Whale Watching

Whale Watching

Witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat

What To Expect

 

DURATION:

2.5 Hours

CHECK-IN TIME:

8AM, 11AM, 2PM

INCLUDED:
  • Boat Ride
  • Mild Beverages
  • Expert Narration by a Marine Naturalist
  • Whale Listening Device
  • Close Encounters when Possible
  • Guaranteed Sightings (Dec-April)
WHERE TO MEET:

Lahaina, Ma’alaea, Kihei

AVAILABLE:
  • Binoculars
  • GoPro Rentals (on poles)

 

About The Tour

Stop just watching from the shorelines, get out there and see what you’re missing.

humpback-whale

  • Underwater hydrophones to hear whale songs
  • Onboard Jr. Naturalist Program for kids
  • Reef Safe Sunscreen – 4 oz. sunscreen in a fully sustainable tube made from sugarcane available for $13 onboard (25% discount).
  • Filtered water
  • Free Marine Wildlife oversize postcards
  • Whale sightings guaranteed or go again free

Let’s Talk Story

Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March.

At Aloha Outdoors, our whale watching season officially kicks off in early November. But on occasion, we will have our first whale sighting as early as October or even late September. The beauty of whale watching in Maui is you can always expect the unexpected. On any given day, whether it’s in October or April, the Hawaiian Islands can surprise you with endangered false killer whale sightings, humpback whale sightings and everything in between.

Humpback whales tend to gravitate towards warm, temperate waters in the tropics and subtropics during the winter breeding season. These whales can be found in the open ocean and closer to shore throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Although humpback whales can be seen from all of the Hawaiian Islands, the shallow ‘Au‘au Channel between Maui, Moloka‘i and Lānaʻi is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world.

Places such as Lahaina, Maʻalaea and Honolua Bay are among Maui’s best spots for great whale watching.

Humpback whales are by and large the most common type of whale you’ll see in Maui. However, there are also several other species found in the surrounding area, including melon-headed, short-finned pilot, pygmy, and endangered false killer whales. Our expert marine naturalists will help you identify exactly what kind of whales you come across during your cruise.

Based on our genetic and photographic research, there are three populations of false killer whales surrounding the Hawaiian Islands: the main Hawaiian Islands insular population, the northwestern Hawaiian Islands insular population, and an offshore/open-ocean population. The Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular population is endangered and in dire straits, with a population of less than 200, making the species a top research and education priority for Pacific Whale Foundation.

Explore our Live Whale & Dolphin Sightings Map to see what kinds of whales are in Maui as we speak.

Happy Customers

Road to Hana

Road to Hana

Road to Hana

It was an epic road trip. We got a camper van. We drove on the road to Hana with no issues, camped in the rain, camped in the wind, by the beach, under streetlights and in the middle of nowhere. We loved exploring the road to Hana at a much slower pace. This was an incredible experience. Thanks, Aloha!

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

“Yeah, perfect day, we saw two big humpback whales, thousands of fishes, turtles, the cliffs and much more! We were able to see 150 meters down in the sea. All in all, it was an awesome experience, without any ripple out there. It could not be any better!”

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

We went to the south east side. Then we went to Molokini. We saw a 5-feet white shark. Water clarity was amazing. Then we just cruised around. We also caught a couple of fishes. It was a great experience all around! Thanks!”

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

Sea Escape Maui Boat Rental

“Well! We took the kids to Molokini, we did Snorkeling, and we were lucky to see some whales. The boat was wonderful to drive, this is our third time with your service, and we will try to be back.”

Caroline and Sabastian

Caroline and Sabastian

Caroline and Sabastian

“Well what can I say about the trip of a lifetime? We got engaged. We spent a magical time at a National Park. Aloha Outdoors was totally cool and showed me everything. We spent less for a home and car than anyone could manage with a hotel and rental car.”

Joel and Tanya

Joel and Tanya

Joel and Tanya

“Being able to rent the camper van for a full 10 days made our Maui experience so much more!! In fact I have sent dozens of people your way already, so expect a few more people from Juneau Alaska! Thank you sooo very much it was the best way to travel! Oh, and keep the extra food and drinks!”

Sally, Sarah, and Suzan

Sally, Sarah, and Suzan

Sally, Sarah, and Suzan

“We rented a camper for my fiancé’s birthday and had a such a great and memorable experience! What a beautiful and unique way to see the island. Our friends rented a second van a we toured the island as a group. It was an opportunity of a lifetime on a minimal budget. Thanks Aloha Outdoors.”

Lonnie S.

Lonnie S.

Lonnie S.

What a great time on the water, the boat was fantastic and ran flawlessly. They gave us great instructions and recommendations on where to go. We went to Molokini crater and did some snorkeling, fun time and beautiful fish galore. Then on the way to turtle town the Humpback whales put on a show of a lifetime. I just love the whales and dolphins. How incredible to see them breach so close. Nothing better than having your own boat and the freedom to go where you want and when you want. 5 Hours was just the perfect amount of time.

Cory S.

Cory S.

Cory S.

Just got done with the boat rental from a few hours ago. In a word, AWESOME! We started at 6am so we beat the crowds for snorkeling at Molokini, then just cruised around looking for whales. We saw at least 10, with a few of them fairly close. I will recommend this to anyone coming to Maui. The staff was great at setting us up and made it a breeze. The boat was very nice and we only had to spend $31 on gas, although we didn’t go as far as most people might. If you’re thinking about doing it, do it!

Debbie M

Debbie M

Debbie M

We live here and we’re looking for a way to get on the water without buying our own boat. They gave us an awesome orientation, launched the boat, and off we went. So many whales! Went over to Molokini, then over to Wailea to cruise the coast. Found a mooring, went swimming & ate lunch. Coming back, they were right there to take our lines, and take over from there. So nice to just show up, take off, and then leave the clean up to them! Looking forward to doing it again! Highly recommend this avenue to all!”

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