Your Complete Guide To Whale Watching On Maui (2022)

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Heading to Maui in the winter? Be sure to go whale watching in Maui, one of the best things to do in December, January, or February. Scroll to see the whale watching Maui tour options!

This whale watching in Maui post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

Okay so this is going to sound ridiculous, but the first time I saw whales in Maui, we weren’t even on a whale watching tour.

We were on the Maui-Lanai Ferry. Just sitting there with our rental car, kids complaining they were bored, me trying to figure out if I’d remembered to book our hotel for that night (I hadn’t, but that’s another story).

And suddenly this massive humpback whale just launches itself out of the water maybe 50 yards from the boat.

My younger son literally screamed “MOM THAT’S A REAL WHALE!” Like he thought they were imaginary up until that exact moment.

My older one just stood there with his mouth open.

And I’m frantically trying to get my phone out but of course it’s in my bag and by the time I find it, the whale’s already back underwater.

But here’s what stuck with me: if we saw whales that close on a regular ferry where nobody was even looking for them, what would we see on an actual whale watching tour?

Fast forward to now, and the number one question families ask me is whether whale watching in Maui is worth splurging on.

Because yeah, these tours aren’t cheap. You’re looking at $90-120 per person minimum, and that adds up fast when you’ve got a family of four.

So let me just tell you what I wish someone had told me before our first trip.

Here’s the Thing Nobody Mentions About Maui Whale Watching

You can absolutely see whales from shore. Like, you will see them. During peak season (January through March), you can stand on pretty much any beach on Maui and watch whales breaching in the distance.

I’ve spotted whales from hotel balconies, restaurant patios, even driving down the highway.

One time I had to pull over because there was a whole pod doing tail slaps and I couldn’t focus on driving.

So the question isn’t “will I see whales if I don’t book a tour?” The question is “do I want to see whales from 300 yards away, or do I want to be right there in the middle of it?”

Because that’s the real difference.

When you’re on shore with binoculars, you see the spout. Maybe you see a breach if you’re lucky. It’s cool, it’s free, and it’s totally worth doing.

But when you’re on a boat and a 40-ton whale surfaces 50 feet away and you hear that massive exhale and you can literally feel the mist from its blowhole… that’s completely different.

That’s the experience your kids will talk about for years.

My boys still bring up the ferry whale and that was just a random sighting. Imagine if we’d actually been on a tour with marine biologists explaining everything.

When You Should Actually Go (Because Timing Matters More Than You Think)

Okay so technically whale season runs November through May. But that’s like saying “it rains in Seattle.” Sure, technically, but when does it REALLY rain?

Here’s what actually happens:

Late October/November: First scouts show up. These are usually males checking things out. You might see a few whales, but it’s hit or miss.

If you’re visiting then, don’t book a whale watching tour as your main activity. You’ll probably see whales, but it won’t be the crazy abundance you’re imagining.

December: Things pick up. More whales arriving daily. This is when tour operators start getting reliable sightings. But it’s still early season.

January through March: This is it. This is whale season. In January 2025, volunteers counted 702 whales off Maui in a single day. By February, that jumped to 802.

NOAA estimates around 11,278 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii each winter, and February is when the most are here.

April/May: Whales are leaving. You’ll still see some stragglers, but numbers are way down.

If you’re planning a Maui trip specifically for whale watching, aim for January through March. February is peak, but it’s also peak tourist season which means higher prices and sold-out tours.

And here’s something I learned the hard way: Book your whale watching tour early in your trip. Like, first or second day.

Because I cannot tell you how many families email me freaking out because they saved whale watching for their last day, the weather turned bad, the tour got canceled, and now they’re flying home without seeing whales up close.

Don’t be that family. Book it early, and if it gets canceled, you have time to reschedule.

The “Should I Even Bother with a Tour” Question

Honestly? This depends entirely on your situation and what you value.

Skip the tour if:

You’re on a tight budget and visiting in peak season. You’ll see whales from land. Save your money for something else.

You get motion sickness easily and the idea of being on a boat for 2 hours sounds miserable. No amount of whale watching is worth spending two hours feeling nauseous.

You’ve done whale watching tours before and you’re good with shore viewing this time around.

Your kids are under 7. Most tours don’t allow kids that young anyway, and honestly, toddlers don’t have the attention span for a 2-hour boat ride where you’re waiting for whales to surface.

Do the tour if:

This is your first time seeing humpback whales and you want the full experience.

There’s something about being on the water, hearing the whale songs through hydrophones, having marine biologists explain behaviors as you’re watching… it’s worth it.

Your kids are old enough to ask a million questions and you want experts to answer them. Because trust me, they will ask a million questions.

You want photos that aren’t just distant spouts. You want your kids’ faces when a whale breaches 50 yards away. You want memories, not just “yeah we saw some whales.”

You’re celebrating something. Anniversary, birthday, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Splurge on the tour.

Look, I’m a professional tourist. I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times. I’ve seen whales from shore plenty, and it’s awesome.

But the boat tours hit different. It’s one of those things where if you’re on the fence, do it. You won’t regret spending the money, but you might regret not doing it.

What These Tours Actually Cost (2025-2026 Pricing)

Let me just lay this out because tour websites love to hide the real price.

Standard 2-hour whale watch: $90-120 per adult, $75-95 per child (ages 7-12)

Tours with food/open bar: $140-180 per person

Small group or private tours: $150-300+ per person

Raft tours (the fast bumpy ones): $75-100 per person

So for a family of four, you’re looking at $300-400 minimum for a basic tour. More if you want the fancy options.

Is it worth it? That’s for you to decide. But at least now you know what you’re actually spending.

(Also kids under 7 usually aren’t allowed. Pacific Whale Foundation requires 7+, most operators have similar rules. So if you’ve got little ones, this isn’t even an option.)

My Actual Tour Recommendations (Ranked by What Works for Real Families)

Okay I’m going to tell you which tours I actually recommend, but I need you to know something first: there’s no perfect tour.

They all have trade-offs. Anyone who tells you differently is lying or getting paid to say it.

Pacific Whale Foundation – Best for Families Who Ask Lots of Questions

Cost: Around $90-120 adults, $75-95 kids (7-12)How long: 2 hoursLeaves from: Ma’alaea Harbor

Check prices and availability here

This is my top pick for families with kids under 10, and here’s why.

Pacific Whale Foundation has certified marine naturalists on every boat. Not just crew members who know some facts.

Actual marine biologists who’ve studied humpback whales and can answer every weird question your kids come up with.

And kids come up with some weird questions.

“Do whales have belly buttons?” (Yes.)

“Can whales drown?” (Also yes, if they can’t surface for air.)

“Why are their tails sideways?” (That’s actually dolphins, whale flukes move up and down.)

They also run a Junior Naturalist program on board that keeps kids engaged between whale sightings.

Because here’s what nobody tells you: you spend a lot of time just… waiting. Looking at empty ocean. Waiting for a whale to surface.

Having something for kids to do during that time is super helpful.

What you actually get:

Hydrophones so you can hear whale songs underwater (this is magical, I’m not even joking)

97% whale sighting rate. If you don’t see whales, you can go again free before you leave Maui.

Multiple departure times daily: 6:45am, 9:15am, 11:45am, 2:15pm

Big catamaran with bathrooms (important!), shaded seating, open deck space

Marine biologists explaining everything as it happens

The downsides:

Their boats hold more people than smaller operators. I’ve never felt crowded, but if you want an intimate small-group vibe, this isn’t it.

No food included on the basic tour. Bring snacks for the kids.

One thing to know: Pacific Whale Foundation has some controversy if you dig into local forums.

There have been incidents over the years with whale collisions (which happens to most operators at some point, unfortunately). Some people think they run too many tours.

But they also do legitimate research and education work, and for families who want their kids to learn while watching whales, it’s the best option.

If you’re curious about more Maui trip planning, I created a complete Maui travel guide that covers way more than just whale watching.

Pride of Maui – If You Want Whales Plus Snorkeling

Cost: $150-200 per personHow long: 3.5 hoursLeaves from: Ma’alaea Harbor

Check availability here

This tour combines about 2 hours of whale watching with an hour of snorkeling at either Molokini Crater or Turtle Town (captain picks based on conditions).

They serve BBQ lunch on board. They have a premium open bar (yes, during whale watching). The catamaran is huge and super stable. There’s a glass bottom viewing area. They even have a water slide for kids.

It’s the kitchen sink of ocean tours.

Best for: Older kids (8+) or couples who want to check off multiple activities in one morning and don’t mind spending more money to do it.

Not great for: Young kids who might get antsy during 3.5 hours. Anyone prone to seasickness (longer time on water = more chances to feel awful). Families on a tight budget.

Honestly, if you’re trying to decide between a dedicated whale watching tour and a combo tour, ask yourself: would your kids rather spend 2 hours focused on whales with marine biologists explaining everything, or 3.5 hours doing multiple activities where whale watching is just part of it?

For us, the dedicated whale watching tour made more sense because my boys wanted to learn about whales specifically.

But I know families who loved Pride of Maui because they got snorkeling and whale watching in one shot.

Trilogy – The Fancy Option

Cost: $77-115 per personHow long: 2 hoursLeaves from: Ka’anapali Beach or Ma’alaea Harbor

Book here

Trilogy is the tour where they bring out actual wine glasses (with little holders so they don’t tip over).

They serve Mom Coon’s 4th generation cinnamon rolls on morning tours. They have an open bar with decent wine, not just cheap beer.

It’s the fancy option, and I’m not even mad about it.

They limit capacity to 36-54 people depending on which catamaran you’re on. They have hydrophones. They have naturalists.

And when conditions are right, they actually hoist the sails and you’re whale watching under sail power, which is pretty cool.

The Ka’anapali beach launch thing: This is cool but you need to know what you’re signing up for. You wade into the ocean to board the boat. You will get wet.

If you have mobility issues or you’re carrying a baby, book one of their Ma’alaea Harbor departures instead.

Honestly? Trilogy is great if you want to feel a little fancy on vacation. The food is better, the drinks are better, the boats are less crowded. You’re paying for comfort and experience, not just whale sightings.

But don’t book Trilogy thinking you’ll see more whales than other operators. You won’t. The whales don’t care if you’re drinking good wine or cheap beer.

Redline Rafting – For People Who Want Adventure, Not Comfort

Cost: $75 per personHow long: 2 hoursLeaves from: Kihei Boat Ramp

See availability

This is the fast, bouncy, you-will-get-soaked option.

Redline uses smaller inflatable rafts that put you at water level. When a whale surfaces nearby, you’re at eye level with it. It’s thrilling. It’s also bumpy as hell.

Don’t book this if:

Your kids are under 8 (they won’t let them on) Anyone in your group has back problems You’re pregnant You want to relax and enjoy the scenery You get seasick easily (the bouncing makes it worse)

Do book this if:

You’ve got teenagers who want excitement You’re adventure people who think regular boat tours are boring You want small groups (these boats don’t hold many people) You want to be right at water level

I’ll be honest, I haven’t done this one with my boys because they were too young when we were there during whale season.

But I’ve heard great things from families with older kids who wanted something more intense than a standard catamaran tour.

Whale Watching by Kayak – The Budget-Friendly Active Option

Cost: $80-100 per personHow long: 2-3 hours

See kayak whale watching tours

If you’re okay with kayaking for a couple hours and you want a cheaper option that’s still on the water, kayak tours are surprisingly awesome.

You paddle out with a guide. If whales surface near you, you can literally feel the vibrations in your kayak. It’s pretty incredible.

But you have to actually kayak. Like, paddle for 2-3 hours. If that sounds terrible to you, skip this option.

What Actually Happens on These Tours (The Part Nobody Explains)

Okay so you book the tour, you show up at the harbor… then what?

Here’s how it actually goes:

Check in: Get there 30-45 minutes early. Yes, that early. The boats leave on time and they won’t wait for you. You’ll check in at a booth or shop near the harbor, get your tickets, maybe sign a waiver.

Boarding: If you’re leaving from Ma’alaea Harbor, you walk down a dock and board the boat. If you’re doing beach launch at Ka’anapali, you wade into the water.

Either way, wear closed-toe shoes with good grip because boat decks are slippery.

Heading out: The boat motors out to where whales have been spotted that day. This usually takes 10-15 minutes. Tour operators communicate with each other about where whales are hanging out.

The actual whale watching: The captain cuts the engines when you’re near whales. Federal law requires boats to stay 100 yards away from humpback whales.

But here’s the thing: whales don’t know that rule. They’ll often swim right up to check out the boat.

So you’re floating there, scanning the horizon for spouts. The naturalist is explaining whale behaviors.

Someone yells “WHALE!” and everyone rushes to that side of the boat. You frantically try to get your phone out. The whale is already back underwater.

This happens over and over for about 90 minutes. Brief moments of excitement when whales surface, then lots of scanning empty ocean waiting for the next sighting.

The reality? It’s not nonstop action. You will spend time just staring at water. Bring snacks. Keep your kids occupied between sightings.

Don’t expect constant breaching and tail slaps because that’s not how it works.

But when something does happen? When a whale breaches? When you hear whale songs through the hydrophones? When a baby whale swims by learning from its mom? Those moments make the waiting worth it.

The Mistakes People Make (That I Wish I’d Known About Earlier)

Not taking motion sickness meds

This is huge. Even if your kids never get carsick, boats are different. The ocean moves in ways that make people nauseous, especially if you’re looking down at your phone or a screen.

Give everyone motion sickness tablets 30-60 minutes before boarding. Pack ginger chews as backup. Have them look at the horizon, not down.

I’ve seen so many kids (and adults) turn green and spend the whole tour feeling miserable because parents didn’t think ahead. Don’t be that family.

Booking for their last day

I mentioned this earlier but I’m saying it again because people keep doing it. Don’t save whale watching for your last day on Maui. If weather cancels the tour, you’re flying home without the experience.

Book it early. First or second day if possible. Then if it gets canceled, you have time to reschedule.

Wearing the wrong stuff

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or splashed. It’s going to be sunny, but mornings can be chilly on the water. Layer with a light jacket.

Don’t wear fancy clothes. Don’t wear heels. Don’t bring your best camera equipment unless you’re serious about photography and know how to protect it from salt spray.

Expecting constant action

The tour brochures show whales breaching right next to boats. That happens, but not constantly. You’ll see spouts. Maybe some tail slaps. If you’re lucky, a breach.

But you’ll also spend a lot of time just… looking at water. That’s normal. That’s how whale watching works. Set your expectations accordingly.

Forgetting sunscreen

You’re on the water for 2+ hours. Water reflects sunlight. You will get burned. Use reef-safe sunscreen (it’s the law in Hawaii anyway).

And put SPF lip balm on. Salty air plus sun will chap your lips fast.

Can You Actually See Whales from Shore? (The Free Option)

Yes. During peak season (January-March), you will see whales from shore.

Best free viewing spots:

McGregor Point (Highway 30 between Ma’alaea and Lahaina): Small pullout where you can park and watch whales all day. Bring binoculars. This is probably the single best shore viewing spot on Maui.

Wailea Beach Walk: Start at any Wailea beach and walk the coastal path. You’ll spot whales between breaching.

Kamaole Beach Parks (Kihei): Any of the three Kamaole beaches. Morning viewing is best.

Ka’anapali Beach: North end near Black Rock.

Early morning (7-10am) before the wind picks up is prime viewing time. Bring coffee, set up with your binoculars, scan the horizon for spouts.

Here’s what you’ll see from shore: spouts (the mist when whales exhale), occasional breaches, tail slaps if you’re patient.

Here’s what you won’t get: hydrophone whale songs, close-up views, expert narration, the experience of having a whale surface right next to your boat.

Both are cool. They’re just different experiences.

The Question Everyone Asks: Is It Really Worth the Money?

Okay so you made it this far, which means you’re seriously considering whether to drop $300-400 on a whale watching tour for your family.

Here’s my honest answer: it depends on what you value.

If you’re asking “will I see whales without booking a tour?” Yes. You’ll see them from shore.

If you’re asking “will my kids remember this trip differently if we do the boat tour versus just shore viewing?” Yes. The boat tour makes it an Event with a capital E. It becomes one of those stories they tell for years.

If you’re asking “is it worth it for ME specifically?” I can’t answer that. Only you know your budget, your priorities, your kids’ attention spans.

What I can tell you is this: I’m a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii 40+ times. I’ve watched whales from shore plenty. And every single time I’ve done a boat tour, it’s been worth it.

That first exhale when a whale surfaces close. The looks on my boys’ faces. Hearing those whale songs through hydrophones. Having marine biologists explain behaviors as we’re watching. Those experiences stick with you.

But if $400 for a 2-hour tour is going to stress you out financially, skip it. Watch from shore. You’ll still see whales. You’ll still have a great trip.

The worst thing you can do is book a tour you can’t really afford and then spend the whole time thinking about the money instead of enjoying the whales.

Everything Else You Need to Know

What time should you go?

Morning tours (7-10am) are usually best. Ocean is calmer, light is better for photos, whales are more active. Afternoon winds make for rougher seas and higher seasickness chances.

What should you bring?

• Motion sickness meds (take them BEFORE boarding)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Light jacket or windbreaker
• Phone or camera (use burst mode for whale photos)
• Binoculars if you want them
• Snacks for kids
• Water bottle

How close do boats get to whales?

Federal law says boats must stay 100 yards away. But whales often swim closer on their own, and that’s allowed. It’s pretty common for curious whales to check out the boats.

Can you see baby whales?

Yes! Mama humpback whales give birth in Hawaiian waters between January and March. You’ll often see mom and calf pairs, with mom teaching her baby how to whale. Calves are curious and playful and breach a lot.

Can you hear whale songs?

If your tour has hydrophones (most do), yes. Male humpback whales sing these haunting songs that can last 20+ minutes. It’s one of the coolest parts of whale watching.

Save Money on Everything Else

Look, if you’re splurging on whale watching, you probably want to save money elsewhere. Here’s how:

Car rentals: Use Discount Hawaii Car Rental to compare prices. I always find better rates here than booking direct.

Professional photos: Instead of hiring a private photographer ($$$$), check out Flytographer. 60-minute shoots all over Maui, way cheaper, and you can save $20 with my link.

Learning to save: I made a free 5-day email course on how to save money in Hawaii that walks through all my strategies.

Trip planning: If you want detailed help planning your entire Maui trip (not just whale watching), I have:

• Complete Maui Travel Guide with day-by-day itineraries
• Free 7-day Maui planning email course
• Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast with whale watching tips and more

Other Maui Activities While You’re There

Since you’re already visiting during whale season (which means winter), here are other things worth doing:

Snorkeling: Water is still warm and clear. Check out my guide to best Maui snorkeling spots.

Molokini Crater: Crescent-shaped volcanic crater, one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Everything you need to know about Molokini.

Hiking: Winter weather is perfect for hiking. See my best Maui hiking trails.

Luaus: Best luaus on Maui ranked and reviewed.

Getting ready? Don’t miss my ultimate Maui packing list.

Quick Answers to Questions People Keep Asking

Is February really the best month for whale watching in Maui?

February typically has the most whales. During February 2025, volunteers counted 802 whales off Maui compared to 702 in January. But February is also peak tourist season with higher prices and sold-out tours. January and March are also excellent with slightly better availability.

Can I see whales in summer?

No. Humpback whales are only in Hawaiian waters November through May. They migrate to Alaska for summer feeding. Don’t book a whale watching tour in June, July, or August.

Are whale watching tours safe for young children?

Most tours don’t allow kids under 7. Toddlers also don’t have the attention span for 2 hours of scanning the horizon. If you have young children, watch whales from shore instead.

Do I need to book whale watching tours in advance?

Yes, especially for February tours. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead, earlier if possible. Tours sell out quickly during peak whale season.

What happens if my tour gets canceled due to weather?

Operators typically reschedule you for another day or provide a refund. This is why booking early in your trip is crucial – you need backup days available.

Can you actually hear whales singing underwater?

Yes, if your tour has hydrophones (most do). Male humpback whales sing complex songs lasting 20+ minutes. Hearing them is one of the most memorable parts of whale watching tours.

How close do the boats actually get to humpback whales?

Federal law requires boats to stay 100 yards away. But whales often swim closer to investigate boats, which is legal as long as the boat didn’t chase them. Curious whales checking out boats is common.

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

Morning tours (7-10am) typically offer calmer seas, better photo lighting, and more active whales. Afternoon winds increase wave action and seasickness risk.

Should You Skip Whale Watching Entirely?

Look, only you can decide if this is worth it for your family.

What I will say is this: that random ferry encounter with whales stuck with my boys. They still talk about it. They still remember exactly where we were and what happened.

And that wasn’t even a tour. That was just luck.

So yeah, I think whale watching tours are worth it if you can swing it financially.

Not because you won’t see whales otherwise, but because the experience of being out there with marine biologists, hearing whale songs, watching your kids’ faces when a 40-ton animal launches itself out of the water right in front of them… that’s different.

That’s the kind of thing you remember.

But if the money is tight or the timing doesn’t work or your kids are too young or you’re just not that into it, you’ll still see whales from shore. You’ll still have an amazing Maui trip.

There’s no wrong choice here. Just different experiences.

Ready to Book? Here’s Where to Start

Best for families with kids: Pacific Whale Foundation (marine biologists, Junior Naturalist program, educational focus)

Best combo tour: Pride of Maui (whale watching + snorkeling + BBQ lunch)

Best luxury experience: Trilogy (gourmet food, limited capacity, sailing under actual sails)

Best for adventure: Redline Rafting (fast rafts, water-level viewing, intense experience)

Budget option: Kayak whale watching (active experience, cheaper than boat tours)

Need more help planning your trip? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I help families plan every detail.

Or listen to my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy where I cover whale watching, best tours, and everything I’ve learned from 40+ trips.

Want step-by-step planning help? Sign up for my free 7-day Maui email course and I’ll walk you through it.

Book soon though. February tours are probably already filling up for 2026.