Maui · MAUI WHALE WATCHING TOURS
57 reviewed
From roughly December to April, humpbacks fill the channel between Maui and Lanai, and you can meet them from a raft at eye level or a catamaran with an open bar. Below are the best whale watching trips ranked: which harbors they leave from, how close the boats are allowed to sit, what each costs, and which suits families versus photographers.
A small zodiac raft from Lahaina gives you eye-level whale or dolphin watching, plus marine narration and hydrophone whale songs.
“The staff and crew are excellent, and they run things very efficiently. Upon check in you receive a boarding pass, which made the process fast and easy. We saw lots of whales, and got great photos. Would do this again!”
See Maui humpback whales from Maalaea on the Quicksilver catamaran. 2 hours, hydrophones for whale songs, drinks included.
“Lots of fun! We saw many whales, and the crew provided great information about whales. I learned quite a bit about whales in Hawaii”
Small-group whale watch from Lahaina with a low raft, hydrophone whale songs, purified water, and a second trip if no whales.
“Amazing as always. It's been years but they did not disappoint. Also love the energy of all the staff and the knowledge when questions are asked. Such a treat!!”
Small, fast Maui whale watch from Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina with cushioned seats, shade, restroom, and lots of humpbacks.
“Awsome whale watching trip! Saw many whales— even some breaching! Guides were very informative. Boat was very comfortable”
Sail from Ma'alaea Harbor for a 2-hour humpback whale watch on a double-deck catamaran with hydrophones and great sight lines.
“We took our daughter on a whale-watching excursion for her ninth birthday. She was thrilled to observe the whales jumping. She counted nearly 20 of them. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a wealth of information about the whales and their migration. Sandy Palmer”
A 2-hour Maui catamaran whale-watch from Ka’anapali with naturalist commentary, open bar, and up-close seating on open nets.
“These guys knew what they were doing. Had everything down like a fine science. We saw many whales and 2 that breaches. We also got lucky and has 2 orcas swim right next to the catamaran. If they had breached everyone on the catamaran would have been wet. The crew was very interactive and attentive. The BEST excursion we have been on & we have been on many. Go on this excursion for sure with no hesitation. For the price you get your monies worth. Read the reviews.”
Small-group whale watching from Lahaina on a raft with 360 views, hydrophone whale songs, and a free return trip if you don’t spot whales.
“We saw so many whales! I've been whale watching off of Maui at least ten times, and this was the best-ever experience. Will did an amazing job of getting us positioned to see whales breaching, but also not getting in their way. Renee was a wealth of knowledge and also so fun and enthusiastic. We had such a great experience that we went back out again two days later.”
Maui whale-watch from Kihei on a fast raft with a marine naturalist, hydrophone whale sounds, and frequent humpback sightings near Wailea.
“Our guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Great day on the bay seeing whales! Highly recommend Redline Rafting.”
Whale watching from Ma’alaea Harbor with marine naturalists and hydrophones, plus a Maui Ocean Center stop. Guaranteed sights or free return.
“It was an experience of a lifetime … many whales surrounded our boat ! We will never forget ! The catamaran captain was incredible showing us so many whales. They must trust him.”
Maalaea sunset dinner cruise with live naturalist whale watch, 4-course meal and drinks, plus Pacific views of Lana‘i and Moloka‘i.
“What an amazing experience! We saw so many whales, both adult and babies. March is a great time to go whale watching, especially in Maui. When we come here again, this will be one of the first tours I’ll book!”
VIP 12-guest whale watch from Lahaina Harbor on low-to-water rafts with onboard naturalist talks and hydrophone whale songs.
“Kari/Carrie and Lisa were our guides on Jan. 25, and we scored with an excellent crew! Instead of stopping for a single blow here or there, they sniffed out some activity way off near Lanai and it was worth the trip. A mommy and baby were surrounded by several males that were jostling/fighting/jousting for her favor. While most of that activity was under the surface, there were up to seven whales around us for a while, with constant activity. While the males fought, the baby played blissfully, doing breach after breach, along with other activities. For awhile we were in "whale jail", which is what our guides call it when…”
Kayak Olowalu, snorkel at a turtle cleaning station with turtles guaranteed, and watch for whales along West Maui in a small group.
“Amazing sea turtles, corals and fishes and your guides are very cool and they provide history of the islands.”
Sail on Maui’s Hawaiian-built catamaran for humpback whale sightings, hydrophone whale songs, and included snacks and drinks from Maalaea.
“Excellent trip with lots of whales and a wonderful crew with good drinks and snacks and the weather was great and it was a perfect day to be out on the water.”
Kayak and snorkel Maui waters at Olowalu, spot sea turtles year-round, and hear humpback whale songs in season.
“Really awesome experience. I love Kayaking anyway, but being able to be so far out in the ocean and then to see the WHALES!!!??? Incredible. Honestly, I wish it had lasted about two hours longer! Also the whale-sounds microphone thingy Red has is REALLY cool, as well as the underwater cameras!!! An absolutely excellent deal on an incredible experience!!”
Small boat snorkel at Molokini and whale watching from Makena Bay. Up to 19, gear and snacks included. 2 hours in Maui.
“sara and alex were really great guides, very sympathic and helpful.. they explain us everything so well and told us a lot interesting things about whales and hawai! we spotted many whales! thank you very much for this great experience!”
