There are hundreds of reasons to head to Maui for your next vacation. The weather is almost always great, the water is warm, and it’s hard to beat the island’s beaches. Maui is also home to a variety of sea life that includes several species of tropical fish. 

Green sea turtles also call the waters around the Hawaiian Island home. Something else you can see on Maui is humpback whales. While unforgettable Maui whale watching tours are something everyone should experience, you probably have a few questions like when’s the best time to go. 

We’ll answer this and some other common questions so your whale watching tour is everything you want and so much more.

A Quick Note on Maui’s Recovery Efforts

Maui recently experienced a devastating fire that decimated the town of Lahaina. This part of the island is still closed to visitors out of respect for the residents still trying to recover from the damage.

However, the rest of Maui is open for business and eagerly welcoming visitors. To learn more about any closed areas on the island, you can contact the Maui Emergency and Recovery Agency.

When Is the Best Time to See Maui’s Humpback Whales?

The humpback whales aren’t year-round visitors, the pods only show up during migration season. While the whales aren’t following a precise schedule, water temperatures and food supplies affect the timing, some months are better than others.

From December through April, an estimated 12,000 humpback whales pass through the area. December can be a little slow, sometimes the whales get off to a late start, but from January to March, you should be able to catch a glimpse of several whale pods. Some whales are still in the area in April, but they can be a little harder to spot.

Is Maui the Best Hawaiian Island For Whale Watching?

There are several Hawaiian Islands and each one has something special to offer. However, if your goal is to watch the humpback whales the best place to go is Maui. Why is Maui ideal for whale watching?

The simple reason is that humpback whales prefer hanging out in the Au’au Channel. The shallow channel runs along the western side of Maui but the whales also enjoy playing along the southern shores. 

You can watch the whales breaching and slapping the water’s surface with their tails. The whales also enjoy swimming close to the water’s top where they can easily breathe. All of this helps ensure you’re bound to see whales on your excursion.

Did you know that some Maui whale watching tour boats are equipped with hydrophones? The underwater device lets you listen to the whales talking to each other. Most whale watching tours also come with guides who can explain the animals’ migratory routes. You can get up close and personal with the whales from the safety of the boat.

Should You Book a Large or Small Boat?

There’s nothing wrong with choosing a large or small whale watching excursion boat. Both can give you an unforgettable experience. Which one is right for you typically depends on what you want to get out of the experience.

Smaller boats are a great choice if you’re looking for a more personalized experience. If you’re heading out with a group of family or friends and want a more intimate adventure, go with a small boat. You’re probably giving up a few amenities on a small boat like bathrooms and a bar. 

Small boats also sit close to the water, so be prepared to get wet. When a whale breaches or flaps its tail, there’s going to be a lot of spray. You may even want to bring a raincoat if one isn’t provided by the excursion.

If you want some amenities on your whale watching tour, a large boat is usually the way to go. Since the boat is larger, you don’t need to get as close to the whales, which means you tend to stay a little drier. 

Larger boats also tend to be a little more stable, even in choppy water. If sea sickness is a concern, you may want to stick with a large whale watching excursion boat.

Can You See the Whales From Land?

Not everyone enjoys going out on the water, regardless of how badly they want to see the humpback whales. While you tend to get a better view from the water, you can stay on dry land. However, you may need to take a hike or a short drive to get to an ideal vantage point. Thankfully, there are a few places on Maui so you shouldn’t have to go very far.

Since the whales typically stay along the western shore, beaches like Kihei and Wailea can offer some spectacular views. Both of these beaches also face the channel so you’re almost guaranteed to see at least a couple of whales.

If you want to get in some exercise, grab your binoculars and head up the Wailea Oceanside Path. The windy path heads up the cliffs opening up to a great lookout point. If you want to avoid a climb, the Ka’anapali Beach Walking Path is another option.

You can also head to McGregor Point Lookout or Papawai Scenic Lookout. The two areas are close by so if you can’t see the whales from one vantage point you can easily head over to the other one.

Stop By the Humpback Whale Sanctuary and Maui Ocean Center

Seeing the humpback whales up close may motivate you to learn more about the majestic creatures. Humpback whales were nearly hunted to extinction before conservation laws took effect.

Now the whales are making a comeback and you can learn more about their migration by stopping in at the Humpback Whale Sanctuary and Maui Ocean Center.

You’ll learn some interesting facts along the way, like the humpback whales in Maui are making their annual 3,000-mile migration from Alaska to Hawaii. 

Alaska serves as the whales’ feeding grounds, and the warm, calm waters around Maui are ideal for birthing calves. We hope this helps you get ready to enjoy your Maui whale watching tour.