When can I see whales in Maui?

The best time to see whales on Maui is between mid-January and March, which is considered peak whale watching season. On rare occasions, we may see whales as early as October or late September & into April.

What side of Maui is best for whale watching?

The best place to see whales in Maui is the Maui Nui Basin. There are over half a million humpback whales that breed here every winter. In the Maui Nui Basin, located between Maui, Lanai, and Kaho'olawe, whales can rest in protected waters. It's right in front of Lahaina and Kaanapali, making West Maui one of the best places to see whales while on vacation in Hawaii.

Are the whales still in Maui 2023?

Between mid-December 2022 and mid-May 2023 is Maui Whale Season. So be sure to book your maui vacation rental during this time if you want the best chance to see whales

What time of day are whales most active in Maui?

In Maui you can observe whales sunrise to sunset, as the whales do not have a specific period of time when they rest or play, rather they have intervals of activity throughout the day!

Is whale watching worth it in Maui?

It's a thrilling experience to go whale-watching, an adventure on the water where you'll get some amazing photos of the island of Maui, Lanai, and of course, whales! Seeing the coastline recede and scanning the horizon for a spout is an exciting day out. Anywhere with an ocean view is a great place to watch whales, even from the beach or your own vacation condo balcony!

Where are the most whales in Maui?

Pack binoculars because you can often see whales breaching from shore along the west coast of Maui in Lahaina, Kaanapali & all the way up to Napili! The surrounding islands form a shallow basin. For example, the water off Lahaina's coast is only 300 feet or so deep. For us humans, this is a very deep depth, but for humpback whales, this is the ideal depth, and scientists have found that they prefer shallower waters.

Which Hawaiian island has the most whales?

While humpback whale sightings are found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, the shallow Au'au Channel between Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i is where you'll find them the most often. Due to Maui's abundance of humpback whales, it became a protected sanctuary for them in 1992 when NOAA started developing laws to protect them.

Can you swim with whales in Maui?

No. Maui whales are protective and looking to raise their young in the safe warm waters along Maui's coast. Approaching whales closer than 100 yards by boat, swimming, or snorkeling is illegal.

How long is a whale watching tour in Maui?

It depends on what tour you book but it usually takes two to five hours to go whale watching from Lahaina Harbor, Kaanapali, Kihei, and Wailea.

Is it better to do whale watching in the morning or afternoon?

Maui's best time to see whales is whenever you want! Whale watching tours in the morning leave you with the rest of the day to hang out at the beach, browse shops in Lahaina Town, or eat amazing food. When you've spent the day tanning on one of Maui's beaches or sleeping in, afternoon whale watches are a great activity to do later in the day.

Where do the whales go when they leave Hawaii?

Here in Hawaii, we have warm, protected waters where these whales were born. In the summer, the humpbacks migrate 3,000 miles to Alaska to gorge themselves on small fish and krill, then return to Maui in the winter to mate and give birth.

What Condos Have whale watching views on Maui?

You can see whales up close and personal on a Maui whale watching tour, but many prefer to watch them from their own lanai, which is why booking Maui oceanview units is so important!

Choose from a variety of West Maui properties, like Honua Kai Resort, Maui Eldorardo Resort, The Whaler, Kaanapali Shores Resort, Mahana, Hale Mahina, and Papakea Resort.