Watching whales breach in Maui is one of the most magical experiences you can have on the island. I love seeing these gentle giants launch themselves out of the water, creating spectacular splashes that can be visible from miles away.
The best time to see humpback whales in Maui is from December through April. Peak activity happens in January and February when thousands of whales gather in the warm, shallow waters of the Maui Nui Basin.
I’ve found that Maui offers unique opportunities to view whales from both land and sea. Whether you’re looking to take a boat tour or find a perfect spot along the shoreline, there are plenty of options to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The western and southern shores of Maui provide some of the most reliable viewing spots. Here, you can often see whales breaching, tail slapping, and playing without even leaving dry land.
Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel
I recently experienced an incredible whale watching adventure with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel in Lahaina. Their small group tours make a huge difference – every seat truly is a front row seat!
Their low-to-water rafting vessels get you amazingly close to the action while still respecting wildlife protection guidelines.
What impressed me most was the knowledgeable crew. The marine naturalists shared fascinating information about humpback behaviors and even used hydrophones so we could hear whale songs underwater.
During my tour, we witnessed several breaches and had a curious whale swim right up to our boat!
They offer several tour options depending on your preferences. The standard 2-hour whale watch is popular, but I splurged on their Ultimate Tour with just 6 guests total. The smaller group made photography easier, and I got some incredible shots of whales breaching. If you visit during whale season (December to April), this is absolutely a must-do Maui experience.
Rating: 4.9 (961 reviews)
Location: 1229 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 667-5678
Website: Visit Website
PacWhale Eco-Adventures
I recently went whale watching with PacWhale Eco-Adventures, and it was an incredible experience! Their tours are led by Certified Marine Naturalists who share fascinating information about whales throughout the journey.
During my tour, we saw multiple whales breaching, which was absolutely breathtaking. The crew was fantastic at spotting whale activity and positioning the boat for the best views while maintaining a respectful distance from these magnificent creatures.
What makes PacWhale special is their commitment to conservation. The company is actually run by the Pacific Whale Foundation, so your tour directly supports marine research and protection efforts. They even dropped a microphone into the water so we could hear whale songs!
I loved that they took time to explain whale behaviors as we observed them. When a mother and calf appeared nearby, the naturalist explained their migration patterns and why the whales come to Maui’s waters each winter. It’s definitely one of the best places to see whales breaching on the island.
Rating: 4.7 (2442 reviews)
Location: 300 Maalaea Rd Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 249-8811
Website: Visit Website
Makai Adventures – Maui Whale Watching, Dolphins, Lanai Snorkeling, Bottom Fishing
I recently took a whale watching tour with Makai Adventures in Lahaina and was blown away by the experience. Their 2-hour adventures are limited to small groups of 20 or fewer passengers, which made for a personal and intimate experience.
They operate from Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina with multiple daily departures. I loved that they guarantee whale sightings during the season (December 1 through April 15).
Their new boat, KAIAO, is perfect – not too big, not too small, with comfortable shaded seating and a spacious deck for 360° views.
The onboard naturalists were knowledgeable and friendly, explaining different whale behaviors like breaching and pectoral slaps. I was thrilled when we heard whale songs through their onboard hydrophone!
The calm waters around Lahaina made for perfect viewing conditions.
What I appreciated most was how they balance comfort with adventure. Unlike crowded larger vessels or cramped rafts, their boat offers the perfect middle ground. It’s fast enough to reach the whales quickly but stable enough for guests of all ages.
Rating: 4.9 (664 reviews)
Location: Mala Boat Ramp, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 495-1001
Website: Visit Website
Maui Whale Adventures
I recently had an amazing time with Maui Whale Adventures on Kaanapali Beach. This tour agency offers an incredible way to see humpback whales up close in their natural environment.
What makes them special is their convenient departure directly from the beach, eliminating the need to drive to a harbor.
The guides were passionate and knowledgeable about marine life. They shared fascinating facts about whale behavior while ensuring we had the best viewing opportunities.
I was impressed by their commitment to eco-friendly practices and how they prioritize the whales’ well-being during every encounter.
They offer both group tours and private charters to suit different preferences. I loved how the crew worked hard to position the boat in perfect spots for whale watching.
We saw several breaches and tail slaps during my tour – truly magical moments I won’t forget!
The intimate size of their tours means everyone gets a great view without feeling crowded. It’s definitely worth booking in advance during peak whale season (December through April) as their reputation for exceptional experiences keeps them busy.
Rating: 5 (34 reviews)
Location: 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 707-5751
Website: Visit Website
Sea Maui
I recently joined a whale watching tour with Sea Maui, and it was absolutely incredible! Their boats depart from Kaanapali Beach, making it super convenient if you’re staying in West Maui.
The crew was friendly and felt more like family than tour guides.
What makes Sea Maui special for whale watching is their approach. They’re not a big corporate outfit, but a team of passionate ocean lovers who really know their stuff about humpback whales.
During my trip, the captain knew exactly where to position the boat for the best viewing opportunities.
I was lucky enough to see multiple breaches during my excursion. The crew shared fascinating information about whale behavior while giving us plenty of space to take photos.
Their boats are the perfect size – big enough to be stable but small enough to maneuver quickly when whales are spotted.
They offer both snorkeling trips and sunset cruises, but during whale season (December to April), the focus is definitely on these magnificent creatures. I appreciated how they respect the whales’ space while still getting us close enough for amazing views.
Rating: 4.9 (1499 reviews)
Location: Between Leilani’s & Hula Grill on the Beach Walk, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Kisok 5520, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 732-6284
Website: Visit Website
Trilogy Excursions
I had an amazing whale watching experience with Trilogy Excursions in Maui! This family-owned business has been operating for over 50 years, and their expertise definitely shows in the quality of their tours.
The crew was incredibly knowledgeable about humpback whales and their behaviors. They knew exactly where to position the boat for the best chances of seeing these magnificent creatures breach.
I was blown away when we spotted several whales jumping completely out of the water!
Their boats are comfortable and well-maintained, giving everyone on board a great viewing position. I loved that they weren’t overcrowded, so I could move around easily to catch whale sightings from different angles.
The crew also shared fascinating information about whale migration patterns and behaviors throughout the tour.
Trilogy also offers snorkeling opportunities on many of their tours, which was a wonderful bonus after our whale watching. Their commitment to ocean conservation was evident in how respectfully they approached the whales, always maintaining proper distance while still giving us incredible views.
Rating: 5 (6759 reviews)
Location: 207 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 874-5649
Website: Visit Website
Maui Ocean Adventures
I recently spent a morning on the famous “pink boat” with Maui Ocean Adventures in Lahaina, and it was truly special. This locally owned company offers small-group whale watching tours with a maximum of 23 passengers, which meant plenty of space to move around and get amazing views of the humpback whales.
What made this experience stand out was how close we got to see the whales breaching. The smaller boat size allowed us to quickly move to different viewing spots when the crew spotted whale activity.
I was able to capture incredible photos without fighting through crowds of tourists.
The crew members were knowledgeable and passionate about marine life. They shared fascinating facts about humpback whale migration patterns and behaviors.
I appreciated their commitment to respectful wildlife viewing and their obvious love for the ocean.
As Lahaina fire survivors themselves, the team at Maui Ocean Adventures has a deep connection to the local community. I was touched to learn about their program that sponsors fire survivors to experience whale watching tours as part of the healing process.
Rating: 5 (73 reviews)
Location: Mala Boat Ramp, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 500-7565
Website: Visit Website## Maui Reef Adventures – Maui’s Super Raft Reef Explorer
I recently took a whale watching tour with Maui Reef Adventures and it was incredible! Their custom-built luxury raft called the Reef Explorer is spacious yet nimble, allowing Captain Brad to navigate to the best spots for whale sightings.
What makes this experience special is how they avoid crowds. Unlike the bigger tour boats that all flock to the same areas, Maui Reef Adventures took our small group to more private locations. I was amazed when we spotted several whales breaching, with no other boats around to disturb the view.
The crew was knowledgeable and friendly, pointing out whale behaviors and sharing interesting facts throughout the trip. They also offered drinks and made sure everyone was comfortable. I appreciated how they prioritized both our experience and respecting the whales’ space.
During whale season, they even offer a combo package with the Myths of Maui Luau, which is a great way to experience two of Maui’s best attractions.
The small group size meant we all had plenty of room to move around and get unobstructed photos of the breaching whales.
Rating: 4.9 (216 reviews)
Location: 11 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 244-7333
Website: Visit Website
Captain Steve’s Rafting
I recently went on a whale watching tour with Captain Steve’s Rafting in Lahaina, and it was amazing! Their small group tours offer a personal experience that you can’t get on bigger boats.
The team at Captain Steve’s faced challenges after the Lahaina fire, losing their equipment and property. But they’ve partnered with other local businesses to keep their tours running from Mala Ramp.
I loved that I could choose between different raft options, from smaller 15-passenger rafts to slightly larger ones holding 25 people. The smaller boats can get closer to the whales while respecting distance rules, giving us incredible views of these magnificent creatures.
When I visited in whale season, I saw several breaches right from our raft! The knowledgeable crew shared fascinating facts about humpback whales and their migration patterns to Hawaiian waters.
Rating: 4.9 (186 reviews)
Location: Mala Wharf Road, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 667-5565
Website: Visit Website
Four Winds Molokini Maui Snorkel Tour
I recently went whale watching with Four Winds Molokini Maui Snorkel Tour and was blown away by the experience. Their spacious catamaran offers plenty of viewing areas to spot humpback whales breaching in the crystal-clear waters between Maui and Molokini crater.
The crew was super knowledgeable about whale behavior and helped everyone spot these amazing creatures. They knew exactly where to position the boat for the best views. I saw at least three breaches during my tour, with one whale launching almost completely out of the water!
While they’re primarily known for snorkeling trips to Molokini, their whale watching tours during winter and early spring (December-April) are equally impressive. The captain shared fascinating facts about humpback whales through the boat’s sound system, making the experience both fun and educational.
What I loved most was how respectful they were of the whales’ space while still getting us close enough for amazing photos. They also offer a nice lunch and drinks onboard, which was perfect for the 4-hour tour.
Rating: 4.8 (910 reviews)
Location: 101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 879-1571
Website: Visit Website
Understanding Whale Breaching
One of the most thrilling sights on a Maui whale watching adventure is witnessing these magnificent creatures launch themselves out of the water. This spectacular behavior is both beautiful to witness and fascinating from a scientific perspective.
What Is Whale Breaching?
Whale breaching is when a whale propels itself partially or completely out of the water and then lands with a big splash. During my trips to Maui, I’ve seen humpback whales breach by using their powerful tail muscles to launch their massive bodies—sometimes up to 40 tons—into the air!
The breach typically follows a pattern: the whale swims upward at high speed, breaks the surface, rotates its body, and then lands on its back or side. The splash can be enormous, sometimes visible from miles away on a clear day.
Maui is one of the best places to witness breaching because the water clarity and shoreline viewing spots provide excellent visibility for this behavior.
Why Do Whales Breach?
Scientists don’t fully agree on why whales breach, but several compelling theories exist:
Communication: I’ve noticed breaching often happens in groups. The loud splash creates sound waves that can travel for miles underwater, possibly sending messages to other whales.
Parasite Removal: Breaching may help whales dislodge parasites like barnacles and whale lice from their skin.
Play and Exercise: Young calves breach frequently, suggesting it might be a form of play or muscle development.
Mating Display: Male humpbacks breach more during mating season, possibly to impress females or intimidate competitors.
Breaching requires significant energy, so when a whale chooses to breach repeatedly in areas like Maalaea Bay, it’s doing something important to its survival or social life—not just showing off for us lucky watchers!
Best Times to Observe Whale Breaching
Timing is everything when it comes to seeing these magnificent creatures jump from the water. I’ve found that understanding both the whale season and the optimal hours of the day can dramatically increase your chances of witnessing breaching behavior.
Maui Whale Watching Season
Humpback whales visit Hawaiian waters during the winter months, making their appearance from December through April each year. I’ve noticed February and March typically offer the peak viewing opportunities when whale activity is at its highest.
During this time, thousands of humpbacks migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters from Alaska to breed, give birth, and nurse their young.
If you’re planning a trip specifically for whale watching, I recommend mid-January through March for the best experience. Early April still offers good chances to see breaching whales, but their numbers begin to decrease as they start their journey back to Alaska.
The whale population is most concentrated during February, which I’ve found provides the most consistent and spectacular breaching displays.
Ideal Time of Day for Whale Watching
Morning hours offer the calmest ocean conditions. This makes it easier to spot breaching whales against the horizon. I’ve had my best whale watching experiences on early morning tours around 8:00 am. This is when the winds are typically lighter and the water is smoother.
Some tour companies even offer sunrise whale watching experiences starting as early as 6:15 am. These early trips provide magical lighting for photos and often showcase active whale behavior.
Late afternoon can also be productive for whale watching. This is when winds sometimes calm down again. I’ve witnessed beautiful breaching displays between 3:00-5:00 pm. The sunset creates a stunning backdrop for whale activity.
