Maui · MAUI WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui

54 tours  ·  from $49 a head

Humpbacks fill the channel off Maui from about December to April. These 15 compare rafts, catamarans and small boats out of Lahaina, Maalaea and Kaanapali on price, group size and how close the law lets them get.

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - Lahaina departure and the short route
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

From Lahaina, ride a small zodiac raft for whale watching from December to April or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. A marine naturalist explains local wildlife, and whale-season trips use a hydrophone to pick up whale songs. Crews have included Captain Jack and marine biologist Jess, though the team can vary.

“We had a memorable time seeing the whales & some babies. The highlight was hearing the whale songs. Description of beverages on board is a little misleading; only water was offered upon request.”

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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Choosing a seat on the two-deck boat
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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

2.Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Best value

Sail from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard the Quicksilver, a double-deck power catamaran, for a two-hour whale watch during Maui’s December-to-April season. The captain and crew share information about whale behavior, while underwater hydrophones bring whale songs aboard. Juice and soda are included, and the boat has a shaded cabin and two restrooms.

“This was an amazing whale-watching tour! The crew was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire experience. The two-hour tour is the perfect length for most visitors, especially families with young children. If you’re able to spend more time on the water, I’d recommend a four-hour tour, as the longer duration allows you to see more wildlife and fully enjoy the beauty of the ocean.”

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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina - Low seats put the whales in view
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Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

3.Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,162 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $77

Leave Lahaina Harbor on a small raft for a 1.5- or 2-hour whale watch, with a maximum of 28 people. The low seating puts you close to the water, and an onboard hydrophone lets you listen for whale songs. Crew members have included captains Jill, Jeremiah, and Lacey, with naturalists such as Cat and Kaci. Bottled water is served from a refillable dispenser.

“Amazing!!! The two woman crew was great and experienced, we got to see male whales fighting with each other and we had another whale who was obsessed with our boat. We went during the beginning of peak whale season.”

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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures - A nimble boat with room to watch
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WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

4.WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Join Makai Adventures for a 2-hour-15-minute whale watch from Mala Boat Ramp, with a maximum of 35 people aboard. Captain Travis and crew members such as Allison, Dani, and Levi share whale facts while you look for humpbacks. Expect cushioned seats, shade, an onboard bathroom, and a barefoot cruise, so bring easy-to-remove shoes.

“Awsome whale watching trip! Saw many whales— even some breaching! Guides were very informative. Boat was very comfortable”

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Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran - Two decks, more ways to watch
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Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

5.Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

From Ma'alaea Harbor, take a two-hour catamaran cruise in search of humpback whales, with narration from the captain and crew, underwater hydrophones, drinks, and restrooms on board. The double-deck layout offers open-air and shaded views. Captains including Kiwi and Carlos have led trips, though your crew may vary. Tours run December through April.

“Great tour, saw lots of wales and the boat layout was great for making sure everyone had a good view”

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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach - Two hours in West Maui’s whale waters
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Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

6.Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 802 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $115

Sail from Ka’anapali Beach for a two-hour humpback whale watch aboard Sea Maui’s catamaran. A trained naturalist explains whale behavior and migration while you scan the West Maui waters from open nets or regular seating. Snacks and unlimited drinks are included. Check in 30 minutes early; beach boarding may be difficult if you have mobility issues.

“Excellent trip, crew AND fun! Highly recommend you pick this specific trip. The crew was great and knowledgeable. Thanks Sea Maui!”

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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina - What to know before you book
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Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

7.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

From Lahaina, head into the Maui Nui whale sanctuary on a small inflatable raft with a captain and marine naturalist. Scan for humpbacks, mothers and calves, and listen to whale songs through an onboard hydrophone. The two-hour trip includes filtered water and reef-safe sunscreen, with a return trip offered if you do not see whales.

“Crew was fantastic Saw lots of whales up close Meeting place easy to find check in was quick would do it again”

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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei - A naturalist adds context, and a hydrophone adds sound
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Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

8.Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $84

Set out from Kihei on a small, fast raft with a marine naturalist, a hydrophone for listening to whale song, and nonalcoholic drinks under a sunshade. The 90-minute trip follows Maui’s south coast past Wailea and Keawakapu Beach. Crews vary, with captains and guides such as Tony, Emma, Jake, Jamie, Josh, Tim, and Aly named on past departures.

“Excellent time, complete with education and camaraderie. Tim and Aly were awesome! Highly recommend going early in the morning”

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Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor - A naturalist’s explanations add meaning
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Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

9.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 537 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Cruise from Ma'alaea Harbor for about two hours with an English-speaking marine naturalist. You may see humpbacks breaching, tail-slapping, or traveling with calves, and underwater hydrophones let you listen for whale songs. Sightings are guaranteed, with a free return trip if none appear. The boat can carry up to 70 people.

“The team on the boat was excellent! Jen was an excellent communicator and truly knows her whales knowledge. She has a passion that translates clearly to her guests. Anastasia inside the shop was delightful! They have so much passion and love for what they do.”

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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch - Whale watching with a naturalist on board
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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

10.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Leave Maalaea Harbor on a roughly three-hour sunset cruise with a four-course dinner, alcoholic beverages, and live naturalist commentary as you look for migrating whales. The route includes views of McGregor Point Lighthouse and the Pacific, with Lana‘i and Moloka‘i on the horizon. Whale sightings and activity vary.

“We had an excellent experience. It could not have been better. We saw a mother whale teaching her calf how to breech, a single whale decided to hang out beside and under our boat for an incredible amount of time showing off for everyone on board. We also saw many other whales within the 2 hours plus hearing them sing through the hydrophone. I was so looking forward to this excursion and my expectations were beyond met. I’m not sure what I was expecting but the number of whales we saw was incredible. Add in the close up viewing of a whale checking us out, it just could not have…”

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VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch - Listening for whale song with a hydrophone
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VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

11.VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 198 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

From Lahaina Harbor, join a maximum of 12 people aboard a low-riding raft for about two hours of humpback watching. A captain and marine naturalist search for whale activity, explain what you’re seeing, and may lower a hydrophone so you can hear whale song. The ride is lively, with limited shelter and a chance of spray.

“Great time! Although it was the end of the Hawaiian whaling season we were to able to see quite a few of them.”

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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Paddling the West Maui coast
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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

12.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle a tandem kayak along the West Maui coast with a guide, then snorkel at an Olowalu reef where green sea turtles visit a natural cleaning station. Whale sightings are possible, not guaranteed. The three-hour tour includes gear, life jackets, and optional photos and videos, with a maximum of 10 people.

“Gene was an Amazing guide! So friendly, helpful, and led us to a spot where we saw three different pods of whales, pretty close, and then to a spot with sea turtles. Several of us thought we might get spooked in a kayak seeing whales, but honestly, we weren’t close enough to have any fear, and there’s this awesome reverence you have just floating quietly with no large crowd, no boat motor, that feels extra special if you get to lay eyes on these beautiful creatures. Do this adventure! It’s one you won’t forget!”

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Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea - Watching for humpbacks, not following a fixed route
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Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

13.Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Maalaea, join a 2.5-hour whale watch aboard Winona, Maui’s Hawaiian-built catamaran. The crew searches for humpbacks, shares insights into their behavior, and lowers a hydrophone so you can hear whale songs. Snacks, soft drinks, water, and two adult beverages for those 21 and older are included. Dolphins sometimes appear, too.

“Great experience. Saw over ten whales, both mothers with babies and males. We saw them all breaching and diving.”

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Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary - Paddling out from Olowalu Beach
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Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary

14.Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 175 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle from Olowalu Beach Reserve toward Turtle Reef with a guide, then snorkel among tropical fish and look for sea turtles. From December through April, the tour also watches for humpback whales and uses an underwater hydrophone to pick up their calls. Guides including Lance, Red, and Wes have led trips. Gear, snacks, and water are included.

“Our guide was super friendly and a wealth of information! We enjoyed snorkeling even though the waters were a bit murky. Over all the experience was well worth it.!”

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Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30) - Molokini’s clear water is the main snorkeling draw
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Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)

15.Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 168 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

From Kihei, ride a 40-foot raft boat with a group of up to 19 to snorkel Molokini and watch for humpback whales from Dec. 15 to Mar. 30. The crew supplies snorkel gear, flotation, snacks and drinks. Captains and guides have included Alex, Sarah, Jess and Joe; the route and snorkeling stop depend on conditions.

“Alex and Sara are amazing. comparing to the long 5 hour big boat arrangement, this sweet smaller boat has its own advantage. Without any delay we directly headed into water in Molokini.”

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New in Maui Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Maui Mid Day Magic Whale Watch30 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watch by Kayak-No Time LimitFrom $12919 reviews
★ 4.0Kayak, Whale Watch and SnorkelFrom $1255 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Maui Whale Watch Snorkel Tour36 reviews
★ 4.5The Best 12 pm 1.5 Hour Whale Watching TourFrom $9725 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Ma’alaea Humpback Whale Watching Cruise for up to 6 GuestsFrom $27919 reviews
★ 5.02 hour Lahaina Sunrise Whale Watch50 reviews
★ 5.0The Best 10 am 1.5 Hour Whale Watching TourFrom $9734 reviews
★ 4.4Whale Watching Tour – 1.5 hoursFrom $8226 reviews
★ 4.8Guided Whale Watching Tour on Eco RaftFrom $9642 reviews
★ 5.0Kaanapali Whale Watching Boat with Open Bar and FoodFrom $1676 reviews
★ 5.0Deluxe Whale Watch Sail & Lunch from Ma`alaea HarborFrom $13733 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group 2-Hour Whale Watch ExperienceFrom $2795 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle TownFrom $10915 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise with DrinksFrom $6926 reviews

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