A Guide to Maui’s Whale Season - Updated 2025

Every winter in Maui, something remarkable happens just beyond the shoreline. A 40-ton humpback whale erupts from the ocean in a full breach, landing with a thunderous splash just yards from the sand. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can see this kind of activity without ever stepping onto a boat. If you’re planning a winter trip, this guide breaks down Maui whale-watching season, giving you the scoop on when to come, where to look, and the best ways to experience the magic.

Maui Whale Watching Season at a Glance:

• Season: December–May, with most viewings happening January - March
• Best Month: February
• Where You’ll Spot Them: West Maui, Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina
• Best Time of Day: Morning for calmer waters
• From Shore or Boat: Both—shore viewing is common during peak season

When is Whale Watching Season in Maui? 

Maui vacationers who have whale watching at the top of their list should visit between the months of January and March. February is the height of the whale season, with the highest possibility of seeing the whales.  

The migration from Alaska to Maui can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks, with between 8,000 and 10,000 whales visiting Maui on an annual basis. The whale’s 12-month gestation period means that the whales that come to Maui to mate will return the following year to give birth and raise their young in the warm waters without threat from predators.  

Whale Watching in Maui 

For those visiting the island of Maui during the height of whale season, whales can be seen in a multitude of ways! Beachgoers only have to watch the horizon to see them breach or flap their tales. If you are swimming or snorkeling, listen underwater, as you may even get to hear a whale singing. In fact, a whale’s song can be heard up to 12 miles away.  

Best Places to See Whales From Shore in Maui

• Kaanapali Beach – Regular breaches visible during peak season
• Kihei Coastline – Great for spotting spouts during morning walks
• McGregor Point Lookout – One of the most reliable viewing pull-offs

But if you prefer to get out on the water for yourself to see the whales a bit closer up, then book a whale watching tour! Pride of Maui offers 4-hour whale watching excursions that include a BBQ lunch and snorkeling!  

 If watching whales from your own lanai is high on your Maui wishlist, you’re in good company. Winter is the best time to stay somewhere with a clear view of the water, and many of our rentals make it easy to spot breaches, tail slaps, and spouts without ever leaving the property. When you're ready to plan your stay, explore our Maui vacation rentals and find the place where your whale-watching mornings begin.

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Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui 

Pride of Maui 

Pride of Maui’s whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. You’ll enjoy a full two-hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef! 

• Duration: 3.5 hours 
• When: 1:45pm, MWF 
• Cost: Approximately $108 pp (if tickets purchased online) 
• Phone: 808.242.0955 

Pacific Whale Eco-Adventures 

Get onboard with the Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine biologists and learn firsthand what it is like to be a whale researcher. This unique adventure includes a 3-hour whale watch with our Certified Marine Naturalist onboard and offers the perfect small group platform for whale watching and photography. 

• Duration: 3 hours 
• When: 8:00am-11:00am, four days out of the week 
• Cost: Approximately $120 pp 
• Phone: 808.249.8811 

Sail Trilogy  

Set sail with Sail Trilogy for an amazing whale watching experience! During your whale watching tour, you’ll get more than just amazing views of the Maui coastline and a front-row seat to whale breaches. Sail Triology will have whale naturalists onboard to share fun facts about the humpback whale. 

• Duration: 2 hours 
• When: 8:00am, 10:30am, and 1:00pm from Lahaina Harbor 
• Cost: Approximately $75pp 
• Phone: 888.225.6284 

Should You Watch Whales From Shore or Book a Tour?

From Shore

• Free
• Unpredictable but frequent during peak season
• Best for casual viewing

On a Tour

• Guaranteed close-up sightings
• Marine naturalists onboard
• More/Better Photography opportunities
• Safer for families who want assurance

Ready to Plan Your Maui Whale Season Stay?

Featured Property: Lauloa 306

There’s nothing quite like watching humpbacks breach from the shoreline—and it’s even better when you don’t have to leave your rental to see it happen. Our Maui vacation rentals put you close to the coastline, the tours, and the winter moments people plan trips around for years. Book direct with us to get the best value on your stay, as well as local insight you won’t find on big travel sites, and a stay that actually feels like part of the experience—not just a place to sleep.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching in Maui

Can you really see whales from the beach in Maui?

Yes. During peak season, it’s common to spot whales while standing right on the shoreline, especially along the Kihei, Wailea, and Kaanapali coasts. Look for spouts, tail flicks, and full breaches on calm mornings.

What time of day is best for whale watching?

Mornings typically offer the calmest ocean conditions, which makes surface activity easier to see from shore. That said, whales are active all day long, so you can catch sightings at any time.

How close do whales come to the coastline?

Pretty close—sometimes within one hundred yards. Maui’s coastal shelf drops off quickly, giving humpbacks deep water near shore, which is why beach viewing is so reliable during winter months.

Do I need to book a tour to see whales up close?

Tours offer the most consistent, close-range encounters, especially if you're hoping for great photos or want a naturalist to share insights during the trip. But casual whale watching from the beach can be just as memorable.

Is whale watching family-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids can spot whales easily from the beach, and most boat tours welcome families. If you're traveling with little ones, choose a shorter tour window or a catamaran with plenty of seating for comfort.

When is the best month to visit Maui for whale watching?

February is the height of the season, but January through March all offer excellent viewing opportunities across the island.