Maui whale watching tours, all in one place
Compare whale watching tours from every harbor on Maui. Check live availability and book directly with local operators.
- Live availability
- Book direct with the operator
- Local Maui operators only
When to see humpbacks on Maui
Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales spend the winter in the warm, shallow channel between Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi to mate, give birth and nurse their calves. The first whales usually arrive in November, numbers peak in February, and they taper off through April. Read the full season guide.
- NovLow
- DecMedium
- JanHigh
- FebPeak
- MarHigh
- AprMedium to low
- MayVery low
Leave from the side of Maui you're staying on
Whales are everywhere off Maui's west and south shores in winter. Choose the departure point closest to your hotel.
Our Maui whale watch partners
Local, licensed operators from every side of the island. Pick one to see their tours.
Pacific Whale Foundation
MāʻalaeaNonprofit whale research group whose tours fund ocean conservation. Naturalist-led trips from Māʻalaea.
See 2 toursSail Maui
Māʻalaea · LahainaPerformance sailing catamarans with a quiet, sails-up approach. Daily whale sails on the West Maui side and from Māʻalaea.
See 2 toursMakai Adventures
LahainaLocally run small boat out of Mala Ramp, with several whale watch departures a day in season.
See tourSea Maui
KāʻanapaliBoard right from the sand at Kāʻanapali Beach. No harbor drive if you are staying in West Maui.
See tourRedline Rafting
South MauiFast, eye-level raft trips from the Kīhei Boat Ramp, minutes from the South Maui resorts.
See tourQuicksilver Maui
MāʻalaeaBig, stable two-deck catamaran from Māʻalaea. One of the best-value family whale watches on Maui.
See tourCompare Maui whale watching tours
Filter by harbor and boat. Pick a tour to see the details, then check live dates and prices.
No tours match these filters. Try another harbor or boat type.
Raft, catamaran or sail?
Every boat has to stay at least 100 yards from the whales, so the type of boat changes how the trip feels more than how close you get. Compare boats in detail.
Raft
Small, fast and low to the water, so you're at eye level with the whales. Bumpy and splashy. Best for adventurous groups.
Catamaran
Big, stable and smooth, with shade, restrooms and often snacks or drinks. Usually the best value, and easiest for kids.
Sailing catamaran
Engines off and sails up when the whales are close. Quieter and more relaxed, with room to lie out on the trampolines.
Small group
Six to twelve guests, so every seat is a front-row seat. Costs more but feels like a private trip.
Humpback behaviors to watch for
Breach
The whole whale launches out of the water and crashes back down. The big one everyone hopes to see.
Tail slap
The whale lifts its tail fluke and slaps it on the surface, sometimes over and over.
Pec slap
Rolling on its side, the whale waves a long pectoral fin and smacks it down on the water.
Spy hop
The whale rises straight up, head out of the water, to take a look around.
Blow
The spout of air and mist when a whale exhales. It is usually the first thing you spot.
Whale song
Male humpbacks sing long, complex songs. Boats with a hydrophone let you listen in.
Local guides to Maui whale season
Whale season guide
Month by month, when to go and the best time of day.
Raft vs catamaran
Which boat suits your group, and why it matters.
Private & small group
Front-row seats with just a handful of guests.
Kayak whale watching
Quiet, water-level whale watching in South Maui.
Free shore spots
The best free spots to see whales from land.
Whale watching with kids
Smooth boats, short trips and family tips.
Maui whale gallery
Whale watching FAQ
When is whale season on Maui?
Humpbacks are around from about November to May. Most tours run mid-December to mid-April, and February is the peak.
Which harbor is best for whale watching?
All of them see whales in season. Pick the one closest to where you are staying: Lahaina or Kāʻanapali for West Maui, Kīhei or Wailea for South Maui, and Māʻalaea for central Maui or the most choice.
What time of day is best?
Mornings are usually calmer, which is better for kids and anyone who gets seasick. Afternoons tend to be windier but have nice light for photos.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
Many operators guarantee a sighting or let you go again free. Check each tour’s details before you book.
How close do boats get to the whales?
By federal law, boats must stay at least 100 yards from humpback whales in Hawaiʻi. Whales sometimes swim closer to a boat on their own, which is a magical bonus.
Who do I book with?
You book directly with the tour operator through FareHarbor’s secure booking system. Your confirmation and any changes go through them.
Run whale tours on Maui? Get listed.
We list Maui whale watch operators who take bookings on FareHarbor. Visitors book straight into your FareHarbor calendar.