Maui Whale Watching Tours Directory

Best Whale Watch Tours

Choose from the following whale watching tours. (Dec. 15th – May.15)

Kai Kanani

Keep crowds down and enjoy an intimate whale watch on the Kai Kanani out of South Maui. Departing from Maluaka Beach in Makena, your also at the closest departure point for Molokini Crater.

Enjoy the room and elevation afforded by a double decker catamaran, given unprecedented views. Expert marine naturalists will guide you through your whale watch and answer all your humpback questions.

Redline Rafting

Enjoy whale watching with Redline Rafting, which provides an exciting, up close and personal experience on a one-of-a-kind boat that will get you close to the water and whales!

Four Winds II

Enjoy a vessel specifically designed for Maui waters. Not only will their experienced crew & captain find you whales from the deck, but if you're lucky enough to have them swim to you, there's glass-bottom viewing!

Maui Magic

Maui Magic will take you to the whales, but why stop there? Why not enjoy a fantastic trip to snorkel at Molokini Crater or Coral Gardens.

Trilogy Excursions

Trilogy has been hosting Maui visitors for over 40 years, and the knowledgeable crew and spacious catamarans make for an informative and comfortable day on the water.

Humble Tours

While Humble Tours may not offer whale watch specific excursions, they do offer daily tours to Molokini- and in whale season that almost guarantees you multiple whale sightings, and likely a chance to hear their underwater symphonies while you snorkel.

Malolo Charters

Malolo offers excellent budget whale watching from Maalaea Harbor. Hop aboard the 55 foot catamaran and see Maui's humpback whales up close!

Hawaii Ocean Project

With three large boats, you can go either snorkeling, dinner cruising or visiting Lanai while whale watching off the west coast of Maui.

Shadowfax Sailing

Enjoy a private yacht with your closest friends and family for a private whale watch adventure aboard Shadowfax from Maalaea Harbor.

Island Star Excursions

When whales are abundant in Maui’s waters, so are the crowds. Commercial whale watches are packed from December to April, but the Island Star offers the delightful alternative of private charters. Sail around Ma’alaea Bay with up to 18 people aboard this 57′ yacht for a luxurious whale watching experience.

Hawaii Ocean Rafting

Hawaii Ocean Rafting offers small group tours aboard a 30-foot raft for a whale watch experience unlike any other. Whales can be curious creatures, and it’s not unheard of for them to check out smaller vessels. Up close experiences are the norm on this tour. Guests will also get to hear the whale’s song via an underwater microphone.

Maui Whale Watching Tips

• If you have small children, choose a larger boat with railings.

• Bring a jacket. Winds over the water can sometimes be chilly, especially if ocean spray is coming up.

• Bring a camera with a long lens and fast shutter speed. See Whale Photography Tips.

• Arrive early to make sure the boat leaves on time in order to get the most time on the water.

• Keep your eye out for other marine life, such as dolphins and manta ray.

• Choose the best Maui Whale Watch Tour for you and your friends and family. It’s important to take a boat that meets all of your needs. Review the tours above to get an idea.

• Listen to where your captain or naturalist points out whales by observing the navigation in the image below. (Direction is directed like the numbers of a clock. 12 o’clock is straight in front of the boat.)