Whale Season on Maui

🐋 Whale Season on Maui

Every winter, Maui transforms into one of the best whale-watching destinations on the planet. From December through April, thousands of humpback whales—known in Hawaiian as koholā—migrate from the icy waters of Alaska to the warm, calm seas surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. For visitors and locals alike, whale season is a time of awe, celebration, and unforgettable ocean adventures.  It is our favorite time of year!

🐋 Why Humpback Whales Come to Maui

Each year, humpback whales travel over 3,000 miles to breed, give birth, and nurture their young in the protected waters of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Maui’s shallow Au‘au Channel—between Maui, Lāna‘i, and Moloka‘i—offers these gentle giants warm temperatures and a calm environment perfect for raising newborn calves.

This means you’re not just seeing whales—you’re witnessing mothers teaching newborns to breathe, breach, and communicate. It’s one of nature’s most intimate and powerful performances.

🌴 When Is the Best Time to See Whales?

While sightings can happen as early as November, peak whale season typically runs January through March. During these months, it’s common to see multiple pods in a single outing and even witness whales breaching from shore.

Maui Locals Guide Tip: Early morning tours often offer the calmest conditions and the best visibility.

🌊 What You’ll See on the Water

A whale-watching trip during Maui’s peak season can include:

• Breaches

Whales launching themselves out of the water—an unforgettable sight every time.

• Tail Slaps & Pec Slaps

Huge splashes as whales communicate with one another.

• Spyhopping

Whales lifting their heads above the surface to take a look around.

• Calf Playtime

Baby whales practicing breaches and rolls under mom’s watchful eye.

• Whale Songs

On calm days, you may even hear their songs through the hull of the boat or when under water. Some boats have underwater microphones for you to hear these songs while on tour.

🚤 How to Experience Whale Season With Us

We offer a variety of ways to experience Maui’s humpbacks:

🛥️ Whale-Watching Cruises

Our marine naturalists guide you through whale behavior and answer all your questions. Every tour is different—and every trip is magical. Usually 2 hours in duration.  Couple of our favorites Here and Here.

🏄 Eco-Friendly Private Charters

For families or groups wanting an intimate, customizable experience. Private sailboat for up to 6 guests.

🤿 Snorkel & Whale Watch Combos

Enjoy the best of Maui’s marine life—from underwater to surface whale action.  Ka’anapali Snorkel or Molokini Snorkel.

🌺 Respecting Maui’s Wildlife

Humpbacks are protected under federal law, and we take kuleana—our responsibility to the ocean—very seriously. That means:

• Keeping safe, legal distances.
• Never approaching or chasing whales.
• Using quiet, low-impact vessels.
• Educating guests about marine conservation.

✨ Make This Whale Season One to Remember

There’s nothing quite like seeing a 40-ton humpback whale rise from the ocean right beside you. It’s a humbling, thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience—and it happens every day on Maui during whale season.

Ready to join us on the water?

Contact us today to book your whale-watching adventure and experience Maui’s most extraordinary natural event up close. 

Let the magic of whale season move you—just as it moves us every year.