Last Updated on March 12, 2024
Humpback whales are one of the most majestic creatures on earth, and there’s no better place to see them in their natural environment than Maui. Known for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, Maui is also a prime location for humpback whale watching.
Witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth in the sheltered waters. Each whale-watching encounter is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering glimpses of these ocean giants that never fail to awe.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about humpback whale watching in Maui, including the best time of year to go, where to go, and what you can expect to see.
When Is The Best Time To Go?
Humpback whales are migratory creatures and can only be seen in Maui during certain times of the year. The best time to go humpback whale watching in Maui is from mid-December through April. This is when the whales make their annual journey from Alaska to the warm waters of Maui for breeding and calving. During this time, you can see hundreds of humpback whales swimming, breaching, and playing in the ocean. February is considered the peak of the whale-watching season.
Where To Go?
There are a few different options for where to go humpback whale watching in Maui. One popular spot is Lahaina, a historic town on the west coast of Maui. From Lahaina Harbor, you can book a tour on a catamaran or small boat to get up close and personal with the whales (update: choose elsewhere after the fire as they rebuild).
Another great option is Maalaea Bay, which is known as the “humpback whale capital of the Pacific”. Here, you can take a cruise on a larger boat or even a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of the whales.
What To Expect?
When embarking on a humpback whale watching tour in Maui, there are a few things you can expect to see. The most common sight is the whales breaching, which is when appear out of the water and make a big splash. This behavior is believed to be a form of communication or play among the whales. You may also see them slapping their tails on the surface of the water, known as “lobtailing”, which is another form of communication.
Aside from these impressive displays, you can also expect to see humpback whales simply swimming and socializing with each other. Keep an eye out for mother and calf pairs, as the warm waters of Maui are a popular spot for humpback whale calving. You may even hear the hauntingly beautiful songs of the male humpback whales, which they use to attract mates.
Tips For Whale Watching
To make the most out of your humpback whale watching experience in Maui, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Book your tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak whale season (January through March).
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to get a better view of the whales.
- Wear appropriate clothing and reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen as you will likely be out on the water for a few hours.
- Listen carefully to the instructions given by your tour guide for safety and to maximize your chances of seeing the whales.
- Respect the whales and their habitat by keeping a safe distance (100 yards) and not disturbing them.
- Keep an eye out for other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles, that may also be spotted during the tour.
- Be patient and enjoy the experience, as sightings are not guaranteed but can be truly unforgettable when they do occur.
Overall, humpback whale watching in Maui is an incredible opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Not only will you have the chance to see them showcasing their impressive behaviors and interactions, but you will also gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving our oceans and the wildlife that call it home.
We were incredibly lucky on our tour and had what we felt was endless sightings. The excitement and awe we felt while watching these magnificent creatures will stay with us forever. Whether you are a first-time whale watcher or have gone on multiple tours, each experience is unique and special in its own way.
Add humpback whale watching to your list of must-do activities and create memories that will last a lifetime. Keep in mind that peak whale season is only a few months long, so plan accordingly if you have your heart set on seeing these amazing creatures during their annual migration.
Responsible And Sustainable Tourism Practices
Don’t forget to also support responsible and sustainable tourism practices by choosing a reputable tour company that prioritizes the well-being of the whales and their habitat. By doing so, you are not only ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself, but also contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures for future generations to appreciate. Tour companies should stay 100 yards back from the whales to not disturb or alter their natural behavior, and limit the amount of time spent with any one group of whales. It is crucial to respect these guidelines in order to protect both the whales and their environment.
Furthermore, humpback whale watching tours often provide educational opportunities to learn more about these incredible creatures and their habits. From learning about their feeding patterns to understanding their communication methods, these tours offer a unique and informative insight into the lives of humpback whales. You might get the opportunity to observe mothers teaching their calves how to breach, while naturalists can place a microphone underwater for you to listen to the hauntingly beautiful songs of the humpback whales.
Choose A Company That Guarantees Sightings
When selecting our eco-conscious tour company for whale watching, we ensured they offered guaranteed sightings. While wildlife sightings can’t truly be guaranteed, in this case, it means if no whales are seen, they’ll take you out to try again at no extra cost. Secure your whale watching adventure at the begnning of your trip to be prepared for this chance. During our snorkel excursion, we chatted with a group who had gone on a whale watching tour only to discover they didn’t spot a single whale; it does happen!
Is It Better To Whale Watch In The Morning Or Afternoon?
The sea is often more tranquil in the early morning, enhancing the visibility of distant whales. The optimal lighting conditions occur from 11 am to 3 pm, when the sun is directly overhead, making it easier to observe whales that are near the boat and under the water’s surface. Additionally, some companies provide whale watching experiences at sunset.
Can You See Whales From Shore In Maui?
Maui boasts numerous areas where one can often spot humpbacks from the shore during whale season. The picturesque McGregor Point lookout, situated west of Māʻalaea, as well as the beaches of Kāʻanapali, Kīhei, and Wailea, serve as excellent vantage points for whale watching. Nevertheless, the additional sightings and the thrill of being on the water with a boat tour while observing the whales brings out some great excitement!
Sea Sickness
We had good fortune with calm seas during our whale watching excursion, but faced extremely rough waters on a snorkeling trip days later aboard a similar vessel. Always be prepared, even if you believe you won’t experience seasickness. The power of the ocean is awe-inspiring, but relentless!
Eco-Friendly Whale Watching
We took our whale watching tour through Get Your Guide with PWF Eco Adventures.
Each excursion is guided by certified Marine Naturalists, offering an entertaining and educational insight into the behaviors and traits of humpback whales. Witness these magnificent creatures up close as your Marine Naturalist provides an enriching experience. Observe interactions between mothers and calves, witness males vying for females, and listen to the mesmerizing underwater whale songs – each journey is a unique adventure.
Exploring the enchanting world of whale songs through an underwater hydrophone was fascinating. Families can also enjoy the small onboard Jr. Naturalist Program tailored for children.
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