Whale Watching Maui
Join us for an unforgettable whale watching experience in Maui, Hawaii from December 15th 2025 to April 12th 2026
The Pacific’s Most Breathtaking Spectacle:
Whales Return in Just…
Best whale watching tour on Maui
2 Hour Whale Watch
$85 for adults and $60 for children 3-12
1.5 Hour Whale Watch
$70 for adults and $50 for children 3-12
Daily from December 15th 2025 to April 12th 2026
6:45am, 9:15am, 11:45am, 1:30pm & 3:45pm
2 Hours and a discount 1.5 Hour trip
1223 Front Street, Lahaina, HI 96761
Guaranteed whale sightings or money back!
Intimate whale experience
Fun for your entire family
Rated 5 stars by our guests
Guaranteed whale sightings
Welcome to nature’s most spectacular gathering of whales
If you love wildlife, make sure you hop on a whale watching trip with us. You’ll admire one of the ocean’s most wondrous creatures and observe their natural behaviour only feet away from you.
Every year, from December to May, the ocean surrounding Maui becomes the theater for the most spectacular event mother nature has to offer when the North Pacific humpback whales come for their annual visit.
Humpback’s love Maui
Over 12,000 humpback whales migrate from the cold Alaskan waters to the warmer Hawaiian climate from December to May to mate, give birth, and nurture their calves, in what’s the single largest gathering of whales in the world.
When it comes to whale watching, Maui has no rivals!
Eco-conscious whale watching from Lahaina
We love the ocean, and we know you love it too!
We are a small nature-loving, family-run operation with years of experience and an infinite passion for the ocean and its inhabitants.
We adore humpbacks, and cannot wait for the whale watching season to start, to share with you all our knowledge of these majestic creatures. Join us on the most authentic, unforgettable and best Maui whale watching trip leaving out of Lahaina!
Embark on our fast, stable boat for the smoothest possible ride
Glide atop the ocean on the fastest, most comfortable boat departing from Mala Ramp; a stable, safe vessel that sits low on the water for maximum comfort, allowing for close interaction with the humpback whales.
Be part of the team, as you search the water for breaching and spyhopping humpbacks right next to the captain and the crew, and prepare to get as close as 100 yards to the whales!
Tour Description
Embark on a thrilling 2-hour whale watch from Lahaina. Enjoy 360-degree views and close encounters with humpback whales on our small, intimate rafts.
Guided by expert marine naturalists, you’ll witness whale behaviors up close and hear their songs through our hydrophone system.
We provide filtered water for your comfort, and with our “whales or money-back” guarantee, your adventure is risk-free.
Book now for an unforgettable experience!
2 hour whale watch
360 degree view
20 passengers or less
Eyelevel with the whales
Trained and educated marine naturalists and captains
Whales or money back guarantee
Hydrophone and speaker to listen to whale song
Filtered water and cups available
Policies and restrictions:
- No pregnant people
- No children under the age of 3
- 24 hours cancellation policy
- Whale sighting or money back
Whale Watching, Maui
Join us for an unforgettable whale watching experience.
2 Hour trip – $85 for adults/$60 for children
1.5 Hour trip – $70 for adults/$50 for children
What to Bring:
Sunglasses – Hat – Reef-safe sunscreen – Camera – Reusable water bottle – Tips for the crew
What is included in the whale watching tour
Up close whale sightings.
Information about Maui’s humpbacks from your marine naturalist captain and crew.
Hydrophone and speakers so you can hear the whale song.
Rain ponchos for inclement weather.
What makes our whale watching tour special
Our crew has a true passion for marine life and a major love for Maui’s humpbacks. Our enthusiam will bring your experience to life.
We are a family owned and operated business. Our goal is to make memorable experiences for family’s, friends, and small groups to share.
Our boat is fast, rides low to the water, and holds a maximum number of 20 guests. This means you will get to the whales quicker and feel closer to nature.
Our guests love our Maui whale watching tours
Over the years, we’ve shared the passion for the ocean with countless adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts like you. And, thanks to all the feedback and reviews, the good and the bad, we can keep on the right track and provide you with the best whale watching from Lahaina.
Phenomenal experience whale watching with Chris and Renee today! Our second time going out with Dive Maui for whale watching and have also done two dive trips. All amazing experiences – cannot recommend them enough!
Went on a whale watching with Dive Maui. It was awesome! We saw lots of whales, including some mom with baby pairs and some with a male escorting them around. This was the most amazing experience! Maui, it is open folks, and they are ready for business! And the whales ready too!
BOOK THIS WHALE TOUR!!! Chris (our captain) and Renee (whale mastermind) were exceptional! My family of five (two adults and three kids ages 11, 10 and 7) had the most amazing day with Dive Maui! This tour was one of the top 5 coolest experiences of my life! Please support this business and Lahaina! You will not regret it!!!!!
Done many whale watches with Dive Maui and they never disappoint!! Last watch on 2/2/25 with Chris and Renae was extra special as we had an male whale escort under and around our boat 3 separate times checking us out. Literally surfaced 5 feet from our boat. Mahalo for the awesome trip and we will be back again!!
Went on the sunset whale watching and it was so fantastic! Renee was a fountain of knowledge and passionate about the whales which made the trip all the more exciting! Captain Joe worked hard to get us near to some beautiful whales and we even got to watch a competition pod that was so so cool! All in 10 out of 10 highly recommend.
Listen to the song of the humpback
Let our skilled team of professionals teach you the secrets and rules for approaching wildlife in a respectful way. Although we cherish close meetings with the humpbacks, we always respect and observe NOAA guidelines for marine mammal interaction.
Once close to the humpbacks, listen to their amazing whale songs thanks to our hydrophone and speakers.
Did you know?
Male humpbacks are capable of producing the most complex song of the entire natural world!
With us, you’ll learn to love and respect the Ocean even more
Conscious of human impact on wildlife, we’ve sworn to do everything we can to protect what we call our second home – the ocean – by implementing the best possible practices on all of our whale watching trips.
That’s why you won’t find any single-use plastic bottles on our boat. Instead, we’ll provide you with a reusable bottle made of recycled plastic, for you to use during our trip and keep as a souvenir after the excursion.
It’s guaranteed. With us, you’ll have the best Maui whale watching while causing minimum disturbance to our gigantic friends.
What’s the best time of the day to see whales in Maui?
The secret to taking awesome videos and pictures of your whale watching trip
We believe humpback whales sleep by resting one hemisphere of their brain at a time. They likely rest for short stints, instead of several hours like us humans, which means humpbacks are active during the day and night. You have excellent chances of seeing humpbacks 24 hours a day, though dark nights can make them tricky to spot and photograph.
To see humpbacks best you’ll want to be on the water anytime between 7am and 4pm. For those of you interested in taking pictures and videos, the early morning or late afternoon light usually makes for the highest quality images. Our raft is steady in the water and has hosted professional photographers and film crews from the BBC so you’re sure to get the shot you are dreaming of!
Play all day!
Humpback whales love to play. They can be seen pectoral slapping, tail slapping, breaching, competing, and teaching their young around Maui County all winter. Researchers don’t know exactly why the humpbacks do what they do, but it is certainly a treat to see. You could be right there next to them, capturing every moment on your camera!
Whale season on Maui 2025/2026
Maui’s humpback season goes from December to May. The first humpback whales are often spotted on Maui as early as October, but these guys are the early birds among humpbacks. You might be lucky, but there’s no guarantee you will see them in October.
December to Mid January:
The Whale season in Hawaii starts
In December, the sightings start to intensify as more and more humpbacks reach Hawaiian waters. December 16th marks the official beginning of our whale watching season.
The first whales we see are often mothers with their yearling calves who have spent the summer growing strong and are ready to separate for the first time.
End of January, February, Beginning of March:
The whale season peaks
The end of January, entire month of February, and start of March is, without a doubt, the period with the highest number of humpbacks on Maui.
With close to 1,000 whales in the water at any given time, humpback sightings are a regular hourly occurrence, and travelers can admire these extraordinary creatures from the shore, hotels, or even better from a boat.
It is common to see gangs of juveniles stirring up the water, adult males vying for the attention of females in competition pods, and babies learning how to be a whale in “training sessions.”
End of March and April:
So long, time to eat!
In March and April, things slow down again as the humpback whales start their journey back to the colder waters up north to feed.
Encounters are however still possible, but the frequency of the sightings reduces compared to the peak months. During this time it is most common to see mothers with their newborn calves who are almost ready to start the migration to the feeding grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to wear when whale watching on Maui?
When you go whale watching on Maui, you’ll want to dress appropriately for sunny conditions and ocean breezes. We recommend wearing adequate protection from the sun, such as a hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen. The wind can make it chilly on the water, so it’s smart to pack a light sweater or windbreaker jacket, especially on colder days. We’ll provide raincoats if needed. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars to capture those magical humpback moments!
How important is it to book in advance?
Booking your whale watching tour in advance is the best way to secure the exact departure time you want. Especially if you’re traveling during the high season (late January through early March when whale activity peaks), make sure you book well in advance. The sooner, the better – our small boat fills up quickly!
What side of Maui is best for whale watching?
Maui’s west coast is the best place for whale watching. Dive Maui sails out from Mala Ramp in Lahaina, which is right in front of the Maui Nui Basin, otherwise known as the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary. This location puts you in the heart of where the humpbacks gather each winter.
Can we swim with whales?
No, you cannot swim with whales in Hawaii. While humpbacks are gentle giants, it is illegal to swim with the whales in Hawaii. Swimming with whales is potentially dangerous for you and disruptive to the whales. We follow all NOAA guidelines for marine mammal interaction. Remember: We are guests in their home, and we observe them respectfully from the boat.
What are the chances of seeing a whale on a whale tour?
From December 15th to April 12th, your chances of seeing one or more humpback whales on our whale watching tour are 100%. We are so confident about our captain’s spotting capabilities that we guarantee whale sightings – should we not see whales, we’ll take you out at sea again, for free!
Where to catch the boat for whale watching on Maui?
Our whale watching boat departs from Mala Ramp at 1223 Front Street in the heart of Lahaina town. This convenient location makes it easy to find us and get you out on the water quickly to see the humpbacks.
How much is a whale watching tour on Maui?
Our whale watching tour prices for the 2025/2026 season are as follows:
- 2 Hour Whale Watch: Adults $85, Children (3-12) $60
- 1.5 Hour Whale Watch: Adults $70, Children (3-12) $50
Both tours offer the same amazing whale watching experience with our knowledgeable crew and guaranteed whale sightings.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Maui?
The best time to go whale watching in Maui is from late January through early March, when whale activity peaks. During this period, close to 1,000 humpback whales can be found in the waters around Maui at any given time. However, our whale watching season runs from December 15th, 2025 to April 12th, 2026, and you’ll have excellent chances of seeing humpbacks throughout the entire season. Early season (December to mid-January) is great for seeing mothers with yearling calves, while late season (late March to April) offers opportunities to see mothers with newborn calves preparing for their migration north.
How long are whale watching trips?
Our whale watching trips are available in two lengths: a 2-hour tour and a 1.5-hour tour. Both provide plenty of time to observe the humpback whales up close, listen to their songs through our hydrophone, and capture incredible photos. If you want more time on the water, we offer multiple trip discounts when you book additional tours with us.
Is it possible to watch whales from shore on Maui?
Absolutely! You can spot whales from many points along Maui’s coastline during whale season. You’ll want to use binoculars or a camera with optical zoom for the best shore-based viewing results. However, nothing compares to being out at sea on our boat, right next to the humpbacks, hearing their songs through our hydrophone, and experiencing their behavior up close with our expert crew.
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Contact
Dive Maui / Whale Watching Maui
1223 Front Street
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
Tel: (808) 661-7333
dive@goscubadivemaui.com