Maui is known for many things, including its spectacular beaches (Wai’ānapanapa State Park’s Black Sand Beach is a great one) and the historic Road to Hana, but did you know it is also the top winter whale-watching destination in the US? Whales are like humans, preferring our warm waters to the cold ones of their native homes, and like human snowbirds, they migrate here each winter. Today, we at Quam Properties have created this guide to whale watching in Maui, Hawaii, exploring all the ways the activity can make your vacation sparkle!
See Humpback Whales in Their Natural Habitat
It is possible that you have seen whales at SeaWorld or at various aquariums around the world, but seeing a humpback whale in its natural habitat is an experience that will be branded on your soul. Whale watching in Maui, Hawaii, offers an experience you will remember forever.
A humpback whale can reach lengths of up to 40 feet and weigh as much as 40 tons, and when its massive body breaches the surface of the sea, it will take your breath away. Even better, however, is hearing the music they make. The songs of humpback whales are well-known, and many whale watching tour companies will offer underwater microphones that will allow you to hear them sing.
When and Where
The humpbacks start to wander into our warmer waters sometime in November or December, but these newcomers can’t be counted on to be visible. They need time to relax and choose their favorite spot to rest. Even with early arrivals, the best whale watching in Maui will take place from mid-December through mid-April. Swimming in from Alaska to the warm waters of the Maui Nui Basin, these beautiful and massive mammals settle in to breed, birth, and nurse their tiny newborns. Of course, tiny is a relative term, as newborn humpback whales can be as long as 15 feet and weigh as much as 1 to 1.5 tons. This is roughly the size of a smaller SUV, for perspective.
Peak Whale Watching Season on Maui
As we mentioned earlier, the official whale-watching season lasts from mid-December through mid-April, but the peak whale-watching season is a much shorter time period. Mid-January through the end of March is when the best whale watching in Maui occurs, offering dramatic performances that will make you laugh out loud with pure joy.
Best Spots to Watch from the Shores
There are a number of whale watching companies in Maui, but right now, we want to talk about the best spots for whale watching in Maui from the shore.
- McGregor Point Lookout (Papawai Point): This high point in the cliffs on the Honoapiʻilani Highway is known to be the most reliable spot to consistently see the whales in the clear waters of our island home.
- Kapalua Beach Trail: Maui was formed due to volcanic activity, and this trail will take you over some very dramatic lava formations. This trail is a local favorite and runs from Kapalua Bay to DT Fleming Beach.
Best Time of Day to Spot Whales
The whales don’t like crowds any more than vacationers, so early mornings are the best time of day for whale watching in Maui, Hawaii. To be more precise, 7 AM to 10 AM is when the waters are calm, making it quite easy to spot the creatures as they breach the glassy surface.
Whale Watching Guidelines
Humpback whales are gentle giants, and although the Hawaii population is no longer considered endangered, they are protected. If you are going to whale watch on your own, you must follow the guidelines monitored and enforced by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary:
- Stay at least 100 yards away
- No swimming with the whales
- Drones must not be flown low over the water
- Boat speed limits must drop to 6 knots when within 400 feet of a whale
- Lookouts are required on the boat
- No chasing the whales
Stay Close to the Action with Our Maui Oceanfront Rentals
Whale watching in Maui will be even more fantastic when you are able to return home to our Hawaiian retreats at the end of your adventure, whether you stay in our Lahaina Shores Beach Resort properties, rest your head in our Honua Kai Hokulani condos, or anywhere else on the island. Located wherever you want to be on the island, you may not be able to see the whales from your perch on balconies or back decks, but you will feel comfortable and at home while relaxing. Reserve your favorite Quam Properties sanctuary today!