Whale Watching in Maui, Hawaii (Insider Tips on the Best Tours and When to Go!)
The best time for whale watching in Maui, is WHALE SEASON! If you aren’t sure when that is, keep reading. You are in for a lot of information about whale watching in Maui, because quite honestly, whale season, is my favorite time of year!
Before we moved to Maui, my family and I hadn’t spent much time by the ocean. We are from the land of lakes, and other than some big fish, there are no large marine creatures to observe where we are from. The idea of seeing school bus sized underwater giants -in the wild- was both bewildering and exhilarating.
We were all really excited to see a whale our first winter in Maui, but I did not anticipate the impact these incredible creatures would have on me. Perhaps in sounds a bit bizarre to you, but once you’ve experienced a close encounter with the majestic humpback whales, you’ll understand how these gentle giants take looking out at the ocean to a whole new level. I joke with my family (and I’m only sort of joking) that I would follow the whales anywhere!
I am going to give you all the details of the best places for whales watches, the best months for whale watching, and the best tours to help give you the best experience for whale sightings and what to watch for when you get to see a whale. My junior ocean explorers have offered their knowledge on whale anatomy and whale behavior to help you make the most of your experience whale watching in Maui with kids.
When is the best time for whale watching in Maui?
The absolute best months of the year for whale watching in the Hawaiian islands, and specifically the island of Maui is late JANUARY, FEBRUARY, and MARCH. The winter is whale season in Hawaii. If you are visiting over the holidays, plan to work some whale watching into your itinerary!
Whale watching is a family friendly activity that you can enjoy with all ages. Whether you pull up a beach chair or a bench in the park, paddle out on a SUP, or you head out on a whale watching tour boat, there is something for everybody. Whale watching does not disappoint. Even the hardest to impress teens can’t hide their excitement when they see a whale that’s bigger than the boat. It just helps to put life into perspective, and remember that we are all little specks in this huge wide universe. Any problems that we might have seem pretty insignificant when you are whale watching.
Whale watching season starts in December, when the first humpback whales make their annual migration from Alaskan waters back to the warm shallow Hawaiian waters to birth their young. These magnificent creatures bask in the warm waters of the auau channel all winter and head back to Alaska in April each year. These winter months are the perfect time to head out on a Maui whale watching tour to get the unique experience of viewing the north pacific humpback whales up close (at a safe distance of course).
During peak season, you can merely glance at the ocean and see the “upside down shower” that best describes the water spray from the whale blowhole. I have heard of sightings in late November and into late April, but if you are really keen on seeing the whales, plan your visit for February.
The Pacific Whale Foundation runs a whale festival in late February/ early March with lots of educational events that are worth checking out. They have special tours and events for the kids, so definitely have a look at their website and tours if you are visiting Maui during whale week.
There are also regular beach clean up events that include educational seminars about caring for our oceans and protecting the marine life. If you are on Maui during one of these events, it will give a great local experience and the opportunity to learn more about how we can all help to protect our oceans.
The state of Hawaii has laws protecting marine creatures, and by law you are not allowed to get closer that 100yds to a Humpback whale. Getting closer than that is really unnecessary, in addition to it being illegal, because keep in mind that these whales are as big as a school bus, so you can see them pretty well from quite a distance! Like with all laws protecting marine life, the expectation is that you do not intentionally approach an animal to get any closer than 100 yds (for a humpback whale) or 10ft (for a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle). That doesn’t mean that sometimes they won’t come closer to you! Many people have had whales swim right under their SUP or kayaks, and even tour boats. I have definitely had a Hawaiian Green Sea turtle knock into me in the surf as he was swimming by. We respect their space and never chase or touch a marine creature. Continue to create space if the animal approaches, and consider yourself lucky!
This video I took on my cell phone shows you that although they are far away when you are whale watching from shore, you can see them pretty clearly! To be honest, in person it seemed even clearer than the video portrays. This was taken during a walk on the Wailea Beach Path in South Maui. I hardly ever take videos though because when you are watching through a camera, you miss most of the magic. I’m glad I have this one to show you what I mean!
So, now you know what time of year is the best for whale watching in Maui....so what is the best time of day? Great question!
The Pacific Whale Foundation operates tours 4 times per day, so you really can see whales throughout the day as they swim and play in the waters around Maui.
In my experience whale watching, I have noticed that the best chance to see “more action” is in the early morning or close to sunset. By "more action" I mean seeing a tail slap, pectoral fin, or full body breach (that's truly the most unique experience, and what you see in the video above). There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to this, but as with many animals, the middle of the day tends to be more subdued, with an uptick in activity in the early morning and early evening. The video above was taken around 9:00am.
Sitting on the beach and whale watching during the winter while the kids play in the waves and sand is an unforgettable experience, and my personal all time favorite way to spend the hours between school and supper. Maui's whale season is the best time of year. Make sure to head to the beach during your time on Maui. If you’re not sure where to go, check out my blog post on the best beaches for swimming in Maui.
If you’re going to head to the beach, you need your essential beach gear. Beach chairs are an absolute MUST and they allow you to plop yourself down and whale watch on any beach along the side of the road if you suddenly see an opportunity for whale watching. Most vacation rentals provide you with beach chairs, and if you are an a resort they have chairs on the beach for you. However, if you are going exploring around the island, keep some beach chairs in your car. It’s easy to rent them through Maui Vacation Equipment rentals.
Now that you know WHEN to go, you need to know WHERE to whale watch. Here are my top 5 best spots for a closer look at the whales from shore.
Where are the best spots for Whale Watching in Maui?
Kamaole 3 Beach Park: Grab a beach chair and head to the beach at sunset. If you don't want to play in the sand and waves, just sit on the grass and enjoy the view and stay for the sunset. It's a family friendly picnic spot. Many locals and tourists alike gather with their favorite beverages, a ball to throw around and chairs to relax and view the sunset. In the winter season it is ideal whale watching in south Maui. You have a great view of the islands of Kahalo’owe and Molokini crater from here, as well as the island of Lanai.
Papawai Scenic Lookout: This spot is a lookout off the Honoapiilani highway between Kihei and Lahaina. You can park your car here for a expansive ocean view and excellent whale watching opportunities. If you want to whale watch, make sure to pull over! Don't be a distracted driver! This lookout often gets busy. If you are coming from Kihei it’s a left hand turn into the parking lot (from Lahaina or Kaanapali it’s a right hand turn).
Wailea Beach Walk: I often walk the beach path in the morning, and during the peak months I spend more time stopping to observe the mama whales and their newborn calves, than I actually walk. I love it though and it's a great way to spend a morning. There are a few spots to buy a coffee on this walk, and many benches and grassy spots to sit down and look out at the big wide ocean. You will often see people doing yoga along the way here. There are also many beaches along the walk where you can stop to sit in the sand and take a dip if that’s what your feeling. You have a great view of the islands of Kahalo’owe and Molokini crater from here.
Kalama Park: This is a great place to keep the kids entertained while you whale watch! There is is a big playground for the kids, and a paved path along the water with benches. This is a perfect place to look out at the ocean surface and wait for that tell tale "upside down shower" that is the whale blowhole spray. This is across the street from Kihei Market, so you can grab an ice coffee or other beverage before you go to whale watch. This is also a real fun place to watch people surfing. A lot of surf lessons run from the Kalama Beach Park so you can watch the whales and the surfers.
Makena Beach: This beach is one of the most picturesque places on Maui, and that's saying something because, well, it's Maui! The scenery is spectacular everywhere you go! This is not a swimming beach for families, but it is a beautiful place to play in the sand and have a picnic. It is also a stunning spot to whale watch. The beach is long with white sand. There are large paid parking lots ($10 per car) and a nice path through the trees on to the beach. These lots lead you to the part of the beach near the life guard towers, and it’s very educational to sit in the sand and listen to the warnings the lifeguards give over the loud speaker. Always listen closely, know your limits, and when in doubt, don’t go out!
If you drive past the paid parking lots, there are spots where you can park on the side of the road. You’ll see another path with a portable toilet at the trailhead. The lifeguard tower is farther away on this stretch of beach and it tends to be more locals over on this side. It’s a nice spot, and you can often watch the really experienced boogie boarders riding some really intense waves. It’s dangerous, but they take the risk with lots of practice and experience. The lifeguard is often saying “if you just unwrapped your boogie board today, this is not the beach to try it out”. This beach has the highest number of back and neck injuries due to the very strong shore break. Be careful! Enjoy the scenery but not the waves at this beach.
Kaanapali Beach Path: If you are staying in Kaanapali, this beach walk is very similar to the walk in Wailea, but on the other side of the island where you have a better view of the islands of Molokai and Lanai. There are benches, restaurants, and the most beautiful white sand beach on the island of Maui. This is a wonderful place to whale watch! When you are walking the beach path remember that there won’t be much shade, so wear a wide-brimmed sun hat, reef-friendly sunscreen, and always carry a refillable water bottle. When you are prepared for the sun, it makes your activity more fun, and you are less likely to become a sweaty, grumpy, mess….like me when I overheat.
If you think that whale watching from shore might not quite satisfy your urge for a closer encounter with the humpback whales, you are probably right! I could go out on a boat to whale watch every single day of the holiday season. Here are some excellent whale watching tours to enjoy Maui's whale season with the expertise of a private guide and experienced tour operators.
What are the Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui?
Pacific Whale Foundation: This is the ultimate whale watch experience. The pacific whale foundation offers a boat tour on larger boats with incredible guides. The boats are equipped with special hydrophones that allow you to listen to the whale songs. Eerie and beautiful to hear with your own ears.
Four Winds Snorkel Tours: This family friendly tour is a snorkel & whale watch combo which includes a BBQ lunch, rafts with windows for the kids to float on the ocean and observe with coral reefs and fish, a glass bottom viewing area in the boat, and knowledgeable guides. There is even a water slide! During whale season, snorkeling is the best way to hear the whale songs underwater. Just hold your breath underwater and listen for a count of 10. My kids describe it as the sound of a see-saw.
Whale Watching Kayak Tour: A kayak tour tends to be for small groups and it is the best way feel involved and connected to the whales. There is a bit more serendipity involved in whale watching from a kayak. Depending on how far you are willing to paddle, you will be a bit more dependent on where the whales are that day. My kids absolutely love being in the kayak to whale watch. Maybe they just love feeling like the captain of the ship and telling Mom & Dad where to paddle to get closer to the whales! You should never be closer than 100yds as per Maui County regulations. You can take a tour or rent a clear bottom kayak and go out on your own!
Rafting Tour: These rafts offer smaller boats and incredible speed that allow you to go to where the whales are very quickly. Since these are smaller boats, they are not well suited to very small children. They do have an age minimum (I think 8 years old) so consult the details before booking with kids.
Outrigger Canoe Tour: Paddling in an outrigger canoe is a truly unique Hawaii experience. If you want to paddle, but want some companions in the boat with you this is a perfect fit. There are visitor paddles you can register for at the Kihei Canoe Club, and also guided tours in Wailea.
Submarine Whale Watch: For a truly unique experience whale watching, consider the Atlantis submarine whale watching tour. Check out this video of a humpback whale encounter with a pod of humpback whales. I love how excited everyone sounds in this video. What an incredible experience!
If you want my opinion (and I guess you’re reading this so you do), I think that whale watching in Maui is the single best thing to do while visiting this island paradise. The tropical waters, the shallow auau channel, and the marine mammal protection act make the Hawaiian waters surrounding Maui ideal for these endangered species. Whale watching is a family friendly activity that is awe-inspiring for everyone. The kids will learn about an incredible creature that is both mysterious and amazing, and the adults will feel their place in the universe next to sheer size of the whales. Everyone will be excited to watch for the next glimpse of a humpback whale in the big blue ocean.
Once during an inter-island flight from Maui to the Big Island, we spotted a humpback whale underwater and was able to see the whale's huge body from the air. It was a whole new perspective and provided fresh appreciation for the enormous size of these whales.
During the summer months the humpback whales make the journey back to Alaska to their feeding grounds. Did you know that the humpback whales don't eat for the entire winter when they are in Hawaii? It's amazing, right! Maui's whale season will teach you and your family so much about the whales, and you will definitely be able to appreciate why they are the pride of Maui.
Whale watching by kayak is our personal favorite. I would recommend a whale watching tour if this is your first time to Maui so you can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a local guide. Lucky for me, my guide is often my son (3 years old in the photo above). He is an excellent captain who takes his job of looking for whales and telling me where to paddle very seriously. My daughter also takes her job of directing her Dad where to go, very seriously…even if that sometimes means that my husband and I are are paddling in opposite directions! When you’re not in a rush and able to enjoy the journey, searching for whale sightings in the vast pacific ocean (but not too far from shore) is nothing but fun for the whole family.
When I am whale watching in a kayak with my kids, or on a Stand Up Paddle Board on my own, I always feel a sense of peace and wonder when I see them. Somehow, when the whales are there I feel safe. They are ancient creatures with such depth to their being it's hard to articulate. Does anyone else feel that way? It’s okay if I’m totally alone on that one, it’s a wonderful feeling!
If you get a chance, head over to the Maui Ocean Centre and watch the 3D movie; The Humpbacks of Hawaii. Even if you are visiting during the summer you can view this film, which was filmed over 3 years off the Maui coast. It's an incredible demonstration of whale behavior that will leave you awe inspired.
Humpback Whale Anatomy:
Before you head out on your whale watching tour, you may be interested to learn the parts of a whale so you know what you’re looking at when it comes splashing out of the water! Here are a few educational tidbits from the young ones in my house, in case you have kids who might love these little nuggets of information.
The tail is called the Fluke, and this is how whale’s are identified. Each whale has it’s own unique pattern on it’s fluke, similar to the fingerprints of a human.
The Baleen in the whale’s mouth is essentially a strainer that allows them to eat krill (shrimp like crustaceans). They don’t have any teeth! However, humpback whales don’t eat at all during their time in Maui (insane, right!) and they end up losing about 1/3 of their body weight during this winter vacation! Just as a matter of perspective….that’s between 20,000- 30,000lbs!!
The tubercles are bumps on the throat, head, and fins of the whales. These are actually hair follicles that are considered to be sensory organs. Each fist-size bump contains one hair follicle and are connected to a set of sensitive nerves.
The dorsal fin is located on the back of the whale, and helps this large mammal maintain stability in the water.
Typical Whale Behaviors:
Pectoral Fin Slap: Seeing a pectoral fin come out of the water feels like the whale is waving hello. This huge flipper will slap the water to create huge splashes. This is a communication signal with other whales.
Breach: This is a behavior that lifts the head and belly out of the water, even up to two thirds of it’s body, jumping and landing with a twisting motion. It is absolutely stunning to witness.
Tail Slap: The fluke comes out of the water, sometimes waves around, sometimes slaps the water. Often you will observe this behavior before the whale takes a deep dive, and they may not surface again for quite a while.
Spy Hop: This behavior is observed when a whale pokes it head out of the water, often slowly, to look around above the surface.
Blow: This is the normal breathing pattern of the humpback whale, and the exhalation will often send a spray of ocean into the air. This displays the tell tale “upside down” shower of the humpback whale on the horizon.
As you can see we are passionate about humpback whales in our house. There is so much to learn about them, and they provide endless opportunities for excitement and enjoyment as you wait in anticipation for the next glimpse of humpback whale beauty.
If you are planning a trip to Maui, make sure you get out on the water to go whale watching and ENJOY!!!
Happy Whale Watching!
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