Whale Watching Maui
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales travel over 3,000 miles from Alaska’s icy waters to Maui’s warm, shallow seas. Drawn by the ideal conditions for mating and nurturing their calves, these gentle giants help create unforgettable opportunities for whale watching in Maui!
Maui is part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which protects over 1,400 square miles of ocean—especially around the waters between Maui, Lanai, and Kahoʻolawe. This area is shallow, warm, and sheltered, which is exactly what humpbacks need to raise their calves safely. It’s no wonder that whale watching in Maui continues to be a bucket-list experience for ocean lovers worldwide!
Whale season in Maui adds even more magic to our snorkeling tours aboard the Lani Kai II. We leave from Maalaea Harbor and while we cruise to incredible snorkel spots like Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens, keep an eye on the horizon—our spacious, double-deck boat offers unobstructed views, perfect for spotting whales during the journey!
Best Time for Whale Watching in Maui
The official Maui whale watching season runs from December through April, with the peak months being January through March. During this time, it’s common to see:
– Mothers swimming alongside their calves
– Males competing for mates
– Whales breaching and slapping the water in impressive displays
You often hear the hauntingly beautiful whale songs during our snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
Fun Facts About Humpback Whales
– Humpbacks can grow up to 45-50 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons
– They live to be over 60 years old
– Males sing complex songs that can last up to 20 minutes
– They don’t eat during their entire stay in Hawaii—they live off their summer blubber reserves
– Calves are born weighing 1–2 tons and drink up to 100 gallons of milk per day
Whale Watching on Maui Snorkeling Tours
Whale sightings during a Maui Snorkeling Tour, especially between January and March, are very likely. That’s when the seasonal humpback whale population peaks in Hawaii’s warm waters. While our Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tours and Afternoon Tours focus on tropical fish and sea turtles, it’s not uncommon for guests to see a whale breach in the distance or hear their calls underwater. These surprise moments are part of what makes whale watching in Maui so thrilling!
These encounters add an extra layer of excitement to your snorkel adventure. There’s nothing quite like floating above vibrant coral reefs while a humpback whale surfaces nearby. Even if you don’t see one up close, just hearing their eerie, melodic songs through the water is a powerful reminder of Maui’s thriving ocean life. Keep your eyes on the horizon—you never know when a tail might rise or a spout might spray! It’s all part of Maui Whale Watching!
See Humpback Whales On Our Snorkeling Tours!
