Whale watching season in Maui is a magical time to visit the island. As many people venture to warmer climates during those cold winter months, so too do koholā (humpback whales), who migrate from cold arctic waters to seek refuge in the warmth of the north Pacific.
If you’re planning a family vacation with kids to our wonderful island, taking a relaxing couples’ Maui retreat, interested in what nature has to offer on our side of the ocean, exploring Maui’s many secret beaches, or just spending one day in Maui, whale watching is an unforgettable experience.
Embrace the Thrills of Whale Watching Season in Maui
Māʻalaea Harbor is one of the best places on Maui to embark on a whale watching adventure. Every year from November to April, humpback whales come to Maui to mate and give birth. During this period, Māʻalaea Harbor becomes a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who want to witness the incredible spectacle of humpback whales.
Situated on the southwest coast of Maui, the sheltered waters of the Māʻalaea harbor provide a relatively calm environment for whale watching boats, making it an ideal location for visitors to observe these majestic marine mammals up close. The harbor is home to a number of businesses including us at the Maui Ocean Center, the Pacific Whale Foundation—a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life—and the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor, which provides moorings for small boats.
Whale watching tours depart from Māʻalaea Harbor daily. During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see humpback whales up close as they breach, tail slap, and spy hop. You might even see a mother and calf playing together or nursing. It’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Believe it or not, you can see whales from our very own center located on Māʻalaea Harbor! Reserve your tickets now and see for yourself.
When is Whale Watching Season?
Whale watching season typically falls between November and April. Truth is, the exact dates are up to the whales, who decide exactly when they want to trek the 3,000-plus miles from the arctic waters of Alaska to the warm tropical ones of Hawaiʻi. An estimated 10,000 humpback whales make this journey every winter. There’s plenty of time, however, until peak whale watching season which falls between January and March.
Humpback whales make this long swim for one reason: to mate. Male humpbacks engage in a fantastic display of rolling, racing, and singing—yes, singing—to attract their female counterparts. And while all of this drama occurs below the surface, you as the whale watcher get to witness a magnificent wildlife spectacle above.
Humpback Whales in Maui
Humpback whales are massive, reaching an average length of 49 to 52 feet. The average weight for an adult humpback ranges from 50,000 to 80,000 pounds, and females are typically larger than males.
The term humpback comes from their hump-shaped dorsal fin and their scientific name, Megaptera—meaning “large-winged”—is derived from their large, wing-like fins. But a more important name brings their cultural significance to the forefront and holds a special place in Hawaiian culture.
Humpbacks and other large whales are known as koholā. In the Kumulipo creation chant—a sacred chant recited by Hawaiian ruling chiefs narrating their ancestry and history—whales are believed to have assisted Polynesians in discovering the Hawaiian Islands and are seen as ‘aumakua, or spiritual protectors. When you see a humpback whale during your excursion, it’s amazing to know the special place these sea creatures hold in Hawaiian culture.
Maui lends itself to be a prime location for humpback mothers to give birth and raise their calves in the warm, shallow, protected waters. This increases your chances for a remarkable whale watching experience.
And once you’ve seen these whales with your naked eyes, join us for our 3D Sphere experience where you can witness a humpback’s true beauty beneath the waves.
Great Whale Watching Spots
Mā’alaea Harbor
Located off Maui’s southwest coast, Mā’alaea Harbor offers sheltered waters and is close to the Maui Nui Basin, a marine sanctuary for humpback whales. Several boat tours do leave from Mā’alaea Harbor, but you’re more than welcome to come to our center and utilize our amazing lookout points, including our Seascape Restaurant.
Mākena Beach Park
If you head to the southern tip of Maui, you’ll encounter a beautiful white sand beach with a mountainous backdrop. It is possible to spot whales from the shore but a pair of binoculars is strongly advised. While it’s not the prime location for whale watching, if you’re swimming or taking a day for R&R, you may still catch a glimpse.
Kama’ole Beach Park
Kama’ole has three beach parks, aptly named Kama’ole Beach Parks I, II, and III. In Hawaiian, Kama’ole means “barren land” because of the dry climate before the area was developed. During whale watching season, you may see these wonderful creatures from the shore, but if they’re farther out, you might just catch a glimpse of a surface break or a mighty fountain from their blowholes.
Kama’ole Beach Park III has a more open view and may be the better spot to view from.
Papawai Point
A panoramic 180-degree view awaits you between Highway 30’s mile markers eight and nine. For many whale watchers—or whale watching seekers—this point offers the best shot at seeing humpback whales live their best lives. You may want to tuck binoculars in your bag for a more clear view.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures
Watching from land is a great experience but getting as close as possible makes whale watching incredibly memorable. But choosing the right tour company cannot be understated, both for your experience and for the safety of the whales.
PacWhale Eco-Adventures is 100 percent owned by the Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to protecting the declining humpback whale population. They offer an ecotour, meaning you get the ocean-cruising, whale-watching experience you seek and the entire effort keeps the environment at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Whale Watching Season in Māʻalaea Harbor
During their migration, thousands of humpback whales come from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Maui to breed and give birth. This migration covers a distance of approximately 3,000 miles and is considered one of the longest migrations of any mammal.
Humpback whales migrate to Maui primarily for two reasons: breeding and calving. The warm waters of the Hawaiian Islands provide an ideal environment for these activities. The whales arrive in Maui after spending the summer months feeding in the rich waters of Alaska, where they consume vast amounts of food to build up energy reserves for the journey and sustain themselves during their time in the breeding grounds.
Once in Maui, humpback whales engage in complex courtship behaviors, with males competing for the attention of females. These behaviors often include breaching (leaping out of the water and crashing back down), tail slapping, pectoral fin slapping, and singing. Male humpbacks are known for their hauntingly beautiful songs, which can last up to 20 minutes and can be heard underwater for miles.
Lucky for you, Maui Ocean Center is located right on Māʻalaea Harbor! Book your ticket today and take advantage of our amazing whale watching lookout points from our Seascape Restaurant!
Whale Watching Etiquette
When embarking on a whale watching adventure, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for both you and the whales. Your safety and the safety of the whales should be the top priority.
Book tours in advance
Whale watching tours are popular and you don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity. Book in advance so you respect your fellow whale watching companions come tour time.
Choose a reputable whale watching company
There are companies committed to sustainable practices including using fuel-efficient boats and minimizing their impact on the environment. Find a skilled captain who knows how to act responsibly to protect the natural beauty you’re there to see. And always listen carefully to the instructions provided by the boat crew or tour guides regarding required safety gear, such as life jackets.
Maintain a respectful environment
Maintain a quiet and respectful environment to not disrupt the natural activities of whales. Whales communicate through sound, and loud noises from boats or tourists can interfere with their communication and behavior.
Obey local beach and park regulations
Be courteous of local beach and park regulations including designated viewing areas and noise restrictions. Look out for signs posted in those areas or familiarize yourself ahead of time with online resources.
Be patient
Whales—and we mean all whales—are wild sea animals and there is no guarantee that they’ll surface and put on a show. Maui has so much to offer, with diverse marine life and beautiful foliage, so don’t forget to soak that in too.
Experience Whales in 3D
If you haven’t gotten enough of the whales in-person, or maybe it’s just not whale season yet, come see the humpback whales in our cutting-edge sphere exhibit. Created in collaboration with science and technology experts, the Sphere provides a unique opportunity to witness the complex and vibrant lives of Maui’s humpback whales up close.
Crafted, directed, and produced by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind, the film encapsulates footage from multiple seasons in Maui’s waters. Through the seamless integration of 4K imagery, 3D active glasses, and a 7.1 surround sound system, guests are immersed in the underwater realm of whales. It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect intimately with these intelligent and spiritually significant marine beings.
Reserve your tickets today and experience our amazing 3D exhibit, as well as the other fantastic exhibits we have at Maui Ocean Center!
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
