this post, I’m sharing what our whale watching tour in Maui was like, what to expect on the water, and helpful tips to plan your own whale watching trip.
➡ In a hurry? This is the whale watching tour we went on:
2 hour small group whale watching tour from Ma’alaea Harbor
Whale Watching in Maui Overview
Here’s a quick look at what to know, and what our experience was like, when planning a whale watching tour in Maui:
Our whale watching tour in Maui turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of our vacation. Here’s what it was like.
Our Tour Experience
This whale watching tour was the one we went on during our Maui trip (ours departed from Lahaina Harbor before the fires), and it was truly the highlight of our vacation. I highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting Maui during whale season.
The tour is run by a non-profit organization dedicated to whale conservation and ocean research. I loved that by booking this tour, we were contributing in a small way to their whale protection efforts.
What stood out right away was the crew — a team of certified marine naturalists and marine biologists who shared fascinating insights about humpback whales and their behavior. They were super friendly, answered all our questions, and even offered to take our family photos on the boat.
Our captain was excellent at steering the boat and making sure everyone got a good view of the whales. By law, boats must keep a 100-yard distance from the whales, but sometimes the whales come closer on their own, though we weren’t that lucky this time! Whenever there was a sighting, the captain skillfully turned the boat so both sides had a great view.
The tour was limited to around 70 passengers, but there were only about 40 people on board, so it felt spacious and relaxed. We had plenty of room to move around and see whales from different angles. My kids loved sitting on the catamaran’s front nets, peering through the water, and hoping to spot fish or turtles below.
We saw several whales that morning — spouting, tail slapping, and even a breach in the distance. At one point, we watched a mother and baby whale swimming together just below the surface, and further away we saw several whales spouting across the horizon. We rented a pair of binoculars ($10) from our boat crew, which was helpful.
One of the most memorable moments was when the marine biologist played whale songs using underwater hydrophones. Hearing those sounds echo through the speakers was fascinating.
Water was provided on board, and snacks and drinks were available for purchase. The crew made sure everyone stayed comfortable and hydrated.
The tour guarantees whale sightings, or you can go again for free, which I think is a great reassurance. I recommend booking a whale-watching tour early in your trip so that if you want to go again, you’ll still have time in your trip.
Even without the whales, the experience of sailing on the Maui waters with views of Maui and Lanai in the distance would have been worth it. Seeing so many humpback whales up close during peak season just made it unforgettable.
We took this whale-watching tour in January 2023 from Lahaina Harbor, before the devastating fires in August 2023. For the 2025–2026 season, Lahaina Harbor remains closed, but whale-watching tours now depart from Maalaea Harbor, Kaanapali Beach, and Kihei, offering the same incredible experience and the chance to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
➡ Book the tour here – Whale Watching Tour from Ma’alaea Harbor
Whale Watching in Maui Today
Here’s what to know about where whale watching tours currently depart from on Maui.
Lahaina (Mala Boat Ramp): Lahaina was once the main hub for whale watching tours on Maui, with most departures from Lahaina Harbor. After the August 2023 fires, Lahaina Harbor remains closed until further notice. However, a few limited tours are now operating from the Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina for the 2025–2026 whale watching season. This ramp is a short distance north of the former harbor and serves as the temporary departure point for select small-group tours. Check this Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina.
Maalaea Harbor: Maalaea Harbor has become the primary departure point for most whale watching tours in Maui. It’s centrally located between West and South Maui and offers easy access from both areas. Many of the same trusted operators that previously ran tours from Lahaina now depart from Maalaea. Check this 2 hour Whale Watching tour from Maalaea Harbor. We did this one.
Kaanapali Beach: If you’re staying at one of the beachfront resorts, this is one of the most convenient options. Tours here board directly from the sand, so you can step from your hotel onto a catamaran without needing to drive. Check this Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Kaanapali Beach.
Kihei: A few smaller raft tours operate from the Kihei Boat Ramp in South Maui. These tours offer a more adventurous, up-close experience with smaller groups and a casual vibe. Check this Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei
No matter where you start, the experience is just as breathtaking with calm ocean waters, panoramic island views, and the unforgettable thrill of watching humpback whales breach and play in their natural habitat.
Types of whale watching boat tours in Maui
Whale watching tours in Maui vary by boat type, group size, and experience. Here’s a quick overview of the most common options:
Catamaran Tours: My favorite option for whale watching in Maui. Catamarans offer a smooth, stable ride with smaller groups and plenty of room to move around. On our catamaran tour, there were about 40 people on board with enough space for everyone to get great whale views without feeling crowded. Also, no one got seasick, considering the fact that my family can get really nauseous on a boat!
Large Boat Tours: These are ideal if you prefer more amenities like restrooms, indoor seating, and food service. They’re very stable and comfortable, but can feel crowded during peak season, and you might sometimes have to see whales behind rows of spectators.
Small Raft or Zodiac Tours: Fast, adventurous, and close to the water, these tours are great for thrill-seekers. You’ll feel close to the action (while still keeping the legal 100-yard distance), but expect a bumpy ride and a chance of getting wet.
Whichever boat you choose, make sure the operator follows responsible whale watching practices. All tours keep a safe distance from whales, ensuring both an exciting and respectful experience.
Tips from my visit
Here are some things I learned from our whale watching experience that will help you plan yours:
➡️ Plan your Maui trip during whale season. Whale season in Maui runs from December through April, when humpback whales migrate from Alaska to give birth in Maui’s warm waters. We went in the last week of December and saw several whales.
➡️ Book early in your trip. Most tours guarantee sightings or let you return for free if you don’t see whales, so it’s smart to schedule your tour early in your stay. That way, you’ll still have time to go again if needed.
➡️ Morning tours are best. The ocean is usually calmest in the morning, which means less wind and better visibility. We took a morning tour, and the water was smooth — perfect for photos and spotting whale activity.
➡️ Dress in layers. Weather can change quickly on the water. It was pleasantly warm during our trip, and we didn’t need jackets, but it’s always good to bring a light layer just in case. Also, don’t forget to apply reef-safe sunscreen!
➡️ Bring a camera with zoom. Whales can get surprisingly close, but most sightings happen a little distance away. A camera or phone with a zoom lens helps you capture those tail slaps and breaches.
➡️ Choose a reputable tour company. Always pick an operator that follows responsible whale watching guidelines. Ours had a certified crew of marine naturalists and biologists who explained whale behavior and made the trip more meaningful.
➡️ Arrive early for parking and boarding. Harbors can get busy, especially during peak season. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and find parking.
➡️ Be patient and enjoy the ride. You’ll likely see multiple whales; we saw tail slaps, spouts, and even a breach, but part of the joy is just being out on the water, surrounded by ocean views of Maui and Lanai.
➡️ Stay respectful of wildlife. By law, boats must stay 100 yards from whales. The captain steered carefully and followed the rules, but whales sometimes approach the boats on their own.
Final takeaways
Our whale watching tour in Maui turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our 6 day Maui itinerary. Being out on the water, surrounded by ocean and mountain views, and seeing humpback whales was an experience I’ll never forget.
I also loved knowing that our tour supported whale conservation through the local non-profit that runs these excursions. Between the friendly crew, calm seas, and multiple whale sightings, the morning felt both relaxing and exciting at the same time.
✅ If you’re planning a trip to Maui between December and April, I highly recommend adding this small group whale watching tour on a catamaran boat to your itinerary. It’s one of those experiences that gives you a whole new appreciation for Maui’s beauty.
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Check out my other posts about our trip to Maui!
