9 of the Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

If you’re seeking the best whale watching tours in Maui, you’re in the right place!

In this guide, we’ll take you through the top whale watching tours in Maui, each offering a unique experience to see humpback whales.

Whether you prefer small-group eco-raft tours or luxurious catamaran cruises, Maui has something for everyone.

Join us as we explore the best options for whale watching in Maui!

Please note that the best months to visit Maui for whale-watching is from January through April.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

9 Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

Below, I’ve compiled a selection of some of the best whale watching tours in Maui that deserve a spot on your Maui itinerary!

These tours offer diverse experiences, with options varying in price, duration, and vessel type, from larger boats to lower-to-the-water rafts.

1. Small Group Whale Watch Tour

Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel specializes in tours on smaller boats, ensuring a more immersive whale watching tour!

With a maximum group size of 26 people, the tour maintains a small-group size, ensuring you’re able to get up close to the whales without large crowds.

A unique aspect of this whale watching tour is that it uses a lower-to-the-ground rafting vessel which allows for a closer encounter with whales compared to traditional boats.

Tours depart from either Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina or Kaanapali Parkway in Lahaina.

Please note that children under 3 years of age are not permitted.

2. Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour

Embark on the Eye-Level Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour with Dive Maui / Hawaiian Rafting Adventures!

This unique whale-watching tour offers a more intimate experience aboard a small raft, ensuring a more up-close encounter with the whales. 

You can choose between morning or afternoon departures for added flexibility. 

Another benefit of choosing a whale watching tour on a smaller raft versus a large boat is faster travel time, resulting in more time to look for whales!

Please note that all guests must be 3 years of age or older to be on the raft.

3. Small VIP Whale Watching Tour

If you’re looking for an intimate whale watching tour in Maui, consider joining the Ali’i VIP Whale Tour, by Blue Water Maui, limited to just 12 passengers

The tour provides a special audio system, allowing you to listen to live whale songs for an immersive experience!

Note that the tour is suitable for children aged four and older. 

It departs from the Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina.

4. PacWhale Eco-Adventures

PacWhale Eco-Adventures is recognized for its dedication to marine conservation.

Guided by certified Marine Naturalists, their tours provide an engaging and educational environment where you can learn more about whales from experts.

Their whale-watching tours in Maui offer diverse experiences, including options with dinner and drinks, extended durations, and more.

Below, I have shared three whale watching tours that caught my attention but be sure to check out their website for additional tours.

Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

• Duration: 2 hours 
• Offered in the morning & afternoon
• Departs from Ma’alaea Harbor
• Maximum group size = 70 people
• Children 4 years of age and under are free

Whale Watch Sail Deluxe Tour from Ma’aleae

• Duration: 3 hours
• Serves a buffet lunch & 2 complimentary drinks
• Departs from Ma’alaea Harbor
• Maximum group size = 49 people
• Children ages 4 under and under are free (1 per adult)

Sunset Dinner & Whale Watch

• Duration: 2 hours
• Served a 3-course meal
• 3 complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Departs from Ma’alaea Harbor
• All ages are permitted (children 2 years of age and under are free!)

5. Trilogy Whale Watching Tours

Trilogy is a family-owned business that offers whale-watching tours in Maui on sailing catamarans. 

On each of the whale-watching tours, experienced whale naturalists are on board to provide educational insights about the whales.

They offer several different types of whale-watching tours and other tours, so be sure to check out their website for additional information.

Here are two of the tours they offer that I recommend checking out:

Ka’anapali Whale Watch

• Duration: 2 hours
• Can choose from three different departure times
• Morning or afternoon menu options with complimentary light food and beverages
• Location: Sheraton’s Beach Lawn, Ka’anapali
• Children ages 2 and under are free

Deluxe Ma’alea Sunset Whale Watch

• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes appetizers and desserts prepared by a chef
• Premium bar serving drinks and cocktails
• Departs from Ma’alaea Harbor
• Children ages 2 and under are free

If you’re interested in how much a honeymoon in Maui cost, check out my detailed cost breakdown of my own honeymoon in Maui to help you budget your trip!

6. Makai Adventures Small-Group Whale Watching

Experience a more personal whale watching tour with Makai Adventures!

With a small-group setup, they limit each excursion to a maximum of 20 people, ensuring a less crowded experience. 

What sets them apart is the quality of their boat, featuring plenty of comfortable seating for everyone onboard and a viewing platform for up-close encounters with the whales.

It departs from Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina.

7. Sail Maui Whale Watching Tours

Sail Maui is a great choice for your whale watching tour in Maui, especially if you have kids, since their boats offer bow trampolines where kids can sit and enjoy the tour.

With departure times ranging from the early morning at 8:00 am to the afternoon at 1:00 pm, the various tours they offer provide flexibility to fit into your Maui itinerary!

Departing from Ma’alaea Harbor, the whale watching tours offer various light foods, fruits, and drinks.

Limited to 25 people per trip, Sail Maui ensures an enjoyable whale watching journey without being overcrowded!

Please note that kids under 3 are free.

8. Sea Maui Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar

Join Sea Maui’s Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar for an enjoyable two-hour excursion departing from Ka’anapali Beach.

The tour is on board a spacious catamaran with various fun seating options including bean bags on open nets!

For those 21 years of age and older, there is an open bar that offers unlimited drinks throughout the cruise.

9. South Maui Double-Decker Whale Watching Tour

Experience Whale Watching Tours aboard the Quicksilver departing from Ma’alaea Harbor. 

This two-hour whale-watching tour takes place on a double-decker power catamaran, providing a spacious platform for whale watching. 

It is the cheapest whale watching tour in Maui on this list as well, providing a more budget-friendly option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching Tours in Maui

What is the Best Month to See Whales in Maui?

The best months to see whales in Maui is from December to April.

During this period, humpback whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters from Alaska for breeding and calving, which in turn provides ample opportunities for whale watching!

What Side of Maui is Best for Whale Watching?

The southwest side of Maui, particularly Lahaina and Ma’alaea, is considered the best for whale watching. Hence why most of the popular tours in Maui are located in these areas!

These areas offer easy access to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and have a high concentration of whales during the season.

The Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area in the waters around Maui, Hawaii that serves as a habitat for North Pacific humpback whales during their winter breeding and calving season.

Related Reading: If you’re planning to snorkel on your own in Maui, be sure to check out my blog post about the best beaches to see turtles in Maui!

Is it Better to See Whales in the Morning or Evening in Maui?

I typically prefer morning whale watching tours because of the cooler temperatures, which help avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Another reason I prefer mornings is that the sea conditions are often calmer, providing a more comfortable whale watching experience.

Additionally, the lighting is more optimal for capturing photos of whales in the morning!

With that being said, you can’t go wrong with what time of day you choose to do your whale watching tour – you will have a blast and see whales regardless!

What is the Best Time of Day for Whale Watching in Maui?

Early morning tours are recommended for prime whale watching conditions.

This time coincides with the whales’ increased activity levels, and the calm morning sea makes it easier to spot them.

Is Maui or Big Island Better for Whale Watching?

While both Maui and the Big Island offer whale watching opportunities, Maui is often regarded as the superior choice.

The concentration of whales, accessibility to prime viewing areas, and variety of reputable tour operators make Maui a preferred destination for whale watching.

How Long is a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?

Whale watching tours in Maui typically last around 2 to 2.5 hours.

This duration allows sufficient time to explore the waters where whales are commonly found.

Related Reading: If you’re headed to Maui with your significant other, check out my blog post about 27 things to do in Maui for couples!

Where are the Most Whales in Maui?

The waters off the coast of West Maui, especially near Lahaina and Ma’alaea Bay, are renowned for high numbers of whales during the season.

These areas are part of the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, offering a protected environment for whale watching.

How Much Do You Tip for Whale Watching in Maui?

Tipping for whale watching tours in Maui is a customary practice to show appreciation for the crew’s efforts in making your whale watching tour memorable!

A standard tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the tour cost.

Always check if gratuity is already included in the tour price before deciding on the tip amount.

Tips for Whale Watching in Maui

• Since most whale watching tours in Maui offer a free tour if you don’t spot any whales on your first trip, it’s a good idea to book your tour early on in your visit. This ensures you have time in your itinerary to schedule another tour if needed.
• For those looking to avoid the intense heat and sun exposure, it’s advisable to book a morning tour. Additionally, the seas are typically calmer during this time, providing a more comfortable experience.
• Make sure to charge your camera and phone beforehand so you can capture all the photos and videos you desire! Bringing a portable charger ensures your phone won’t run out of battery during the trip.
• Make sure to pack and apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin while you’re out on the water.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness while on a boat, I advise you to bring along your preferred medication or try motion sickness patches.

Conclusion: Are Whale Watching Tours Worth It in Maui?

100% yes! These tours promise unforgettable experiences and the chance to witness the beauty of humpback whales up close.

I know whale watching tours aren’t the cheapest thing to do in Maui, but there are a wide range available to suit every preference and budget, with some starting as low as $50 per person.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add a whale watching tour to your Maui itinerary for a memorable experience!