Top 5 Best Maui Whale Watching Tours and Things to Know Before Booking

Have you been Thinking About Going Whale watching in Maui? It’s a Bucket List Experience and I Highly Recommend It if You’re Traveling to Maui!

Maui is one of the world’s top winter destinations for whale watching, especially as humpback whales make their annual migration from Alaska to Hawaii’s warmer, sheltered waters. Located about 2,400 miles from the U.S. mainland, Maui offers not only stunning beaches and a mild winter climate but also a unique chance to witness whales up close. Watching these majestic animals breaching, tail-slapping, and nurturing their young is an unforgettable experience, which is why Maui whale watching tours continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Aside from humpback whales, the waters around Maui are also home to Hawaiian green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins! The coral reefs also support vibrant fish species like butterflyfish, triggerfish, and parrotfish, along with octopuses, moray eels, and manta rays.

I’ve been to Maui 2 separate times during the humpback whale migration and I was lucky to witness humpback whales breaching in the wild several times during both visits. Whale watching is continuously one of my favorite excursions to book around the world, but especially in Alaska and Maui! But don’t just take my word for it–I’ve combined my knowledge and experience with that of the input of friends, family members, and others to compile a list of the best tours for whale watching in Maui. Without further ado, keep reading below for the top Maui whale watching tours!

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1. Eye-Level Whale Watching Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui (Operated by Hawaii Ocean Rafting)

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

On this Lahaina whale-watching tour in Maui, you’ll set out on a raft-style boat for a two-hour adventure perfect for spotting humpback whales in their natural habitat. Opting for a small boat or zodiac-style whale watching raft will allow you to get as close as possible to the whales in their natural habitat! Plus, thanks to its eco-conscious setup, you can enjoy the beauty of Maui’s marine life while minimizing your environmental footprint.

One unique perk of this tour is the expert narration provided by marine naturalists on board. They’ll explain the intricacies of whale behaviors, including breaching, tail-slapping, and even spy-hopping—when whales lift their heads to peek above the water. To enhance the experience, the boat is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to listen to whale songs live!

This tour also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, giving you peace of mind if your travel plans change.

Hawaii Ocean Rafting offers both morning and afternoon whale watching tours December through mid-April.

4. Luxury Super Raft Whale Watch Adventure (Operated by Maui Reef Adventures)

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✅ Book it!

This Maui Reef Adventures whale watching tour offers a unique, small-group experience on a specially designed 60-foot Super Raft. This vessel is fast, stable, and designed to get closer to the action, allowing for an intimate, eye-level view of humpback whales!

With a smaller group size and comfortable seating onboard the raft, the experience feels more luxurious and personalized, while still making sure guests experience as much adventure as possible.

Expert marine naturalists are also onboard the vessel, sharing important insights into whale behaviors like breaching, tail-slapping, and the whales’ seasonal migration to Maui. Additionally, with a hydrophone onboard to capture whale songs, this tour adds a memorable sensory layer for anyone interested in hearing these majestic creatures firsthand.

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a more up-close and immersive encounter with Maui’s marine life, especially those interested in an educational experience who still want a well-appointed vessel with a high quality crew. It’s perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and small groups who appreciate a less crowded setting. The Super Raft’s design provides stability even when moving quickly, making it ideal for thrill-seekers who still want to enjoy comfort and a great close-up view from the water’s surface.

Maui Reef Adventures offers both morning and afternoon tours from mid-December through mid-April.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability for this Whale Watching Tour with Maui Reef Adventures 🤩

5. 4-Hour Makena Whale Watch Tour (Operated by Aloha Kayaks Maui)

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | 🚣‍♂️UNIQUE FEATURE: Kayak tour! | ✅ Book it!

Aloha Kayaks Maui offers an adventure-focused whale-watching experience that’s perfect for travelers who want to swap traditional tours for a more personal, hands-on connection with Maui’s marine life. Starting with a guided paddle from Makena Landing, you’re literally right at the water’s surface as humpback whales breach and spout nearby—an exhilarating, close-up experience you’d never get on a standard boat!

This tour really stands out for those who crave variety and adventurous wildlife experiences: after whale-watching, you’ll snorkel among Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fish. The small group size means it’s quieter and less crowded, perfect for those looking for a respectful, eco-friendly way to explore. Plus, it’s all led by guides passionate about Maui’s ocean life, sharing not only whale facts but insights into conservation and local ecology.

If you’re an active traveler who values sustainability and a real connection to the natural world, this kayak-based whale-watching tour delivers an experience that’s memorable, educational, and refreshingly off the beaten path! Plus, being in a kayak means that you’re able to tread through the water more quietly. Some of the engine sounds of larger motorized boats can sometimes scare away the marine life. By embarking on this kayaking adventure, you won’t run into that issue!

Everything you’ll need is provided for you as part of this tour: light snacks, life jackets, paddles, kayaks, snorkels, masks, dry bags, and fins are all included. The only things you need to bring along with you are your wallet (for ID and tipping) and your camera (make sure it’s in a waterproof protective case)!

Aloha Kayaks Maui offers both morning and afternoon tours from the beginning of January through mid-April.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability for this Aloha Kayaks Maui Whale Watching Tour!🤩

Maui whale watching Tips and Things to Know

My number one tip for anyone going whale watching in Maui is to pack reef-safe sunscreen and reapply it consistently throughout the tour. During my first trip to Maui, I got extremely sun burned because I wasn’t reapplying sunscreen at the appropriate intervals. I recommend reapplying every 90-minutes, but possibly more depending on exposure to water and wind.

In terms of what to wear, I highly recommend wearing a rash guard with sun protection. You will also want to bring polarized sunglasses and a hat or visor. It can be pretty windy on the boat, though, so hold onto your headwear if you decide to bring it along. I was glad I brought a hat because it also helped cover up some of the crazy hair I was experiencing from the winds on the tour!

Don’t forget your camera or smartphone, either! You’ll want to capture photos of the whales and marine life during the tour, so make sure you don’t accidentally forget your camera at your hotel or accommodation. I shoot with a Sony a6000 mirrorless camera, but any digital camera with a zoom lens of some sort will likely do the trick. I also use my iPhone 15 Pro, which has a great camera.

I also recommend bringing binoculars in case your phone or camera dies, or if you want to see the whales more clearly. If you do bring binoculars, I recommend packing one pair of binoculars per person in your travel party (especially if you have kids who might get fussy over sharing).

How much does it cost to go whale watching in Maui?

The cost of whale watching tours in Maui generally ranges from about $50 to $150 per person, depending on factors like tour length, vessel type, and inclusions (such as onboard refreshments or expert narration). Shorter tours on larger boats with more group capacity are usually on the lower end of the spectrum, while smaller, eco-friendly or private tours tend to cost more. Some tours also offer additional experiences, like snorkeling, which can increase the price.

I’d budget roughly $100 per person total for a 2-hour Maui whale watching tour, but you may need to adjust this amount depending on the factor listed above. It’s also worth mentioning that some of the tours do allow you to go on another tour if you don’t spot any whales. However, you should make sure to double-check with each tour provider to inquire about their whale guarantee policy.

How much should I tip on a Maui whale watching tour?

On top of the price of the tour, tipping is highly encouraged. You will want to bring cash for the tip portion and provide it at the conclusion of the tour if you were satisfied with the experience. How much you tip is totally up to you and based on how you value the experience you had, but a good rule of thumb is between 10%-20% of the tour price.

If your tour cost $85 per person, I’d recommend bringing between $10-$20+ in cash for each person in your travel party to tip the crew. If you’re traveling on a private charter tour, I’d recommend tipping slightly more.

If you don’t want to bring your purse or backpack on the tour for fear of it getting wet, you can wear a waterproof money belt for your cash and ID underneath your clothing to keep it dry.

Why are whales attracted to Maui?

Whales are drawn to Maui’s warm, shallow waters each winter for several reasons that make it an ideal habitat during their breeding season. The waters around Maui, especially in the Maui Nui Basin, provide protection from predators and rough ocean currents, creating a safe, calm environment for mating, birthing, and caring for calves. Humpback whales migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to Hawaii for this purpose, arriving between December and April.

Maui’s geography also contributes to the attraction of whales to the waters near the island. The island’s underwater topography and relatively shallow surrounding areas allow whales to perform behaviors like breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping while staying protected.

These warm waters also boost calf survival rates by providing a safe space for newborns to grow strong before they embark on the long journey back to Alaska!

where is the best place to whale watch in maui?

During peak whale watching season in Maui, you have a strong likelihood of spotting whales from most anywhere you can see the water! In particular, most whale watching tours will launch from Maalaea and Lahaina Harbors because they offer access to the Maui Nui Basin where humpbacks are most active.

If you’re traveling independently before or after your whale watching tour, you can also try to spot whales from land-based areas like McGregor Point Lookout and Kapalua and Kaanapali Beaches!

For ideas on more exciting things to do while visiting Maui, check out my guide to 4-days worth of activities in Maui!

When is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Maui?

Whale watching season in Maui is during the winter months of December through April. During this time, humpback whales migrate down from Alaska to Maui’s warm, shallow waters for mating, birthing, and nurturing their young! They’ll stay in the waters surrounding Maui until the end of April and then begin their journey back up to Alaska to feed during the summer months.

I’ve experienced both whale watching in Alaska and whale watching in Maui, and I highly recommend it! Whale watching in Maui is great for those hoping to spot an abundance of whales in a gorgeous, tropical setting and you may even have a shot at spotting baby whales–I got to see a whale calf breach alongside its mom and it was one of the coolest wildlife viewing experiences I’ve had in my life!

What is the best time of the day for whale watching in Maui?

The best time for whale watching in Maui is generally in the morning, especially during the peak months of January through March. Morning conditions are often calmer, with lighter winds and smoother seas, which can make whale sightings clearer and allow boats to reach prime viewing spots with minimal disturbance.

While afternoon tours can also provide excellent sightings, the afternoon winds in Maui, particularly around mid-day, tend to pick up, which can create choppier waters and may impact the stability of smaller vessels. If you do opt for an afternoon tour, I’d recommend considering a tour onboard a larger vessel if you’re prone to sea sickness.

That said, whales are active throughout the day, so if the early morning doesn’t fit your schedule, mid-morning and early afternoon tours can also be worthwhile. Additionally, each time of day can offer unique experiences! Sometimes, evening tours are also available if you’re hoping to spot whales at sunset!

What Do I Need to Bring on a Whale Watching Tour in Maui?

As I touched on earlier in this post, you absolutely need to bring the following things with you on a Maui whale watching tour: wallet (with cash for tips!), your camera, a pair of binoculars, and reef safe sunscreen. I’d also recommend wearing other sun protective items such as a hat, polarized sunglasses, and and a rash guard.

Don’t wear anything that could go flying into the water if the wind is against you while on the boat (scarfs, loose shawls, loose head wraps, etc.). Not only would it be a bummer to lose these items but when they fly off of your body, they’re likely flying into the water and disrupting the fragile ecosystem that the whales and other wildlife need to survive.

Do you get wet on Maui whale watching Tours?

Expect a bit of splash on Maui’s whale-watching tours, especially as the boat picks up speed heading out to prime viewing spots. If you’re hoping to stay dry, consider bringing a rain jacket or poncho to protect yourself from the sea mist or rain.

Normally, the weather is pretty mild during peak whale watching season, but even with no rain you may get sprayed by ocean water on the boat. If you’re doing the kayaking excursion, you will get wet regardless because there are usually snorkeling opportunities as you explore the waters around Maui. Make sure to bring a waterproof case for your phone or camera!