Whale watching in Maui at a glance
Every winter, humpback whales come to the warm waters around Maui. You can see them from a boat on a trip of 2 to 4 hours or from the shore, often with nothing more than a pair of binoculars. The whales are protected by federal rules, and those rules limit what you and every boat operator may do.
Season dates differ by source, which is why the table below lists them. A safe plan is to travel between January and March, when the sources put sightings at or near their peak.
When is whale season in Maui?
Official sources give slightly different windows. January to March is the safest bet.
| Source | Season | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| NOAA sanctuary | November to May | January to March |
| State parks (DLNR) | September to May possible | January and February |
| Hawaiʻi visitor authority | December to May | Tours strongest January to early April |
Our picks: whale watching
A catamaran from Maʻalaea or a small boat from Lahaina.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Small-group whale watch from Lahaina
A guided trip with captain and crew, a hydrophone and filtered water, for up to 20 guests. Food and hotel transfers are not included, and there is no toilet on board.
Check availability →Whale watching by power catamaran from Maʻalaea
Two hours with commentary from the crew, a hydrophone to listen to the whales and soft drinks. Parking is extra.
Check availability →Maui whale watching tours
Whale watching boat trips from Maʻalaea and Lahaina, plus other cruises on the water, with live prices and availability.
The distance rules
They apply all year, in all Hawaiian waters up to 200 nautical miles offshore.
In the water: 100 yards
Swimmers, paddleboards, kayaks, boats and drones must stay at least 100 yards (90 m) from humpback whales.
In the air: 1,000 feet
Aircraft must keep at least 1,000 feet (300 m) from the whales.
Boat speed
NOAA's boating guide recommends 15 knots or a safe planing speed, and no more than 6 knots within 400 yards of a whale. If a whale approaches your boat, stop and idle the engine.
Report a problem
To report a violation, call the NOAA enforcement hotline at 1-800-853-1964. For an injured or entangled animal, call 1-888-256-9840.
Boat trips from Lahaina and Maʻalaea
Most whale trips run 2 to 4 hours. In Lahaina you can choose from kiosks at the harbor. Lahaina Small Boat Harbor took commercial trips back in a limited way on 15 December 2025, and dredging work is planned from June to December 2026, so confirm the departure point when you book. Trips also leave from Maʻalaea Harbor in the south.
Compare trips on length, boat size and what is included. Prices vary by season and operator, so check the booking page for the current figure. The booking block above shows live availability.
Lahaina is open to visitors, and Front Street has been open to vehicles again since 1 August 2026. Stay out of fenced areas and spend your money with local businesses.
Questions to ask before you book
A few answers separate a well-run trip from a crowded one.
Where does it leave from?
Lahaina Harbor, Maʻalaea Harbor and other ports all have departures. With harbor work going on in Lahaina in 2026, confirm the exact meeting point and the check-in time.
How long is it?
Trips run 2 to 4 hours according to the Hawaiʻi visitor authority. A longer trip gives you more time to find whales, but also more time on the water.
Does the crew follow the rules?
NOAA advises operators to post a lookout and to slow down near whales. A good crew explains the 100 yard rule and keeps to it, even when a whale is curious.
For a sense of scale, the volunteer Great Whale Count in January 2026 reported 694 whales off Maui on count day, according to press coverage. Numbers change from year to year, so treat any sighting as a bonus, not a promise.
Watching whales from shore
No ticket needed, but you need patience and a good vantage point.
McGregor Point
One of the lookouts the Hawaiʻi visitor authority names for whale watching from land. Bring binoculars and look for blows out on the water.
Kāʻanapali
The beach itself is a lookout. Scan the water for blows and splashes, and keep binoculars handy.
Kāʻanapali guide →Kīhei and Wailea
Both South Maui areas are on the visitor authority's list of places to watch from land. Pick a spot with a clear view of the water.
Kīhei and Wailea →Other marine animals and the ocean rules
The same respect applies to everything else in the water.
Spinner dolphins
Stay at least 50 yards (45 m) away. Swimming with them or approaching them is banned within 2 nautical miles of the islands and between Lānaʻi, Maui and Kahoʻolawe.
Turtles and monk seals
Keep at least 10 feet (3 m) from green sea turtles and 50 feet (15 m) from monk seals.
Snorkeling guide →Weather and timing
The season falls in Maui's wetter months, so check the forecast before you book a boat.
Weather and best time →More ways to spend time on the water
Other guides on this site.
Snorkeling in Maui
Molokini, Honolua Bay and Black Rock, with the rules for each.
Best beaches in Maui
Ten beaches by coast with lifeguard towers and fees.
Things to do in Maui
Fifteen experiences from the summit of Haleakalā to the reefs of South Maui.
Tours compared
When a guided trip beats driving yourself, and what is included.
Whale watching in Maui: frequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching in Maui?
January to March. NOAA gives November to May as the season with a peak from January to March, and the Hawaiʻi visitor authority says December to May, with tours strongest from January to early April.
How close can a boat or swimmer get to a whale?
No closer than 100 yards (90 m), all year. The rule covers swimmers, paddleboards, kayaks, boats and drones. Aircraft must keep 1,000 feet (300 m).
How long is a whale watching trip?
Usually 2 to 4 hours. Check the booking page for the exact length and the departure harbor.
Can I see whales from the beach?
Yes. McGregor Point, Kāʻanapali, Kīhei and Wailea are all used for watching. Bring binoculars and look for blows near the horizon.
Can I swim with whales or dolphins?
No. Approaching whales closer than 100 yards is against federal rules, and swimming with spinner dolphins is banned near the islands.