Whale Watching 101: How To See Maui's Giants Up Close

1. Why do whales come to Maui?

Humpback whales travel over 3,000 miles to Hawaii every year. While Alaska provides the nutrient-rich feeding grounds they need in summer, Maui’s calm, warm waters are perfect for breeding, giving birth, and nursing calves. You won’t see them feeding here, in fact, adult humpbacks go the whole season without eating! But, you can see amazing behaviors like breaching (leaping out of the water), tail slaps, and mothers teaching their calves how to swim and dive.

2. When is the best time to see whales in Maui?

Each year, the first humpback whale-sighting is a big deal. It can be as early as October. But, with over 10,000 whales making their way to Hawaii, the official whale-watching season begins in December and runs through to April, with peak season considered January to March. During these months, sightings are extremely common and on some days you can even see whales from the beach. If you want to get up close to these magnificent creatures then booking a boat tour is the best option.

3. Which is the best whale-watching cruise?

This will vary depending on your personal taste but here are some pointers to help you make a good choice:

• Boat size: Smaller rafts and catamarans offer a more intimate, adventurous experience. Some of the rafts can go fast! Larger vessels provide more space and a little more luxury but may be slower to get to a whale-sighting.
• Tour length: Most tours last 2–3 hours, which is plenty of time to find whales and watch them in action.
• Time of day: Mornings are typically calmer on the water and you’ll find a lot of tours do leave early. However, afternoon tours can be just as rewarding in terms of whale sightings.
• Sighting guarantees: During peak season some tours will offer a guarantee. This is usually that if you don’t see a whale then you can go on the tour again for free.

Tips for a great experience

• Book ahead: If you have a fixed schedule or you’re a large group then it’s best to book a tour ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Individuals or couples on a flexible schedule may be able to find a last minute seat on a tour. If you find yourself looking last minute then get in touch and we can do a quick check on availability across different tour providers.
• Bring weather protection: Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are a must. If it looks wet then bring a light raincoat! See individual activity descriptions for further guidance on what you can and can’t bring aboard.
• Pack a camera: You’ll want to capture those unforgettable moments!