Maui · MAUI WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours on Maui

37 tours  ·  from $49

Humpbacks fill the Auau Channel from December to April and the boats stop running the trip in summer. These 15 compare rafts against big catamarans, the harbours they leave from and what a sighting guarantee is actually worth.

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - December through April: Maui’s humpback season
Dolphin Watching, Lahaina Tours and Cruises, Maui Dolphin Watching Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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 December to April, search for humpback whales from a low-water zodiac raft with guides such as Captain Jack, Mark, or Olivia. Hear whale songs through a hydrophone and learn about Maui’s marine life. Summer departures focus on dolphins and coastal scenery. Plan to get wet.

“Guides were excellent. Very knowledgeable about the whales, super friendly, and very focused on making sure we got good sightings.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Two hours of whale watching
Maalaea Harbor Boat Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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

Cruise Maui’s winter waters aboard the double-deck Quicksilver, a fast catamaran leaving Maalaea Harbor. Over two hours, your captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones let you hear their songs. Juice and soda are included, with shade, restrooms, and drinks for purchase.

“Best whale watching experience I’ve had! Lots of activity by the whales. The staff on the boat were wonderful!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui: Ultimate Whale Watch from Lahaina - What the two-hour trip feels like
Lahaina Tours and Cruises, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

From Lahaina Harbor, you’ll spend 1.5 or 2 hours on a low, fast raft with a small group and guides such as Jill, Lacey, Kasey, or Jeremiah. Expect close whale views, possible dolphins, onboard whale songs, bottled water from a refill station, and a return trip at no cost if no whales are seen.

“Such an amazing experience. Went on a tour and booked another for a few days later because we loved it so much.”

Check availability →Read our full review

WHALES GUARANTEED Maui Whale Watching Makai Adventures - Starting at Mala Boat Ramp in Lahaina
Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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 at Mala Boat Ramp for a 2-hour-15-minute Maui whale watch aboard a fast, comfortable boat limited to 35 people. Crew members such as Allison, Travis, Dani, Levi, Noah, and Kristen share whale facts while you look for humpbacks. Bring a charged camera, wear easy-off shoes, and expect a barefoot cruise.

“The tour was amazing. Our tour guides were awesome. We saw so many whales. Recommended for everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ma'alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power Catamaran - Boarding at Ma’alaea Harbor
Cruises & Boat Tours, Maalaea Harbor Boat Tours, Maui Sailing and Catamaran Cruises, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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

Cruise from Ma’alaea Harbor aboard Quicksilver’s double-deck power catamaran. Your captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones bring their songs onboard. Look for calves, spy-hops, tail slaps, and breaches, with shaded seating, restrooms, and drinks included.

“The staff and Captain were extremely pleasant, informative and competent. The boat was very safe and comfortable with both open and under awning seating, bathroom and some snacks/drinks for sale. Plus they shared water during the sail. We saw whales immediately on leaving the harbor and the Captain did a great job of safely following blows and sightings. We saw breeches, flukes and fin waves, mommas and a baby. Additionally, the company worked with my husband and I when we had to reschedule due to some weather issues that affected our original date. Very gracious and accommodating. I would definitely recommend and definitely book this cruise again!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui: Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka'anapali Beach - What the two-hour cruise feels like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Drinking Tours, Kaanapali Beach Tours and Cruises, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

Join Sea Maui at Ka'anapali Beach for a two-hour whale-watching cruise led by trained naturalists. Look for humpback whales, calves, breaches, and other sea life from a catamaran with open viewing nets, snacks, and unlimited drinks. Captain James, Captain Nick, and whale expert Charlie are among the crew members praised for their attentive service.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina - Key points to know before booking
2-Hour Experiences, Lahaina Tours and Cruises, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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

Set out from Lahaina on a two-hour inflatable raft tour in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary. Captains such as Will and Joe work with naturalists including Renee and Brian to find whales, explain their behavior, and play their songs through an onboard hydrophone. Small groups, water, sunscreen, and ponchos are included.

“The whales this month were just marvelous-it was great to watch them from the shore, but the experience of being on a small boat and getting closer was magical! The staff on the boat and in the office were fun and knowledgeable!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui Whale-Watching Tour by Raft from Kihei - Kihei, Wailea, and Keawakapu Beach Along the Route
Kihei and South Maui Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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

Join Redline Rafting in Kihei for a 90-minute whale watch with a marine naturalist, a hydrophone, and a fast raft carrying no more than 22 people. Expect close whale sightings, spray, bumps, and helpful guides such as Tony, Jamie, Josh, and Jake.

“Epic! Was tons of fun! Thank you to Jordan and Jamie for a great time. Only deducted 1 ⭐️ due to raft overcrowding. Would’ve gotten better experience and pics with less people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching from Ma'alaea Harbor - The Naturalists Are a Major Part of the Value
Maalaea Harbor Boat Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

9.Whale Watching from Ma’alaea Harbor

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

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor for about two hours with Pacific Whale Foundation marine naturalists. Hear humpback songs through underwater hydrophones, learn to read whale behavior, and watch for mothers, calves, breaches, and dolphins. Children 4 and under are free, and whale sightings are guaranteed.

“We saw so many whales! There was a lot of information shared, and the crew was great. There were quite a few people on board which can limit your view. They have binoculars for rent onboard for use.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch - The naturalist commentary adds real value
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Maui Sunset Cruises and Dinner Sails, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

10.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

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

Board at Maalaea Harbor for a roughly three-hour sunset cruise with a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, and live naturalist commentary. You may see humpback whales, dolphins, and hear whale song through a hydrophone. Captains Andrew and Chris, plus naturalists Ash and Stevie, have earned special praise.

“We got the opportunity to see three whales and it was beautiful! Learned about whales and a little extra about sharks from Ash. We had a great time. Thank you to the crew as they were amazing and kept us well informed and safe. We had never done a whale watching tour and we are so happy we did. My wife and I talked about our experience and we were just mesmerized by the beautiful creatures in the ocean that sometimes we forget about. The beauty Mother Nature has to offer is just priceless! Something’s are just meant to me memories in ur mind because there is no phone or…”

Check availability →Read our full review

VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch - Leaving Lahaina Harbor for the search
Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

11.VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

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

Join a maximum of 12 people aboard a low Coast Guard style raft from Lahaina Harbor. Your captain and marine naturalist, such as John, Sarah, Emma, or Jeremiah, search for humpbacks, explain their behavior, and lower a hydrophone to hear whale song. The two-hour trip runs December through April.

“Small group and crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. We departed from the Lahaina Mala harbor. We wanted to support a Lahaina business. This company has been through a-lot of tragedy w the fire last August. Book this tour! You wont regret it. Lahaina strong!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Snorkeling at the turtle cleaning station
Canoes & Kayaks, Maui Kayak and Canoe Tours, Maui Snorkeling Tours, Maui Turtle Snorkeling Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

Launch from Olowalu with a guide and a group capped at 10. Paddle tandem kayaks along West Maui, watch for whales, then snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Guides including Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, Jon, and Robbie provide coaching, history, and optional photos and videos.

“Make sure you verify that your tour is taking place with the tour operator. Zephyr “cancelled “ our tour but did not notify us or Viator so we wasted 2 hours driving to the designated meeting point and then searching for them. We tried to contact Zephyr directly and got no response. After we contacted Viator demanding a refund we did get a call and they agreed to refund our money. Incredibly frustrating and disappointing experience as we were so looking forward to this.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour on a Charming Hawaiian Catamaran From Maalaea - The first whale sightings near Maalaea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Maalaea Harbor Boat Tours, Maui Sailing and Catamaran Cruises, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

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

Spend about 2½ hours aboard Winona, a Hawaiian-built catamaran departing Maalaea. From December through March, watch humpback whales with Capt. Sam, Spencer, Meghan, or the crew, listen through underwater hydrophones, and enjoy snacks, drinks, music, and views of West Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

“Excellent trip, good information, good weather, good drinks, good snacks, remember sun screen and fun friends to bring with you”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak Whale Watch and Snorkel Hawaiian Islands Whale Sanctuary - Paddling out from Olowalu Beach Reserve
Canoes & Kayaks, Maui Kayak and Canoe Tours, Maui Snorkeling Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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 to Turtle Reef, snorkel among tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles, and listen for humpback whales through an underwater hydrophone from December to April. Guides such as Lance, Wes, Red, and Wesley lead the outing. No kayaking experience is required.

“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.!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30) - The ride from Kihei to Makena Bay
Maui Snorkeling Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

Join Makena Coast Charters aboard the 40-foot Getaway for a small-group trip from Kihei to Molokini. Captain Alex, Joe, Jess, Sarah, and other crew members help with snorkeling and whale spotting. Expect clear water, fish, possible turtles, seasonal humpbacks, snacks, and a wet, lively ride.

“We had the best time whale watching and snorkeling! We saw multiple whales (mid Jan tour) with one breaching three times close to the boat! Alex and Sarah were funny, informative, and we felt safe the entire time. The tour was well organized and left / came back on time. It was really nice to whale watch and snorkel with a smaller group — we were able to see the whales easily and it wasn’t crowded or packed in. Would highly recommend this tour to any friend / family visiting Maui.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Maui Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0The Best 2.5 Hour Molokini Snorkel Tour & Whale WatchFrom $16957 reviews
★ 4.0From Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Whale Watch Tour Aboard the MaloloFrom $4958 reviews
★ 5.0Makena Whale Watching and SnorkelFrom $10668 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Catamaran Whale WatchFrom $11966 reviews
★ 5.0Maui Whale Watching -PRIVATE- Air Tour: (2-5 People): SEE WHALES!From $42062 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak and Whale Watching TourFrom $13063 reviews
★ 4.5From Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watch Cruise Aboard the MaloloFrom $4974 reviews
★ 4.9Day or Sunset Whale Watching Tour with NaturalistFrom $8071 reviews
★ 5.0VIP Premiere Whale Watch Kaanapali Beach MAX 12 PASSENGERSFrom $12978 reviews
★ 5.02 Hour Afternoon Lahaina Whale Watch79 reviews
★ 4.5Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watch Adventure (Dec 15-Mar 30)From $13997 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate 3.5 hour Whale Watch & SnorkelFrom $19587 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in KiheiFrom $11893 reviews
★ 4.8Ka’anapali Whale Watching Cruise on Luxury SailboatFrom $10889 reviews
★ 4.9Whale Watching Cruise with Open BarFrom $10383 reviews

Keep browsing

Maui Dolphin Watching Tours9Maui Sailing and Catamaran Cruises20Maui Sunset Cruises and Dinner Sails19Maalaea Harbor Boat Tours22Lanai and Molokai Day Trips from Maui12Cruises & Boat Tours40
Scroll to Top

Explore Maui

Pick a harbour, a mountain road or a reef.

On the water

Molokini CraterTurtle TownWhale WatchingCatamaran DaysScuba Diving

The coast road

Road to HanaWaterfall HikesAudio DrivesWest Maui CoastLanai and Molokai

Upcountry

Haleakala SunriseSummit DownhillFarms and ChocolateZiplinesHelicopters

Beach days

Surf LessonsKayaksPaddleboardingSunset SailsLuau