If you want your vacation to include breeching whales and flipping tails, this guide will give you the best seat in the house, whether it be on land, on the ocean or high above these incredible creatures. Maui whale watching season is here maui snorkel tours. From middecember to midmarch, every year our waters are filled with humpback whales returning home from alaska to mate and give birth. Greatly increase your chances of seeing humpback whales in the wild on this whale watching trip to the pailolo channel off the west maui coast. These gentle giants love to frolic in our aqua waters, and will happily put on a show for anyone within eyesight. Daily during whale season middecember through midapril at 8am, 10am,12. The humpback is the star of the annual whale watching season, which usually begins in. At 25 to 40 tons, pacific humpback whales are the fifth largest whale species in the world. The best place to take a whale watching tour is from historic lahaina harbor across the channel on maui. They come every single year during the winter in order to mate and give birth.
But as a result of commercial whaling, those numbers were down to just 1,400 humpbacks in 1966. From charter boats to passenger rafts, a stroll past the whale watching kiosks lining lahaina harbor reveals a variety of whale watching options. It is just about impossible for us to go out on the boat during this time and not see their abovewater displays and hear their songs. As an extra bonus, in addition to enjoying 2 hours of whale watching while searching for the spinner dolphins, you will also visit two of mauis finest snorkel destinations molokini crater and turtle town or turtle reef. We are officially at the peak of the whale season, where activity is super high. Officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Many condos offer gorgeous views of the ocean increasing the possibility of a whale sighting that will make your heart smile. First humpback whale of the season makes its appearance. Nov 17, 2014 sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular pacific whale foundation whale watch.
Every winter, the north pacific humpback whales migrate from the frigid waters of alaska to mate, give birth, and bask in the warm seas of the hawaiian islands, enjoying their own sort of tropical vacation. Moving into december, the pregnant females start to arrive. With the quiet and tranquil waters of west and south maui, the whales can be easier to view. The 5 maui whale watching tours featured here are the highest rated whalewatching tours from maui. Whalewatch with the experts on maui s toprated ecotour and see these amazing creatures in their natural wild habitat. Watching them is an exciting experience, as they wrestle with each other for. Watch mothers and calves interact, see males compete for females, hear underwater. While it is not whale watch season, would it be worth trying for a tour if there are tours during this period. These early sightings are rare and usually just include a few early arriving juvenile male whales. Call them at 808 6617238 before their limited seats fill up. With only 38 aboard, youll have unobstructed viewing of mauis humpback whales.
This whalewatch is led by certified marine naturalists for fun and informative interpretation of humpback whale behaviors and characteristics. The best of maui hawaii whale season hawaiian paddle sports llc. Scientists dont know exactly how many whales migrate each winter from alaska to maui, but they estimate somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 whales make the long trip. Although the humpbacks migrate to other areas of globe, 50% of the migrating whales are seen here, between the islands of maui, lanai and molokai. Well, we may be a teeny bit biased, but the best place to see the whales is from one of our whale tour boats. For more information on this special combo, see our lanai dolphin page. Insider tips for whale watching season in maui fodors. Look out your window just not while youre driving please. Based on their research, we know each whale remains in hawaiian waters for about six weeks over a fourmonth period during the winter months february being high season. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever.
While it is possible to see whales throughout the year in hawaii, mauis whale watching season is based on the yearly migration pattern of the humpback whales. Amongst fellow ocean conservation organizations, we will unite to share stories, citizen science opportunities, beach cleanups and more that make caring for our oceans an accessible, social and fun way to spend the most relevant saturday of summer. Sightings are guaranteed, or you get a free ticket for a regular pacific whale foundation whale watch. The peak season for whale watching on maui is january, february, and march, though whale season in maui officially runs from december 15may 15. The pacific whale foundation had their first humpback whale sighting of the season back on oct. Whether youre planning a trip upcountry or to the north side of the island, dont forget to travel to kihei, lahaina, kaanapali, honokowai, wailea and maalaea to capture a glimpse of these majestic creatures. For tour days and times, visit the foundations website.
Pacific whale foundations ocean spirit spotted its first whale of the season this morning, oct. Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in maui. There are so many things to see and activities to choose from here in this paradise that is maui, hawaii. It operates a 65foot power catamaran called the ocean explorer, a 50foot sailing. Unofficially, whale watching season runs from december 1 april 30. In april, humpback whales begin their migration north to feast on rich krill in alaska. There are fabulous whale watching tours on kauai, the island of oahu, and off the shores of big island. If youre ready for a whale watching tour, visit us at scuba shack on maui, hi. On the island of maui, the peak months for whalewatching are january, february and march. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui an ideal jumpingoff spot for. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical. Mauis whale season is officially between december 15 th may 15 th, with peak activity occurring between january and march. Tours last roughly 24 hours long and some even offer early bird specials. Mauis humpback whales join us during whale season and combine snorkeling along with humpback whale watching.
As whale season approaches, four seasons resort maui at wailea has created a variety of ways for guests to experience these majestic creatures. No matter what group you go with, youre guaranteed to love the experience. From a private whale watch led by professional photographers to sightings from any of the legendary resorts. If youre fortunate enough to be here during winter, a whale watching tour is a must. These vessels also hold holiday cruises, cocktail and evening cruises with live music, sunset fourcourse dinner cruises and evening cruises for stargazing. But the whales came early this year and were already running whale watch tours. Maui whale watching humpback whales at maalaea, kihei. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of open deck. Understandably, i was excited to book our january trip to maui during peak season for humpback whales. Jan 02, 2016 humpback whales slow to arrive in hawaii in this jan. Every year, we look forward to providing new opportunities for our guests to learn about the humpback whale and observe them in their natural habitat across maui nui basin, where their population is among the highest. Join us annually from december through march, on our whale watching maui tour. This high speed catamaran leaves from maalaea harbor and can get you to the whales quickly. Maui whale watching is most thrilling aboard the malolo.
Home marine life, maui activities whale watching season is starting in maui. The maui ocean centers aquarium and whale watch experience launched on tuesday, jan. On these featurepacked tours, not only will you have a chance to see these magnificent animals in the wild, but you might also see green turtles, exotic fish, underwater volcanic formations, and reefs. There are a number of whales that remain in hawaiian waters year round but the massive influx of humpback whales makes spotting a whale during the migration season basically a guarantee. Early in the season, the first sightings are usually of males who have made the swim from alaska, awaiting the females who usually show up between thanksgiving and christmas. Jan 28, 2018 on colder months, you could visit maui and witness one of natures incredible activities, the annual migration of humpback whales from cool alaskan waters to the warm hawaiian sea. There are also whale watch tours put on by different organizations that generally handle dozens of people in large crowds, drinking mai tais and getting sea sick, which might be good for some, but maybe this is not what you had in mind. Mauis toprated whale watch cruise pacwhale ecoadventures. There are also whale watch tours put on by different organizations that generally handle dozens of people in large crowds, drinking mai tais and getting sea sick, which might be good for some, but maybe this is not what you had in mind when admiring mother nature. Whale watching maui the best humpback whale watching in maui.
We also offer scuba diving and snorkeling, earning us the rating of number one diving operation in the usa, pacific and indian oceans in scuba diving. Maui whale watching tips all about maui travel tips. While maui is the best location for humpback whale spotting, the other islands also see many whales in season. It is common during the maui whale watching season to find large competitive groups pods of male humpback whales jousting for the opportunity to mate with a single female. In the prewhaling days, the pods were estimated in numbers upwards of 45,000 individuals. Maui whale watching guide humpback whales in hawaii.
Whale watching tours on maui depart from four different locations on every type of charter boat. Each winter december through may, thousands of kohola humpback whales travel to hawaii from colder waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Have a whale of a time visit maui for whale season. This is the reason why many maui visitors want to know the best months to do whale watching. The waters surrounding maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. This year i plan to work with other musicians to combine the sounds of the whales from my recordings with their beautiful music. Seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing marine wildlife adventures youll ever have the opportunity to partake in is a chance to witness the majesty of the north pacific humpback whales in their natural environment year, after year, these magical mammals grace hawaiian. While taking a boat out to view the whales in action is ideal, you actually dont have to leave land to get a view of these sea giants. Hi, my fiance and i will be going to hawaii on sept 19 for 2 weeks. Our maui whale watching tour is truly an exceptional vacation value. Jan 29, 20 it is common during the maui whale watching season to find large competitive groups pods of male humpback whales jousting for the opportunity to mate with a single female. You can watch the whales from many of mauis beaches, or even from an overcrowded whale watch boat, but imagine experiencing these gentle giants aboard a kayak from ocean level. Ive been listening to and recording the songs of the humpback whales from my kayak for years.
The whales just love the shallow auau channel that is situated between west maui, lanai, and molokai. View them in their environment on board the maui magic snorkel adventure, watch them as they perform amazing acrobatics, and hear them in the water while you snorkel. You will see them easily from land no need to go out on a whale watching boat. Onboard whale naturalists, hydrophone, and delicious food, premium bar drinks, and warm chocolate chip cookies all included. The earliest humpback whale sightings are usually in november, sometimes october. Experience the humpback whales in maui and view them in their natural habitat.
Whale calves are born in the warm maui waters and drink the rich milk of their mothers until the great humpback migration back to alaska. Once a week, the ultimate whale watch is personally guided by whale researchers and marine biologists. No trip is complete without whale watching in maui. Mauis winter blues include tropical waters, azure skies and a favourite return visitor the humpback whales. Weve put together a compilation of the best moments of our whale season on maui hawai. But you dont have to go on a whale watching tour to spot whales. Whale watching season runs from approximately middecember to late april. On maui there are two great spots for whale watching and that happens to be along mauis south side and its west side shores. When booking your maui whale watch, consider hawaii ocean rafting, which was rated one of the top 10 boating adventures in maui. The island of maui offers numerous whale watching tours, along with the exceptional educational experiences by taking the pacwhale ecoadventures provided by the nonprofit pacific whale foundation. The whales visit hawaii between late november and early may. Whale watching season is starting in maui when is whale watching season in maui. So they can experience the whale watching activity before they head home.
The humpback whales that migrate to the hawaiian waters each year seen on all maui whale watching tours spend their summers in alaska. The humpback whales return to hawaii for a few months every year to mate and give birth, so malolo takes you out to see them from december 8 th april 15 th. In a small boatin the company of guides with deep knowledge of whale behavior in these watersget as. Every year from november to may, maui locals welcome back their favorite guests the huge, majestic humpback whales who spend every winter in hawaiis warm and safe waters. Watching them is an exciting experience, as they wrestle with each other for the position to mate. Pride of maui is the most stable and spacious boat on maui with incomparable amenities including two restrooms, glass bottom, water slide, submerged boarding ladders, warm showers, a large hardwood bar and over 2500 feet of. In fact, there are plenty of areas on maui where humpbacks can frequently be seen from the shore during whale season. Pacific whale foundation spotted its first whale of the season on monday from its ocean explorer vessel about 2. From a private whale watch led by professional photographers to sightings from any. Maui whale watching from the land, sea or sky maui blog.
Learn firsthand what its like to be a whale researcher on our guided smallgroup ma. They are our most treasured annual visitors, and maui whale watching becomes an obsession during this period. Youll be floating amid the whales less than 15 minutes after leaving on just about any of the whalewatch boat tours out of lahaina harbor. Youll be floating amid the whales less than 15 minutes after leaving on just about any of. Every winter, pods of pacific humpback whales make the 3,000mile swim from the chilly waters of alaska to bask in maui s summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an allaround swell time. The best time to see whales on maui is november through may when thousands of north pacific humpback whales grace hawaiian waters during their annual winter migration. If youve been on a whale watch trip, and you didnt find it lifechanging, you didnt go whale watching in maui during season.
If you are only after whale watching, you should come and visit maui during the winter season. During the winter months on maui, whale watching is the most popular activity as everyone wants to see these majestic creatures up close. Sep 05, 2018 seeing as we operate seven boats that offer whale watching tours in maui, this is a question were asked a lot and at all different times of the year officially, whale season in maui runs from december 15thmay 15th, although its still possible to see whales outside of the officialwhale season dates. Our fast and safe rafting vessels are low to the water and perfect for close whale watching encounters and small groups making every seat a front row seat. A truly amazing, jawdropping experience, when vacationing to maui during the winter season, a humpback whale watch is a mustdo. Its the perfect time for some maui whale watching by kayak. When is the best time to fly to maui for whale watching. If whale watching is on your bucket list, look no further than maui, hawaii. Yes, maui whale season is here the humpback whales are the worlds largest nautical mammals that migrate from the cold waters of alaska to the warm shallow waters of hawaii. Below weve shared some of the past whale seasons best photos taken by natalie brown photography. While the first maui whale sighting differs every year, its lately been as early as september that humpbacks are spotted in maui. Maximize your hawaii vacation by whale watching on the four winds ii. Trilogy provides sailing whale watches from maalaea or lahaina harbor as well from kaanapali beach.
Maui whale watching best maui whale watches maui tickets. Alii nui provides one of the highend whale watches that includes a. T heres no better place to watch whales than in maui waters. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, we are the goto guys. If you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. Pacific whale foundation joins partners worldwide in celebration of world oceans day the first week of june.
Whalewatching in maui in the beginning of april usa today. Four seasons resort maui offers guests more ways than ever to. What you need to know about the maui whale season the. The scenic mcgregor point lookout west of maalaea and the beaches of kaanapali, kihei and wailea are also great spots to see whales. Our 2hour ocean rafting whale watch cruises depart 4 times daily. Youll enjoy a full two hour whale watch combined with snorkeling a beautiful coral reef. Maui makes the perfect location for whale watching as calves will be learning how to adjust to their new life. Jun 19, 2012 insider tips for whale watching season in maui. The whales are drawn to the areas shallow waters, especially the auau channel between maui, molokai and lanai, making maui.
One of the most prolific companies offering this tour, pacific whale foundation offers a variety of tours from their stable power catamarans throughout the day. Maui whale season if you are serious about seeing humpback whales in their hawaiian mating and calving grounds, the last couple weeks in february and the whole month of march are the best times to be here. Still there are a few tips that will help you spot them faster, so to help get you started weve put together some tips for whale watching in maui. Since whale season is also the highbusy season, if you have not already bought your tickets to maui, you need to check out the airfare sales. Every ticket supports active marine research and the whale entanglement response team. By far the most exciting behavior humpback whales will display is the breach.