Whale Watching in Maui: Everything You Need to Know

Every year, from December to April, thousands of whales move from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to give birth

08:42 08 October 2024

Every year, from December to April, thousands of whales move from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to give birth. Most of the whales are humpbacks but sperm whales visit Maui on occasion, If you haven't yet been to Maui for a whale-watching experience, then you need to add it to your bucket list.

And if you are already planning to visit the Island, here is everything you need to know about whale watching in Maui, including the best time and spots for whale watching and DIY tips to get the most out of your experience.

Why Is Maui the Best Place for Whale Watching?

Maui is the best place to watch whales in Hawaii because of the Auau, or Maui, channel. This is a shallow, protected water body that sits between Maui, Molokai, and Lanuaka. Its warm and gentle waters make it the perfect breeding ground for humpback and sperm whales. It's also a conducive environment to raise their calves until they grow enough to swim in the North Pacific waters.

The whales usually like to convene on the western and southern Maui shores, where you can see them breaching, slapping their tails, or spy hopping. While you can see them from the shores, you can always book a boat tour to watch them more closely.

When Is Maui Whale Watching Season?

Whale watching in Maui runs from early December to late April. The migration of the whales depends on the changing seasons and water temperatures. As such, they'll leave Hawaii for Alaska when the water gets too cold in December, and return when the Hawaii water warms up again in April.

That said, since the weather is almost always unpredictable nowadays, it's getting harder to predict when the whales will arrive in Maui. For instance, sometimes, these whales arrive as early as September and leave before the middle of March. However, the period between February and March is usually peak whale-watching season, with up to 12,000 whales visiting the island.

What's the Best Way to Watch Whales in Maui?

The best part about whale-watching in Maui is that you can watch the whales from anywhere, even through your car's window. However, consider taking a whale watch tour for a more enjoyable experience.

If you choose to go on a boat tour, you get an experienced guide and an entire crew. Some tours offer cocktails and snacks to enrich your experience. The only problem is that some boat tours host large crowds, especially during peak seasons. So, if you want a more intimate experience, you can always opt for a canoe whale-watching tour.

A canoe whale-watching tour lets you paddle to the whale watching sites in a canoe. You'll have a guide to ensure you don't get too close to the whales. Still, the whales might get close to your canoe. Sometimes, they get so close that you can actually touch them.

There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when whale-watching from a canoe. While humpback whales are generally non-aggressive, it’s always a good idea to avoid approaching mothers and calves. Female humpback whales may charge humans when they feel their calves are threatened. It’s also best to keep your kayak between the whale pod and the shore so they don’t feel trapped.

What Are the Best Whale Watching Spots in Maui?

You can see whales in Maui from the shores, but you must find the right spot. The island has plenty of whale-watching spots, including Maui beaches like Lahaina, Wailea, and Kigei. Besides beaches, the following perches also have excellent views:

• Wailea Oceanside Path: This path winds along the cliffs that separate different resorts in Wailea. It's slightly elevated, giving you an excellent view of the shores.
• McGregor Point Lookout: The McGregor Point Look is a slight distance from the shores but it’s high enough to see the entire western shore. For a more enjoyable experience, you can buy or rent a pair of binoculars.
• Lahaina Front Street: Lahaina Front Street is a street beside the shores of Lahaina. It's a great spot for watching whales without being restricted by the schedule of a boat tour. Here, you can relax a little more, grab a meal, and listen to some music while watching the whales.
• Ka'anapali Beach Walking Path: The Ka'anapali Beach Walking Path is a great place to explore the western shores while watching the whales. This path is slightly raised above the shores and gives a clear view of the ocean. Going on an evening stroll on the Ka'anapali beach walking path is a great way to exercise and clear your mind after a long day of activities.

How Can You Make the Most of Your Whale Watching Tour?

First-timers and repeat tourists can make the most out of their whale-watching experience by doing the following:

Dressing warmly: Weather on the shores can be unpredictable, so wear your jacket before getting on board. If it gets too hot, you can always remove it to cool down.

Pack your favorite snacks: Tour companies allow tourists to carry snacks and beverages along for the tours. Ensure you carry a few favorite snacks so you can fully enjoy the experience of watching the whales. However, it's worth noting that most tour companies don't allow alcoholic beverages.

Carry the essentials: Don't forget to bring the following on your whale-watching tour:

• A pair of binoculars
• A pair or two of sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• A smartphone or camera
• A pair of rubber-soled shoes

Keep the sun behind you: Always ensure the sun is behind you if you want quality shots. Taking pictures with the sun in front of you may result in poor-quality images due to lens flare or shadows.

Ready for An Enjoyable Whale Watching Experience in Maui?

Whale watching is one of the most enjoyable activities to do in Maui. There are lots of spots where you can watch the whales. Depending on your preference, you can choose to watch from the shores or go on a boat or canoe whale-watching tour.

When looking for a tour company in Maui, remember to do your due diligence and check reviews, charges, and packages offered before settling for one. While on the tour, remember to take plenty of pictures for friends and family back home.