Whale Watching in Maui: Best Time of Year & Where to Go

March 27, 2025

Without a doubt, the Island of Maui is one of the best places in the world to experience the magic of whale watching!

Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii, offering visitors an unforgettable opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Whether you're visiting for a romantic honeymoon, a family vacation, or are a returning traveler looking for insider tips, this guide will cover everything you need to know about the best time to see whales in Maui, where to go for the best viewing, and how to make the most of your vacation experience.

At Maui Resort Rentals, we not only provide luxurious vacation rentals in West Maui's Ka'anapali area and Wailea in South Maui, but we also offer local expertise to help our guests plan unforgettable adventures—including the best whale watching experiences on island. Read on for all the insider details on Maui's awesome whale watching season.

Best Months to See Whales on Maui

If you're wondering, "What is the best month to see whales in Maui?" (one of the most popular Google queries regarding Maui travel) The answer is between December and April. This period marks Maui's whale watching season, as thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate from the cold, food-rich waters of Alaska to Hawaii's warm, protected waters. Here on Maui, they engage in essential life processes such as breeding, giving birth, and nursing their young, making it an exciting and dynamic time for whale watching. Whether you're observing from shore or heading out on a boat tour, this window offers incredible opportunities to witness these massive marine mammals in action.

Although whales begin arriving as early as November, their numbers steadily increase through December, reaching peak activity in January, February, and March. During these months, sightings are most frequent, and whale behaviors like breaching, tail slapping, and spy-hopping are on full display. Visitors during this peak season are almost guaranteed to witness spectacular surface activity as males compete for mates and mothers nurture their calves. If you're planning a trip with whale watching as a priority, mid-January to mid-March offers the highest likelihood of sightings and the most thrilling encounters.

By April, most of the whales begin their long migration back to Alaska, with only a few stragglers remaining in Hawaiian waters. While late-season whale watching in April can still be rewarding, the encounters tend to be less frequent as the bulk of the population departs. However, this can also be a great time to experience a more peaceful, less crowded whale watching experience before the season ends. No matter when you visit during whale season, witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is sure to be a highlight of your time on Maui and all vacation memories you'll ever have!

Peak Whale Watching Season

While whales begin to arrive in November and December, peak whale-watching months are January, February, and March. This is when you'll have the highest chance of spotting whale activity, whether from shore or on a Maui boat tour.

If you're planning your trip specifically for whale watching, we recommend visiting with us between mid-January and mid-March when sightings are at their highest.

Why Do Humpback Whales Migrate to Maui?

Maui's warm, shallow waters provide a safe and ideal environment for humpback whales to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. Unlike the icy waters of Alaska, where these whales feed during the summer, Hawaii offers protection from predators and a calm environment for mother whales to care for their calves. Scientists estimate that over 10,000 humpback whales make this annual journey to Hawaii, with Maui being the top island for sightings.

Hands down, whale watching on Maui is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe one of Mother Nature's most amazing migrations up close. The calm, clear waters, and spectacular coastline provide a truly unforgettable experience.

Best Areas of Maui to See Whales from Shore

If you've lost your sea legs or prefer a more self-guided whale watching experience from the sand, you'll be happy to know that you can see whales from land in many places around Maui. Here are some of the best whale watching spots in Maui to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures from shore:

Top Whale Watching Locations from Shore:

McGregor Point Lookout (West Maui): One of the best viewpoints along the Honoapiilani Highway, just outside Maalaea.
Kaanapali Beach (West Maui): If you're staying at one of Maui Resort Rentals' oceanfront properties, you may be able to spot whales right from your balcony or the shoreline.
Wailea Beach (South Maui): A fantastic location for whale sightings, particularly in the mornings.
Makena Beach (South Maui): Offers excellent, unobstructed views of whales breaching in the distance.
Kihei's Kealia Pond Boardwalk (South Maui): A cool spot for families to watch whales while enjoying an easy, scenic walk (perfect for strollers).

Tips for Shore-Based Whale Watching:

Bring Binoculars: While some whales come close to shore, binoculars enhance your experience.
Look for Whale Signs: Watch for water spouts on the surface, the first signs of a whale surfacing.
Go Early in the Day: Mornings typically offer clearer visibility and calmer waters.
Be Patient: Whales surface intermittently, so keep your eyes on the horizon and be patient. Don't forget to bring a buddy!

Best Ways to See Whales by Boat

While shore-based whale watching is incredible, nothing compares to seeing humpback whales up close and personal on a Maui whale watching tour. Here are some of the best ways to get on the water:

1. Dedicated Whale Watching Tours

Maui whale watching tours are designed for maximum whale viewing and typically include a naturalist guide who explains whale behavior. Many boats feature hydrophones, so you can actually get a chance to hear whales singing underwater!

2. Snorkel & Whale Watch Combos

Combine two incredible experiences into one trip—Maui snorkeling and whale watching to world-famous spots like Molokini Crater and Lanai while spotting whales along the way.

3. Sunset Whale Watching Cruises

For a more romantic experience, book a Maui sunset whale watching cruise where you can enjoy cocktails and pupus. Watch in awe as the sun dips below the horizon and whales breach nearby.

4. Kayak & Outrigger Canoe Tours

Consider a guided kayak or outrigger canoe tour for a low-impact, up-close encounter. These eco-friendly excursions allow you to glide quietly through the water, increasing your chances of seeing whales at a closer range.

5. Private Charters

Book a private whale watching charter for a truly exclusive and intimate experience. With a small group, you can customize your itinerary and have a more personal encounter with these majestic creatures. This is a fantastic activity idea for Maui wedding parties and corporate travel groups.

10 Most Common Whale Surface Behaviors

1. Breaching: The whale propels itself out of the water and lands with a spectacular splash. This is one of the most dramatic and exciting behaviors to witness.

2. Tail Slap (Lobtailing): The whale lifts its massive tail (fluke) out of the water and slaps it forcefully against the surface.

3. Pectoral Fin Slap (Pec Slap): The whale raises one or both of its long pectoral fins and slaps them against the water, sometimes repeatedly.

4. Spy Hopping: The whale rises vertically, lifting its head out of the water to take a look at its surroundings.

5. Fluke Dive: The whale arches its back and lifts its tail fluke above the surface before diving deep.

6. Blowing (Spouting): A visible burst of misty air expelled from the whale’s blowhole as it surfaces to breathe. This is actually the first thing you'll see when spotting whales on the ocean surface.

7. Head Lunge (Head Slap): The whale forcefully thrusts its head out of the water and crashes it back down.

8. Peduncle Throw (Tail Throw): The whale uses its lower body and tail stock to powerfully thrash its tail sideways, creating a large splash.

9. Logging: The whale floats motionless at the surface, resembling a large log. This resting behavior allows the whale to conserve energy between activities.

10. Calf Play: Baby whales (calves) can often be seen engaging in playful behavior, including mini-breaches, tail slaps, and staying close to their mothers. Believe us, it's one of the coolest and cutest things you’ll ever see!

Insider Tips for the Best Maui Whale Watching Experience

For those eager to make the most of their whale watching adventure on Maui, here are some key tips to enhance your experience:

Dress Appropriately: Wear light, breathable clothing and bring a windbreaker or light cover if you're heading out on a boat.
Use Sunscreen & Polarized Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun while ensuring better visibility on the water.
Bring Motion Sickness Remedies: If you're prone to seasickness, consider anti-nausea medication or natural remedies like ginger. Most boat tour operators will have fresh ginger drinks available at the bar.
Choose the Right Tour: Morning tours generally offer calmer ocean conditions, while sunset tours provide a more romantic ambiance.
Be Pono: Follow all regulations and respect the whales by maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.
Have a Camera Ready: This is a no-brainer, as you'll definitely want to capture all the magical moments! But don't forget to put your smartphone down for a moment and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Seeing the whales on Maui is, without a doubt, one of the best vacation memories one can make.

Planning Your Ultimate Maui Whale Watching Trip

Maui is for sure a whale watcher's paradise, with peak viewing from January to March, incredible shoreline viewing spots, and unforgettable boat tours that get you close to the action. Whether spotting whales from the balcony of your fabulous Maui Resort Rentals vacation home or embarking on a guided tour, you're in for an incredible wildlife viewing experience in Hawaii.

To learn even more about Maui’s whale season, check out our Humpback Whales in Maui article, and learn more about all the best things to see, best things to do, and what to know before you go to Maui on the Maui Resort Rentals Travel Journal.

When planning your next Maui vacation, let Maui Resort Rentals help you find the perfect place to stay. With luxury vacation condos, homes, and exclusive estates in West Maui and South Maui, we offer the ideal accommodations for your Maui whale-watching getaway.