Humpback Whale Watches on Maui

Whale Watches on Maui are the one activity that you CANNOT miss right now.

Every year the Humpback Whales arrive in Hawaiian waters from December thru May, with the whales being most active from January thru March. When you are visiting Maui, a whale watch is an ABSOLUTE MUST DO while we are in whale season. Humpback whales are such large mammals, they are a wonder to see when they are launching their giant bodies up and completely out of the water, in what is called a full breach.

Humpback whales come to Hawaiian waters to give birth to their babies and mate with a new male humpback to continue the humpback whales legacy. Male Humpbacks are competing for the females attention, this is when a whale watch turns into an unforgettable experience! They are breaching into one another, hitting the other with a pectoral fin. It is an amazing sight to see!

We like to recommend two companies in particular for whale watching.

The first being Pacific Whale Foundation, which is the largest and oldest marine research, education, and conservation organization on Maui. They leave out of Ma’alaea Harbor every day every two hours.

They offer an early bird price of $38.00 per adult plus a fuel surcharge and tax at 6:30 am.

For 9 am, 11:30, 12:30, 2 pm and 4:30 pm it is $44.00 per adult plus a fuel surcharge and tax with children 12yrs and under FREE with a paying adult!

If you are looking for an exciting and different way to see the whales, I would suggest a raft aboard Maui Adventure Cruises! This coast guard grade raft provides a different experience in whale watches. They are closer to the water providing you front row seats to the whales as they come alongside the raft. The humpbacks love to spy hop to see in the rafts as they are always curious.

Maui Adventure Cruises operate every day out of Lahaina Harbor. Going out at 8 am, 10 am, 12:30, and 2:30 pm.

Just $49 per adult plus tax. Children 5-12years are $39 plus tax and children 4 and under are free.

Blog is written by Maui Sights & Treasures team member :Coalette  Lay